Reports to: Component Leader
Duration: Until 31 December 2023
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 decarbonization 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 public sector partners.
The position of the Technical Advisor will mainly be in Component 3 of the programme: “Research, Innovation and Training”. Component 3 aims to enhance the capacities and knowledge of South African Stakeholders in the field of green hydrogen and PtX. The impact hypothesis states that Output 3 aims to strengthen the technical skills of selected actors from politics, business, research, and civil society on the topic of hydrogen. The impact hypothesis assumes that relevant actors will be able to objectively assess the techno-economic potentials and limits of H2/PtX technologies, thus increasing accepteance for the development of a green hydrogen economy. This assumes thata training offers are accepted and participants take an active part in the dialog process.
The following activities are planned in Output 3:
- Screen innovative H2/PtX technologies with demonstration and mid-term dissemination potential (e.g. “green steel”) and recommend promising demonstration projects
- Support the HySA network in applied research and innovation to promote local manufacturing.
- Support national technology innovation in close cooperation with the private sector.
- Identify benefits of green hydrogen production for increased quality of electricity supply and grid stability
- Develop a capacity building strategy, curricula and training courses on H2/ PtX for different target groups including an M&E system for impact monitoring.
- Promote active participation of women in H2/PtX training courses
- Provide capacity building of decision makers and facilitate international exchange (e.g., via webinars, study tours, conferences, trainings)
- Promote international expert networks and exchange program (e.g., via webinars, study tours, workshops, conferences and trainings).
- Support development of a communication strategy and related tools (brochures, webpage, social media) for public awareness raising.
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” 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!