Team Leader - South Africa's Just Energy Transition (JET) (m/w/d)

Job Posting Organization:
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a state-owned organization of the German Federal Government that has been operational for over 50 years. GIZ supports the implementation of development policy goals worldwide, collaborating with partner organizations in 120 countries. The organization focuses on international cooperation for sustainable development, providing expertise in economic and result-oriented services through its division, GIZ International Services (InS). GIZ aims to create a better life for everyone and offers purposeful tasks for its employees, emphasizing the importance of making a difference in the world while fostering personal development.

Job Overview:
The Team Leader for South Africa's Just Energy Transition (JET) will play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating the Technical Assistance Facility. This position involves providing strategic direction and ensuring the effective delivery of capacity-building, regulatory, and policy-support activities that advance South Africa's energy transition. The Team Leader will be responsible for improving the policy and regulatory framework for a just energy transition, enhancing the effectiveness of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, and improving financing instruments for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) involved in green economy value chains. The role requires a strong understanding of the energy sector, climate change, and sustainable development, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to promote a just and sustainable energy transition in South Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Team Leader will oversee all aspects of the Technical Assistance Facility, ensuring that the project meets its objectives effectively. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic direction for the project and ensuring alignment with the overall objectives of the Just Energy Transition.
• Coordinating capacity-building initiatives and regulatory support activities.
• Engaging with stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector, to foster collaboration and support for the energy transition.
• Managing multidisciplinary teams and ensuring effective communication and facilitation among team members.
• Monitoring project progress and outcomes, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired results.
• Reporting on project activities and outcomes to relevant stakeholders and funding bodies.
• Ensuring compliance with EU funding requirements and regulations.
• Promoting social equity considerations in all project activities, including reskilling and job creation initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent professional qualification, along with at least 10 years of relevant experience in fields such as Public Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, or Environmental Policy. Proven coordination skills and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams are essential. Strong communication and facilitation skills are required to engage effectively with stakeholders from various sectors. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in Public Administration, Development Planning, or Development Finance, with a preference for 10 years. A track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in middle-income or developing countries is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in relevant fields such as Public Administration, Development Studies, International Relations, Environmental Policy, or related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively lead the project and engage with various stakeholders.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of professional experience in relevant fields, with a preference for 10 years. This experience should include managing complex, technical assistance-focused projects in middle-income or developing countries. Specific experience working with institutions such as think tanks, NGOs, businesses, and government bodies on climate, energy transition, or sustainable development initiatives is highly desirable. Additionally, experience in managing EU-funded projects and knowledge of EU sectoral policies and climate-related financing mechanisms is an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, given the international nature of the work and the need to engage with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the South African context, would be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position can be offered as either full-time or part-time, providing flexibility for candidates. The assignment period is from March 1, 2026, to March 31, 203

• Applications must be submitted through the organization's E-recruiting system, and candidates are advised to check their spam or junk mail folders for communication regarding their application status, as emails from the recruiting system may be classified as spam.