Play a leading role in shaping South Africa’s green hydrogen future by joining GIZ South Africa as Senior Technical Advisor: Green Hydrogen Economy, seconded to the Department of Electricity and Energy, reporting to the Component Lead H2.SA II, based in Hatfield Pretoria on a fixed-term contract running until 30 April 2028.

South Africa is uniquely positioned to become a global supplier of green hydrogen and its derivatives, supported by strong renewable energy potential, an established industrial base and growing international demand for decarbonised energy solutions.

Through the programme Promoting value chains for critical raw materials and green hydrogen and derivatives in South Africa, GIZ supports the development of competitive green hydrogen and Power-to-X value chains while strengthening the policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks required to enable investment, implementation and long-term sector growth.

Working closely with the Department of Electricity and Energy, this role sits at the strategic centre of South Africa’s green hydrogen agenda, supporting coordination, policy implementation and institutional alignment to advance a sustainable hydrogen economy and contribute meaningfully to the Just Energy Transition.

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences, Engineering, Political Sciences, Economics, Law, Social Sciences or a related field
• A PhD will be considered an advantage

• Minimum of 9 years relevant professional experience in renewable energy, hydrogen or Power-to-X, industrial decarbonisation or related sectors
• At least 5 years experience in a middle management or senior advisory role with responsibility for complex programmes or strategic initiatives
• Proven experience engaging senior government officials, public sector leadership, private sector executives, C-suite and financial stakeholders
• Strong understanding of South Africa’s energy policy landscape including the Just Energy Transition Investment and Implementation Plan
• In-depth understanding of global decarbonisation trends and South Africa’s positioning in emerging green hydrogen markets
• Sound technical understanding of green hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies including production pathways, infrastructure and market dynamics
• Strong knowledge of government processes, institutional coordination mechanisms and contracting procedures
• Established network within South Africa’s green hydrogen ecosystem across public and private sectors
• Demonstrated expertise in project and process management within multi-stakeholder environments
• Proven ability to deliver high-level analytical inputs, policy advice and strategic recommendations
• Strong facilitation and moderation skills for complex stakeholder engagements
• Ability to operate effectively in politically sensitive, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural environments
• Exposure to relevant industries such as hydrogen, renewable energy, automotive, science and research or electric mobility
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

• Provide strategic support to the implementation of the H2.SA II programme with a focus on establishing a competitive green hydrogen economy
• Advise the Department of Electricity and Energy on hydrogen-related policy, regulatory frameworks and institutional arrangements
• Support implementation of the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy including programme frameworks, milestones and monitoring structures
• Coordinate and support the GH2 JET PMO workstreams under DEE leadership
• Act as the key focal point for hydrogen-related cooperation between DEE and GIZ through secondment
• Deliver high-level briefings, analysis and thought leadership to senior government and executive stakeholders
• Strengthen coordination across DEE, GH2 JET PMO, H2.SA and related GIZ initiatives to ensure coherence and alignment
• Support governance structures, reporting mechanisms and quality standards for hydrogen sector development
• Translate public and private sector stakeholder needs into concrete advisory and programme activities
• Contribute to planning, monitoring and evaluation of hydrogen-related interventions
• Support procurement processes through development of Terms of Reference for hydrogen-related services
• Plan and coordinate high-level hydrogen stakeholder engagements and national events including the Green Hydrogen Summit

The role is performed under the supervision of the H2.SA Programme Director and in close coordination with the GH2 JET PMO Programme Director and the Deputy Director-General for Energy Programmes and Projects at the Department of Electricity and Energy.

The position is based at GIZ’s offices in Hatfield Pretoria with agreed working days at the Department of Electricity and Energy, offering direct exposure to national policy processes and implementation environments. Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel is required. Applicants must hold a valid South African work permit and be eligible for international travel. GIZ is committed to diversity, respect and equal opportunity and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

• Applicants must submit a Motivation Letter in PDF format with a maximum length of 1 page Application for Senior Technical Advisor: Green Hydrogen Economy – Secondment to the Department of Electricity and Energy - outlining suitability and value contribution, a detailed CV in PDF format with a maximum length of 4 pages indicating nationality and proof of eligibility to work in South Africa.

Applications close on 27 February 2025. Only shortlisted candidates who meet the stated requirements will be contacted.