Technical Advisor: Private Sector and Finance for Battery Value Chain Development

GIZ.; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

An international development organization is seeking a Technical Advisor: Private Sector and Finance to support private sector projects in South Africa's battery and critical raw material value chains. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance and project management, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. The role involves enabling project implementation and facilitating investment collaborations. This offers a chance to contribute to a just energy transition in South Africa.

Benefits

Multicultural work environment

Opportunities for sustainability impact

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in private sector finance or project development.
• Demonstrated success in project and process management.
• Understanding of international battery value chains.

Responsibilities

• Enable private sector projects to reach implementation stage.
• Identify and implement support activities with active battery assemblers.
• Facilitate collaboration with financial institutions for investment.

Skills

Financial advisory

Market access strategy

Project management

Communication skills

Multi-stakeholder partnership building

Education

Tertiary degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a relevant science field

Job description

Overview

Shape South Africa’s Battery and Finance Future. Location: Hatfield, Pretoria (with IDC Johannesburg engagement) | Duration: until 31 December 2030

The role focuses on supporting private sector projects and enabling investment into South Africa’s battery and critical raw material value chains as part of the H2.SA II/BVC programme implemented by GIZ on behalf of the EU and BMZ.

Your Contribution

As Technical Advisor: Private Sector and Finance, you will:

• Enable private sector projects to reach implementation stage through targeted support
• Identify, plan, and implement support activities with active battery assemblers in South Africa
• Provide technical and financial advisory services to companies in the CRM and battery industries, focusing on business development, market access, and project finance
• Facilitate collaboration with financial institutions (IDC, DFIs such as KfW and EIB) to unlock investment for beneficiation, battery assembly, EV applications, and related technologies
• Support the IDC JET NEV Programme Management Office in coordinating workstreams, developing implementation plans, preparing materials, and managing work packages
• Foster collaboration between academia and private sector to drive applied research and innovation
• Coordinate with international and local financing institutions to support investment in BVC and CRM projects
• Provide input for policy reform, regulations, and incentives to create an enabling environment for investment
• Support implementation of pilot projects in the battery value chain
• Manage consultancies, service providers, and stakeholder cooperation across multiple sectors
• Facilitate communication, workshops, study tours, and knowledge sharing across government, industry, and civil society

What You Will Need to Succeed

Qualifications:

• A tertiary degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a relevant science field

Professional Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in private sector finance, international finance, project development, renewable energy, infrastructure finance, or public-private cooperation
• Demonstrated success in project and process management
• Experience in designing and implementing measures to promote economic development across multiple sectors
• Understanding of international battery value chains and market development
• Familiarity with South Africa’s energy, renewable, CRM, NEV, and battery sectors
• Knowledge of JET-P financing mechanisms or other funding instruments
• Experience in building and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong financial and market development insight with the ability to advise private companies
• Capacity to work in a multi-disciplinary and diverse environment
• Structured, methodical approach with ability to manage complex projects
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English

What We Offer

At GIZ, you will join a global organisation committed to sustainability and innovation. You will:

• Contribute directly to building South Africa’s battery and critical raw material value chains
• Work alongside government, DFIs, and private sector partners in shaping a just energy transition
• Be part of a multicultural and inclusive environment where respect, diversity, and equal opportunities are at the core

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) detailing why you are the preferred candidate and the value you will bring to H2.SA II/BVC

• Detailed CV (max. 3 pages) indicating nationality

• Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa (copy of South African ID)

Applications without a cover letter or with CVs longer than 3 pages will not be considered.

We expressly welcome applications from women and historically marginalised groups. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing Date: 02 October 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and will be required to complete an assignment prior to the interview.

Drive investment, build value chains, and shape South Africa’s just energy transition with GIZ