BACKGROUND
Globally, the demand for green hydrogen (H2) and green hydrogen-based products such as ammonia and synthetic jet fuels (PtX) is rising. To fulfill decarbonisation targets, many off-takers (e.g. Germany, EU or Japan) are willing to pay a premium price and to sign long-term supply agreements to stimulate H2/PtX market development. Hydrogen, however, also offers domestic use opportunities to South Africa.
Due to the outstanding potential of renewable energy sources and existing hydrogen production facilities, South Africa is regarded as one of the main future suppliers of green hydrogen products. An essential pre-condition for green H2/PtX market development would be the massive development of low-cost RE capacities and to this end, existing market barriers would need to be removed, the political and regulatory framework would need to be adjusted and a far-reaching capacity building, skills development and training initiative implemented. Building a hydrogen economy could open-up promising new export markets for South African companies as well is domestic use opportunities. It can also lead to significant economic development and job creation and play a role in supporting a just transition in the South African energy sector.
Based on discussions with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and representatives of the South African government in late 2019, GIZ was commissioned to implement a future green hydrogen project (H2.SA) in South Africa from September 2021 and December 2023, with a possible extension under discussion.
The project has four focal areas:
- Supporting policy and regulatory framework conditions for a green hydrogen economy,
- Supporting actors to build a green hydrogen export economy,
- Enhancing capacity and knowledge of South African stakeholders in the H2/PtX sector,
- Mitigating the potential implications of a H2/PtX economy on the environment, society, and the economy.
The H2.SA programme forms part of the Energy Cluster of programmes implemented by GIZ in cooperation with a variety of South African partners.
The position of the Technical Advisor will mainly be in Component 2 of the programme: Supporting actors to build a green hydrogen expert economy in South Africa. Component 2 aims to improve the conditions for companies to participate in a South Africa green hydrogen export economy. The impact hypothesis is that South African companies will respond to the global demand for green hydrogen and its downstream products and invest in H2/PtX projects. To do so, companies will benefit from the improvements in the enabling environment supported by the programme and will be able to leverage the knowledge gained from generic studies into specific investment projects, thereby reducing investment risks. It is assumed that a global market for H2/PtX will emerge and international support mechanisms (e.g. H2Global) will create the necessary economic incentives for investments.
TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Technical Advisor has the following key tasks and responsibilities:
- Support the overall implementation of the H2.SA programme’s activities focussed the establishment of a green hydrogen export economy in South Africa. This includes planning and coordination of all implementation activities, liaising with relevant stakeholders, supporting all procurement processes for goods and services to deliver the required outputs and ensure the fulfilment of programme objectives and indicators. This work will be done in close cooperation with and with assistance from the H2.SA Head of Component and the H2.SA Programme Manager(AV).
- Conceptualise and manage required inputs and activities in cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
- Plan advisory projects and initiatives and coordinate the implementation with external service providers, supervising and coordinating assignments of national and international consultancies.
- Manage the cooperation between stakeholders, support steering structures and provide input to partner dialogues.
- Establish and strengthen channels of collaboration and communication by building effective working relationships with relevant H2/PtX stakeholders, including experts, private sector partners, policymakers, and international stakeholders.
- Provide support to the implementation of green hydrogen pilot projects.
- Implement communication and knowledge management activities, incl. the organisation of workshops, seminars, study tours and other means of information sharing among government decision-makers, industry representatives and other experts.
- Contribute and participate in substantive meetings and strategic planning for the H2.SA programme.
Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a motivation letter stating why they should be the preferred candidate. This should be accompanied by a detailed CV indicating their nationality to [email protected] with the subject line “Technical Advisor: Sustainability and Just Energy Transition” for the attention of Head of Unit: Human Resource.
Closing date for applications: 30 March 2022.
Only shortlisted candidates will be informed!
Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered!