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: Energy Market Reform Advisor
Place of Assignment: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Initial Contract Period: 01 September 2025 – 30 November 2027
Salary Band: GIZ Salary Band 4 (equivalent to AU P3)
Application Deadline: 30 July 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 dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world. As a public-benefit federal enterprise, GIZ supports the German Government – in particular the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) – and many public and private sector clients in achieving their objectives in international cooperation in around 120 countries.
Since 2004, GIZ has been a reliable and trusted partner of the African Union (AU) to enhance inclusive growth and sustainable development on the African continent in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. With around 250 staff, GIZ African Union cooperates with the AU Commission, as well as the AU’s specialised institutions and agencies, such as the Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD, at continental, regional and national level in more than 40 member states. Key areas of engagement include Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Governance, Sustainable Economic Growth, Health and Social Development, as well as Just Transition.
The regional project “Accelerating the Energy Transition in Africa” supports key strategic initiatives of the African Union (AU), particularly the integration of continental power market systems, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the continental power system master planning (CMP). The project is embedded in the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) and contributes to the Team Europe Initiative Africa-EU Initiative for Green Energy (AEGEI).
It is implemented alongside the Global Energy Transition Programme (GET.pro) and the project supporting the Programme for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). As part of its objectives, the project supports the AUC Department for Infrastructure and Energy (AUC IED) in setting up a Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit (SPCU) for AfSEM implementation.
In this context, GIZ is seconding two regional advisors. This position will focus on Energy Market Reforms, working closely with AUC IED, SPCU, and other stakeholders on both continental and regional levels.
Main Activities
- Advise the AUC IED under AfSEM on developing and implementing regional regulatory frameworks focusing on Energy Market Reforms.
- Provide advisory support on regional power markets, renewable energy promotion, energy access and efficiency, and the development of regional renewable and carbon markets at power pools.
- Address current energy transition trends (e.g., price developments, PV and storage, risk mitigation for private investment, digitalisation in electricity).
- Support the development and implementation of AfSEM Action Plans aligned with AU strategies and plans via SPCU and relevant Technical Working Groups (TWGs).
- Provide support to technical committees and regional/continental decision-makers on AfSEM and energy transition issues.
- Manage activities with AfSEM implementing partners such as Power Pools, Regional Regulators, and pan-African institutions.
- Advise on strategic coordination and management of AfSEM’s regulatory, technical, operational, and institutional priorities, including business and five-year workplans.
- Manage expert pools for technical and strategic advice to the Department.
- Plan and facilitate workshops and conferences at regional and continental levels.
- Lead project knowledge management, communication, and networking with continental and regional energy institutions.
- Participate actively in the GIZ Sector Network Energy in Africa.
Qualifications
- Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in Electrical, Power, or Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, Renewable Energy, or Economics.
- Minimum 12 years’ professional experience in electricity markets policy, regulation and strategy, renewable energy systems development, and energy transition across Africa.
- Proven experience with international networks involving public and private energy sector actors in Africa.
- Deep expertise in variable renewables, storage technologies, grid/off-grid planning, and regulatory aspects of electricity markets.
- Familiarity with price trends and private investment financing for renewables.
- Strong advisory experience with public-sector decision-makers; experience with AU continental and regional energy institutions is a major advantage.
- Significant work experience across Africa, preferably with AfSEM, CMP, PIDA, AREI, or related programmes.
- Experience in target-group communication and knowledge management using modern tools and formats.
- Excellent organizational, moderation, presentation, and communication skills.
- Strategic thinker with analytical strength, initiative, and efficiency in structuring new concepts and processes.
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German or other AU official languages is an advantage.
How to Apply
The application should include:
- A motivational letter / letter of application, and
- A recent CV, including contact details of at least three referees.
Applications should be submitted via email to:
📧 [email protected]
Subject line: Energy Market Reform Advisor – [Your Name]
Deadline: 30 July 2025, midnight EAT
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The position is open to nationals of AU member states.
Applicants who previously applied for this position need not reapply.
GIZ is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from individuals regardless of gender, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic. We embrace diversity and believe that inclusivity in the workplace is essential to our success. We are committed to creating a work environment where all employees are valued and respected.