Senior Technical Advisor – Climate Change Policy

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization engaged in climate action seeks a Senior Technical Advisor to lead climate policy initiatives. The role involves strategic advisory, technical guidance, and stakeholder engagement to advance South Africa's climate goals. Candidates should possess relevant academic degrees and extensive experience in climate change policy and project management, contributing to significant environmental outcomes.

Benefits

Commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience in climate change and policy development.
• Expert in greenhouse gas emission modelling and environmental policy instruments.
• Strong networks in climate, energy, and environmental fields.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy advisory on climate change mitigation.
• Provide technical guidance and support to government partners.
• Manage and mentor junior advisors and consulting firms.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Technical Writing

Project Management

Climate Policy Expertise

Education

University degree in climate policy or sustainability

Postgraduate qualification (advantageous)

Job description

Why You?

You are ready to shape South Africa’s climate future. You bring strategic insight, deep technical expertise and a passion for advancing impactful climate action. You thrive at the intersection of policy, implementation and stakeholder collaboration - and you are ready to influence national and international climate priorities.

Where You Will Work

You will be based in Hatfield, Pretoria, working as part of the Climate Support Programme (CSP4). This programme forms part of GIZ’s Climate Cluster and works closely with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and other national and international stakeholders.

What The Role Offers

This is a fixed-term contract starting 1 August 2025 and ending 31 December 2026. You will lead on climate change policy, focusing on the mitigation of greenhouse gases, monitoring and evaluation of emissions and adaptation strategies. The role combines high-level policy advisory with deep technical involvement, offering you the chance to drive meaningful climate action at national level.

What You Will Be Doing

As Senior Technical Advisor, your core responsibilities will include:

• Leading strategic policy advisory on climate change mitigation - especially in the energy, industry and transport sectors - as well as adaptation and emissions monitoring and evaluation.
• Providing technical guidance to government partners such as DFFE and supporting the design, development and implementation of climate-related policies and projects.
• Managing, mentoring, and supporting junior advisors while overseeing consulting firms, including the development of procurement processes and terms of reference.
• Independently managing technical workstreams related to climate policy, institutional capacity building and implementation mechanisms.
• Integrating mitigation measures into adaptation strategies for both public and private sector policy development.
• Participating in project activities across the broader Climate Cluster.
• Facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and ensuring effective knowledge sharing across all work areas.
• Preparing technical briefing documents and high-quality written material for German ministries (BMUV, BMWK, BMZ, AA).
• Supporting the development of new project proposals for international climate funding opportunities (e.g. IKI, BMZ, GCF, WBG).
• Contributing to the overall objectives of the Climate Cluster through additional tasks, where needed.
  
  

What You Need To Succeed

To be considered for this position, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

• A university degree in a field related to climate policy or sustainability (for example: Climate Change, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Energy, Finance/Economics, Business Administration, or Engineering). A postgraduate qualification would be advantageous.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant work experience in climate change, project management, policy development, or consulting.
• Proven expertise in international and national climate policy, with a strong focus on South Africa’s commitments under the UNFCCC.
• Extensive experience in greenhouse gas emission modelling, environmental policy instruments (such as carbon tax, emissions budgets, or trading systems), and GHG inventories.
• Strong technical understanding of climate adaptation, just transition, and the South African energy landscape.
• Familiarity with policy implementation mechanisms, funding structures, and integrated project management.
• Solid experience in proposal development and securing donor funding (e.g. from IKI, BMZ, GCF, WBG).
• Strong networks across public and private sectors, particularly in climate, energy, and environmental fields.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills—confident in developing content for both technical and policy audiences.
• Experience in managing consulting firms or technical teams, with an emphasis on service quality and delivery.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills across diverse governance levels.
• A proactive, self-directed working style with strong attention to detail, political awareness and cultural sensitivity.
• A demonstrated commitment to learning, collaboration, and values-driven leadership in climate and sustainability work.
  
  

What GIZ Offers You

You will be part of an organisation that is committed to inclusion, respect and equal opportunity for all. GIZ is a proud signatory of the Diversity Charter and values individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

How To Apply

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and purpose, please submit:

• A motivation letter (maximum two pages) outlining your suitability and the value you will bring to the Climate Support Programme.
• A detailed CV (maximum two pages) Subject line: Application for STA Climate Change Policy – CSP | Attention: Head of Unit: Human Resource
• Closing date: 25 June 2025
  
  

Please Note

• Applications without a motivation letter and CVs longer than two pages will not be considered
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to complete an assignment prior to the interview
• GIZ strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from historically marginalised groups.