Snr Technical Advisor: Power Systems & Flexibility at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

About the Position

• SAGEN is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor to support its work on Flexibilisation of the Electricity System as well as Power System Planning, Operation and Grid Expansion. This role requires someone who can understand partner needs with depth and translate them into meaningful and targeted activities.

In this role you will:

• Analyse partner priorities in the context of system planning, operation and flexibilisation within a power system that is evolving towards higher levels of renewable energy and guide the direction of related activities
• Take leadership of Output 4 Flexibilisation of the Electricity System and support the implementation of Output 3 Power System Planning and Operation and Grid Expansion
• Serve as the internal technical resource for power systems and renewable energy grid integration
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders such as NTCSA Eskom Distribution Eskom Research Testing and Development municipal and private Distribution System Operators NERSA DMRE private sector partners and relevant associations

Required Qualifications Competencies and Experience

Qualifications

• University degree in electrical engineering or a related field with a focus on electricity transmission and distribution and renewable energies

Competencies and Professional Experience

• Minimum of 10 years relevant work experience in project implementation and management advisory or consulting services
• Experience with technology or market based flexibility options that support optimal utilisation of electricity network infrastructure
• Experience in power system planning and operation and the integration of renewable energy systems
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders such as utilities regulators national departments private sector bodies and consulting firms
• Experience in designing and managing consulting approaches that are partner oriented and results driven
• Proven project management and coordination skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead expert teams or specialist consulting services
• Willingness to continue developing technical skills in power systems renewable integration and the broader energy transition
• Strong networks within the power sector
• High levels of adaptability and confidence to work proactively, efficiently and professionally across varied assignments
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex topics clearly to both technical and non technical audiences
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a structured and methodical manner
• Relevant computer skills including Microsoft Office online collaboration tools and power system modelling software

Responsibilities and Tasks

• The Senior Technical Advisor: Power Systems and Flexibility will be responsible for the following:
• Identify partner support needs aligned to Outputs 3 and 4 and conceptualise activities that respond to these priorities
• Lead planning and implementation of all Output 4 activities and support the strategic direction of the component
• Support Output 3 delivery including power system planning, operation and grid expansion
• Manage national and international consultants and guide alignment on objectives and outputs
• Ensure quality and timely delivery of activities from planning through to implementation and closure
• Provide technical advice on topics such as strategic network and system planning grid connection and operating rules system stability ancillary services cyber security and flexibility options for improved network utilisation
• Coordinate activities with other components in the GIZ South Africa Energy Cluster and identify synergies and areas of shared value
• Support reporting monitoring and evaluation processes for project activities
• Manage and support workshops seminars study tours and related events
• Assist cluster management in identifying future oriented themes that can strengthen the wider energy portfolio
• Contribute to communication and knowledge management activities as required
• Draft papers presentations notes and technical material for internal and external use
• Provide technical input for communication campaigns including those highlighting programme impacts