Electricity Policy and Strategy Advisor to be Seconded to the African Union Commission’s Department for Infrastructure and Energy
GIZ African Union Regional Project on Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa
- Position: Electricity Policy and Strategy Advisor
- Place of Assignment: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Initial Contract Period: 01 June 2025 – 30 November 2027
- Salary Band: GIZ Salary Band 4 (Equivalent to AU P3)
- Application Deadline: 16 April 2025
About GIZ
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in international cooperation for sustainable development, dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government—particularly the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)—alongside many public and private sector clients, operating in over 120 countries.
Since 2004, GIZ has been a trusted partner of the African Union (AU), working to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development across Africa in line with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. The GIZ African Union team consists of 250 staff and collaborates with the AU Commission (AUC), AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), and other specialized institutions across 40+ member states in areas such as:
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
- Governance
- Sustainable Economic Growth
- Health and Social Development
- Just Transition
About the Project
The Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa project supports key AU initiatives, including:
- African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM)
- Continental Power System Master Planning (CMP)
- Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP)
- Team Europe Initiative on Green Energy (AEGEI)
The project also works within an integrated approach with Global Energy Transition Programme (GET.pro) and Support to PIDA to advance sustainable energy infrastructure development in Africa.
Role Summary
GIZ is seeking a highly qualified Electricity Policy and Strategy Advisor to be seconded to the African Union Commission’s Department for Infrastructure and Energy (AUC IED). The Advisor will provide expert support on energy market reforms, regulatory frameworks, and policy development within the Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit (SPCU) at the AUC IED.
Main Responsibilities
- Policy & Regulatory Advice: Provide strategic advice to the AUC IED on regional electricity market reforms, regulatory frameworks, and policy implementation.
- Renewable Energy & Market Development: Support regional power markets, renewable energy promotion, energy access, and energy efficiency.
- Action Plan Implementation: Assist in executing the AfSEM Action Plans in alignment with AU energy strategies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with decision-makers, Power Pools, Regional Regulators, and pan-African institutions.
- Strategic Coordination: Oversee operationalization of AfSEM’s priorities on regulatory readiness, market readiness, and technical readiness.
- Expert Management: Coordinate pools of experts providing technical and strategic advice to the AUC IED.
- Workshops & Conferences: Organize and facilitate knowledge-sharing events at regional and continental levels.
- Knowledge Management: Actively participate in GIZ Sector Network Energy in Africa.
Required Qualifications & Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Electrical/Power/Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Renewable Energy, or Economics.
Experience
- 12+ years of professional experience in electricity market policy, regulation, and strategy.
- Strong expertise in renewable energy systems, energy transition, and power market development.
- Experience in engaging with public and private sector actors in African energy markets.
- Knowledge of variable renewables, storage technologies, grid and off-grid planning, and investment risk mitigation.
- Experience advising AU institutions and working on AU energy programs (AfSEM, CMP, PIDA, AREI) is highly desirable.
- Development cooperation experience with German or international organizations is an advantage.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent communication, presentation, and strategic consulting skills.
- Strong organizational and analytical abilities to structure efficient processes.
- Fluent English is required; German or other AU official languages is an advantage.
- Diplomatic skills and ability to interact effectively at all hierarchical levels.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Electricity Policy and Strategy Advisor – Your Name”
Required Documents:
- Motivational Letter / Letter of Application
- Updated CV (including at least three referee contacts)
📅 Application Deadline: 16 April 2025 (Midnight EAT)
📌 Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Additional Information
- The position is open to nationals of AU member states.
- GIZ is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic.
- We embrace diversity and are committed to an inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected.