Technical Advisor: Trade and Incentives

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international development agency in South Africa is seeking a Technical Advisor: Trade and Incentives to support the sustainable battery value chain. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and at least 5 years of experience in public policy or trade incentives. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships in a multicultural setting. Applications close on October 1, 2025.

Benefits

Multicultural work environment

Contribution to sustainable development

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public sector policies, trade incentive schemes, or project finance.
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors.
• Understanding of South Africa’s energy, renewable, and battery sectors.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement support activities for the battery value chain.
• Provide policy advice on trade and incentive mechanisms.
• Collaborate on international trade and sectoral development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

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

Job description

Overview

Shape South Africa’s Battery Value Chain Future

Location: Hatfield, Pretoria (with IDC Johannesburg engagement) | Duration: until 31 December 2030

Background

South Africa holds a unique position in the global energy transition. With excellent renewable energy potential, established industrial infrastructure, and access to critical raw materials such as platinum, vanadium, chromium, nickel, and manganese, the country is strategically placed to become a hub for green hydrogen and battery value chain (BVC) development.

The battery and green hydrogen sectors are key pillars in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET-IP) approved by Cabinet in November 2023. They are vital for decarbonisation, job creation, and the future of the South African automotive industry.

Despite this promise, challenges remain: uncertain market development, limited capacities, skills gaps, and the need to integrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

To address these, GIZ is implementing the H2.SA II/BVC Programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union, in close cooperation with the South African government. The programme supports policy, private sector cooperation, capacity building, sustainability, and battery value chain development.

The position of Technical Advisor: Trade and Incentives is embedded in Workstream 5 and focuses on creating framework conditions and supporting international trade for the battery value chain.

Your Contribution

As Technical Advisor: Trade and Incentives, you will:

• Identify, plan, and implement support activities for instruments that strengthen a sustainable South African battery value chain
• Provide policy advice on trade and incentive mechanisms to stimulate and grow the battery and critical raw materials sectors
• Support government partners in planning and implementing incentive measures for sustainable value chain development
• Collaborate closely with other programme components on international trade, ESG integration, and sectoral development
• Conceptualise, manage, and monitor advisory projects, including supervising assignments of national and international consultancies
• Build and manage strong relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, finance, and international partners
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and communication through workshops, seminars, study tours, and other platforms for dialogue

Qualifications

What You Will Need to Succeed

• A tertiary degree in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Engineering, or a relevant science degree (B.Sc)

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant work experience in public sector policies, trade incentive schemes, project finance, trade promotion, or a combination of these fields
• Demonstrated success in project and process management
• Experience in designing and implementing measures to promote sustainable economic development and value chain growth
• Understanding of international battery value chain trade mechanisms
• Familiarity with South Africa’s energy, renewable, critical raw material, and battery sectors, including policies, strategies, and incentives
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement across public and private sectors

Skills And Attributes

• Strong analytical, structured, and methodical working style
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multicultural team
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English
• Capacity to manage complex partner relations and multi-stakeholder processes

What We Offer

At GIZ, you will join a global network where professionalism, respect, and diversity define our culture. You will:

• Contribute directly to shaping sustainable battery and hydrogen value chains in South Africa
• Collaborate with public and private partners in one of the most innovative areas of the energy transition
• Work in a supportive, multicultural environment where gender equality and inclusivity are embedded values

Application Process

To Apply, Please Submit The Following

• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) explaining why you are the preferred candidate and what value you will bring to H2.SA
• Detailed CV (max. 3 pages) clearly stating 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 welcome applications from women and historically marginalised groups. Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Closing Date: 01 October 2025

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

Shape the green hydrogen and battery value chain future. Join GIZ and be part of South Africa’s just energy transition.