Jobs & Internship at GIZ South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini

About the Role

• GIZ is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor: SMME Development and Support – Output 2 for the Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) project.
• The CPD4E project supports young people in South Africa to access employment and income-generation opportunities in sectors linked to a sustainable and just transition towards a green economy.
• This role focuses on the demand side of employment creation, with a strong emphasis on SMME development, private sector cooperation, green economy opportunities and pathways that connect skills development to practical job creation.
• You will work with public and private sector partners, business networks, implementation partners and other stakeholders to design and deliver interventions that support enterprise growth, employment promotion and Just Energy Transition opportunities.

What We Are Looking For
This role requires:

• A graduate university qualification in Economics, Business, Education, Engineering with a focus on sustainable energy, or a similar relevant field
• At least 10 years’ relevant working experience
• Strong knowledge of the South African private sector
• Experience working in partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders
• Experience conceptualising and managing partner- and results-oriented consulting assignments
• Familiarity with skills requirements and growth areas in the South African economy
• Knowledge of relevant national policies, including economic, energy and local government policy
• Strong knowledge of gender issues, gender-transformative requirements and related methods
• Experience engaging in multi-stakeholder processes, especially those involving public-private collaboration in the skills development sector
• Strong networking skills and social media experience
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to turn complex deliverables into clear, realistic plans
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team in a structured, methodical manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English

The following will be advantageous:

• Exposure to the energy value chain
• Knowledge of contracts and tender processes in the public and private sector
• Experience in international development cooperation

What You Will Lead

• You will lead the planning and implementation of Output 2 of the CPD4E project, with a focus on SMME development, employment promotion and private sector cooperation in the context of the Just Energy Transition.

Your work will include:

• Designing and steering interventions that support SMMEs, entrepreneurs and employment-oriented private sector development.
• Strengthening cooperation with South African and German private sector partners, including chambers, associations and business networks.
• Advising partners on employment promotion, enterprise development and green economy opportunities.
• Managing partnerships, contractors, consultants and funding recipients to ensure quality delivery and compliance with technical and commercial standards.
• Supporting cooperation between TVET institutions, local business development organisations and the private sector.
• Developing approaches that help small and micro-enterprise owners strengthen business planning, access market opportunities and connect to supply chains and industry networks.
• Supporting the scaling of existing work approaches and the development of new support programmes.
• Monitoring progress against Output 2 indicators and contributing to impact-oriented reporting and knowledge management.
• Representing the CPD4E project in relevant platforms, meetings and events nationally and internationally.
• Contributing to financial planning, reporting and implementation in line with GIZ standards, rules and procedures.
   

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About the Role

• GIZ is seeking a Technical Advisor: JET Skills Seconded to the Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) for the Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) project.
• The CPD4E project aims to improve employment prospects for young people in South Africa in a sustainable, increasingly decarbonised economy. The project supports young people to access employment and income-generation opportunities in sectors relevant to a just transition towards a green economy.
• This role will support the PCC’s Just Transition agenda by coordinating, managing and delivering work focused on skills development, employment pathways, labour market readiness and evidence-based skills planning.
• You will work with internal teams, research partners, government departments, industry, training institutions, TVET colleges, labour, civil society and affected communities to support skills-related interventions aligned with national Just Energy Transition priorities.

What We Are Looking For
This role requires:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Education, Skills Development, Urban or Regional Planning, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline
• 5–7 years’ experience in project management within climate, development, skills planning or economic programmes
• Experience coordinating research, managing consultants and producing evidence-based outputs.
• Familiarity with South Africa’s skills systems, including SETAs, TVET colleges, the NSF and labour market issues
• Experience supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives involving government, business, labour and civil society
• Experience drafting project documents, budgets, work plans and concept notes
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, both written and verbal
• A proven track record in drafting and editing complex knowledge and communication materials
• Experience working in a team environment

The following will be advantageous:

• A postgraduate qualification
• Exposure to climate change, sustainable development or Just Transition-related work
• Experience with donor-funded or externally funded programmes.

What You Will Be Doing

• You will support the implementation of the PCC’s Just Transition agenda through projects focused on skills development, employment pathways and labour market readiness.

Your work will include:

• Managing skills development projects linked to the Just Energy Transition, including planning, budgeting, implementation and reporting
• Developing work plans, timelines and project tracking tools to support delivery against PCC work plans
• Coordinating multidisciplinary teams, consultants and external partners to ensure quality delivery.
• Developing project concept notes, terms of reference and procurement documentation where required
• Coordinating skills research, including labour demand forecasting, skills gap assessments and workforce transition studies
• Quality-assuring research outputs produced by consultants and partners
• Translating research findings into practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders
• Supporting structured engagement with government, labour, academia, TVET colleges, industry and affected communities
• Facilitating dialogues, workshops and community engagements on skills development and workforce transition
• Supporting TVET colleges with pathways into employment, lecturer development, curriculum enhancement and workplace-based learning
• Strengthening collaboration between TVET colleges and SETAs
• Preparing presentations, briefing notes and reports for Commissioners and stakeholders
• Supporting monitoring, evaluation and learning processes for JET skills programmes
• Contributing to funding proposals, donor reports and concept notes for skills-related initiatives

Working with GIZ

• The position will be based primarily at the PCC Offices in Rosebank, Johannesburg. Where required, you may also work from the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria
• You will be required to remain connected to the GIZ team, including attendance at least two monthly meetings at GIZ
• Performance management and assessments will be undertaken jointly between the PCC and GIZ. Monthly reports will also be required for GIZ management and stakeholders, highlighting progress, challenges and strategic direction
• The contract period for this position is until 31 August 2028
• At GIZ, you will be part of a global network and an environment characterised by diversity, respect and equal opportunity. GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and values recognition, appreciation and inclusion across all forms of diversity
• Applications from people with disabilities are most welcome
   

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About the Role

• Are you a recent graduate with a strong interest in South Africa’s energy transition, green hydrogen, Power-to-X, critical raw materials and future-focused industrial value chains?
• GIZ is offering two six-month internship opportunities within the H2.SA II/BVC Programme, which supports the development of value chains for critical raw materials, green hydrogen and derivatives in South Africa.
• South Africa has a unique opportunity to become a key player in the green hydrogen, battery and critical raw materials economy. With strong renewable energy potential, established industrial infrastructure, significant mineral reserves and a skilled workforce, the country is well placed to support a greener, more inclusive and more competitive economy.
• Implemented by GIZ 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, the programme contributes to work that supports South Africa’s decarbonisation, industrial development and just energy transition objectives.
• As an intern, you will gain practical exposure across the programme’s components, with your focus shaped by your qualifications, skills, interests and the needs of the project. You will also be supported by a dedicated mentor from the Green Hydrogen or Power-to-X Hub programmes implemented by GIZ.

What We Are Looking For

• This opportunity is suited to a motivated graduate who wants to learn, contribute and build practical experience in an emerging area of South Africa’s green economy.

You should bring:

• A relevant undergraduate qualification in Energy, Engineering, Environmental Economics, Political Sciences or a related field
• Exposure to, or understanding of, the South African energy sector, renewable energy sector or maritime sector, including the policies that shape these areas
• A genuine interest in critical raw materials, green hydrogen, Power-to-X and the energy transition
• Curiosity and willingness to further develop your technical skills and competencies
• A basic understanding of electrolysis, hydrogen production and related processes
• Strong English writing and communication skills
• Confidence using MS Office tools
• An interest in working in a multicultural team, with a structured and methodical approach
• Willingness to travel domestically
• South African citizenship or a valid work permit

What You Will Be Doing

• You will support a programme team working at the intersection of green hydrogen, battery value chains, critical raw materials, policy, industry coordination and sustainable development.
• Your work will include supporting research and data collection, preparing summaries and analysis, contributing to desktop research, and helping the team stay informed about relevant industry trends, regulations and emerging technologies.
• You will also assist with stakeholder coordination and knowledge-sharing activities, including meetings, workshops, seminars, study tours, training sessions and events involving government, industry representatives and technical experts.
• In addition, you will support project coordination by helping with reporting inputs, operational planning, follow-up activities, concept notes, Terms of Reference, Monitoring and Evaluation inputs, and the organisation of project records, event materials, meeting notes and correspondence.
• This is a hands-on learning opportunity for someone who wants to understand how international cooperation programmes support practical implementation, stakeholder engagement and value chain development in South Africa’s green economy.

Working with GIZ

• The internship will be based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria and will run for a period of six months in line with GIZ rules regarding internships. The position is full-time.
• At GIZ, you will be part of a global network and an environment shaped by diversity, respect and equal opportunity. Gender equality is actively promoted, and GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter.
• GIZ values recognition, appreciation and inclusion. Employees are valued regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.
• GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disabilities.
• Applications from people with disabilities are most welcome.