Energy Market Reform 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 Details
Position: Energy Market Reform Advisor
Place of Assignment: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Initial Contract Period: 01 June 2025 – 30 November 2027
Salary Band: The position is assigned to 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 the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government—particularly the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)—and numerous public and private sector clients in achieving their international cooperation goals in over 120 countries.
Since 2004, GIZ has been a trusted partner of the African Union (AU) to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development in alignment with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. With approximately 250 staff, GIZ African Union collaborates with the AU Commission and specialized AU institutions at continental, regional, and national levels across more than 40 member states.
Key areas of engagement include:
✔ Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
✔ Governance
✔ Sustainable Economic Growth
✔ Health and Social Development
✔ Just Transition
The regional project “Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa” supports AU initiatives such as:
- African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM)
- Continental Power System Master Planning (CMP)
The project aligns with the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) and contributes to the Team Europe Initiative “Africa-EU Initiative for Green Energy” (AEGEI).
As part of its objectives, the regional programme is assisting the AU Commission’s Department for Infrastructure and Energy (AUC IED) in establishing a Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit (SPCU) for AfSEM’s operational management. This role focuses on “Energy Market Reforms” and involves working closely with the SPCU, AUC IED team, and key stakeholders at continental and regional levels.
Main Responsibilities
✔ Provide advisory support to AUC IED on regional Energy Market Reforms and regulatory frameworks under AfSEM.
✔ Offer expertise in regional power markets, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon markets across power pools.
✔ Contribute to the development and implementation of AfSEM action plans in alignment with AU strategies and technical working groups (TWGs).
✔ Support technical committees, decision-makers, and policymakers on energy transition-related issues.
✔ Manage collaborations with AfSEM implementing agencies, power pools, regional regulators, and pan-African institutions.
✔ Provide strategic management support for the operationalization of AfSEM’s key priorities, including:
- Regulatory readiness
- Market readiness
- Technical and operational preparedness
- Institutional strengthening
✔ Manage a pool of experts for technical and strategic advisory services.
✔ Organize and facilitate workshops and conferences at regional and continental levels.
✔ Oversee knowledge management, communication, and networking with pan-African energy institutions.
✔ Actively participate in the GIZ Sector Network Energy in Africa.
Qualifications & Requirements
✔ Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in:
- Electrical/Power/Mechanical Engineering
- Energy Systems/Renewable Energy
- Economics
✔ Minimum of 12 years’ professional experience in: - Electricity markets policy, regulation, and strategy
- Renewable energy systems development
- Energy transition at continental, regional, and national levels in Africa
✔ Experience in collaborating with international networks of public and private sector actors in energy market development, renewables, and energy access.
✔ In-depth expertise in: - Variable renewable energy promotion
- Energy storage technologies
- Grid/off-grid energy planning
- Policy and regulatory frameworks for electricity markets
- Investment risk mitigation for renewable energy projects
- Digitalization in the electricity sector
✔ Strong advisory experience with public sector decision-makers, diplomatic skills, and intercultural competence.
✔ Prior experience advising AU, AU institutions, or regional energy organizations is a strong advantage.
✔ Familiarity with African energy sector programs (AfSEM, CMP, PIDA, AREI) and German/international public development cooperation is a plus.
✔ Excellent organizational, presentation, and communication skills (oral & written).
✔ Strategic thinking with analytical abilities and a results-driven mindset.
✔ Language Proficiency: - Fluent in English (mandatory)
- Proficiency in German or any other AU official language is an asset.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit the following documents:
✔ Motivational letter / Application letter
✔ Updated CV (including at least three referee contacts)
Submission Details:
📩 Email your application to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Energy Market Reform Advisor – Your Name”
Application Deadline: 16 April 2025, midnight EAT
⚠ Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Additional Information
📌 Nationality Requirement: Open to nationals of AU member states.
📌 Equal Opportunity Statement:
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are welcome from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, or age. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected.