Technical Advisor: Environment & Sustainability at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

• On behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and in close cooperation with the South African government, GIZ is implementing the H2.SA II/BVC Programme to support the development of dynamic green hydrogen and CRM value chains.

The programme includes five components:

• Strategy, policy & regulatory framework
• Private sector cooperation
• Capacity building, research & innovation
• Sustainability & just transition
• Battery value chains

This role sits within Component 4 – Sustainability and Just Transition, focusing on the environmental and social dimensions of a hydrogen-based economy. You will help ensure that large-scale renewable projects are developed responsibly, socially inclusive and widely accepted – laying the foundation for a sustainable energy future.

What You Will Do
As Technical Advisor, you will:

• Support the implementation of H2.SA with a focus on scaling a sustainable and gender-responsive green hydrogen economy
• Develop and manage activities that strengthen environmental sustainability in the GH2 and PtX sectors
• Conceptualise and oversee inputs, contracts, workshops and stakeholder engagements to deliver high-quality results
• Prepare and present reports, concepts, terms of reference and knowledge products linked to workstream 4
• Provide sustainability expertise across programme workstreams, acting as the focal point for environmental advice
• Support project coordination, operational planning, monitoring & evaluation and knowledge management
• Work under the guidance of the Component Lead, collaborating closely with advisors and stakeholders across the programme

What You Need to Succeed

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Engineering, Development Studies or a related field

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience in environmental science, impact analysis, energy transition, renewable energy, sustainability or socioeconomic development
• Knowledge of South Africa’s environmental policy framework and direct experience with environmental impact assessments and permitting processes
• Exposure to the South African mining, oil & gas, energy or water sectors, or related policy frameworks
• Strong interest in green hydrogen, PtX and energy transition, with a commitment to developing technical expertise
• Experience in project and process management, as well as stakeholder engagement
• Proven ability to work both independently and in multicultural teams, with strong organisational skills
• Excellent professional communication and writing skills in English