Technical Advisor: Value Chain Development and Recycling at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

Background

• South Africa is uniquely positioned to develop value chains for green hydrogen and its derivatives (Power-to-X, PtX), thanks to abundant renewable energy resources, established industrial infrastructure, and critical raw materials (CRMs) such as platinum, vanadium, chromium, nickel, and manganese. These materials are of high economic importance for industrial processes, battery production, digitalisation, and the broader energy transition.
• With a strong mining and refining sector and a skilled workforce, South Africa is well placed to become a regional hub for CRMs, while building local green hydrogen and battery value chains. The development of a sustainable battery value chain (BVC) is also critical for the future of the South African automotive industry, which is a strategic pillar of the economy.
• Both hydrogen and battery value chains are recognised in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan, approved by Cabinet in November 2023, as priority sectors for targeted investment.
• However, challenges remain: uncertain market development, skills gaps, insufficient coordination, and the integration of strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
• To address these challenges, GIZ is implementing the H2.SA II/BVC programme, on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in close cooperation with the South African government. The programme strengthens policy frameworks, supports private sector cooperation, builds capacity, promotes sustainability, and develops the battery value chain.
• The role of Technical Advisor: Value Chain Development and Recycling is embedded in Workstream 5, with a specific focus on sustainable BVC development, ESG, standards, certification, recycling, and civil society engagement.

Your Contribution
As Technical Advisor: Value Chain Development and Recycling, you will:

• Identify, plan, and implement activities that advance a sustainable battery value chain in South Africa.
• Develop and implement strategies on standards, certification, and recycling, including adoption of the international battery passport
• Support the creation of a recycling strategy for the South African battery sector
• Facilitate community participation and civil society engagement in the development of the BVC
• Showcase South Africa’s sustainable BVC to potential investors and international off-takers
• Strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to promote ESG compliance and transparent procurement chains as a competitive advantage
• Support South African stakeholders in accessing international trade mechanisms and positioning the BVC globally
• Coordinate and manage external service providers, consultancies, and partners
• Plan and implement workshops, seminars, study tours, and other knowledge-sharing activities across industry, government, and civil society

What You Will Need to Succeed

Qualifications:

• A tertiary degree in Engineering, Economics, Environmental Management, or another relevant field

Professional Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in ESG frameworks, sustainable value chain development, international trade, trade promotion, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in project and process management
• Proven experience in developing and implementing measures to support sustainable economic development and value chain growth
• Knowledge of international battery value chain trade mechanisms
• Familiarity with South Africa’s energy, renewable, critical raw materials, new energy vehicle, and battery sectors
• Experience with recycling, particularly in battery re-use and recycling
• Experience in building and managing partnerships with both public and private stakeholders

Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and complex environment
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• A structured, methodical approach with the ability to work both independently and within a team
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English