Senior Technical Advisor: Employment Support through Skills Development – Output 3 and 4

About the Role

GIZ is seeking a Senior Technical Advisor: Employment Support through Skills Development – Output 3 and 4 for the Career Path Development for Employment (CPD4E) project.

The CPD4E project aims to improve employment prospects for young people in South Africa in a sustainable, increasingly decarbonised economy. The project supports access to employment and income-generation opportunities in sectors linked to a just transition towards a green economy.

This role will focus on Output 3 and Output 4, supporting demand-oriented vocational education and training, self-employment interventions, active labour market approaches and pathways that connect skills development to employment.

A significant part of the role will also support the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) through a grant agreement with the CSIR, with a focus on the battery value chain, including mineral beneficiation and green hydrogen.

What We Are Looking For

This role requires:

• A graduate university qualification in Development Studies, Engineering Studies, Education or Business
• At least 10 years’ relevant working experience
• Experience and knowledge of the South African QCTO and SETA system
• Experience and knowledge of the South African TVET ecosystem and training system
• Knowledge and understanding of qualification design processes
• Understanding of instructional design processes
• Understanding of skills supply and demand principles
• Familiarity with skills requirements and growth areas in the South African economy
• The ability to engage in multi-stakeholder processes, especially those involving public-private collaboration in the skills development sector
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to translate complex deliverables into clear, realistic plans
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team in a structured, methodical manner
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with fluency in English
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills
• Relevant ICT skills, including Microsoft Office, MS Teams, Outlook and SharePoint
• A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel nationally and internationally where required

The following will be advantageous:

• Familiarity with TEA, MQA, CHIETA, EWSETA or merSETA
• Understanding of the mining and battery value chain
• Experience and knowledge of the South African energy environment and renewable energy agenda
• Knowledge of contracts and tender processes in the public and private sector
• Experience in international development cooperation

What You Will Lead

You will support the joint development, planning and implementation of Output 3 and Output 4 of the CPD4E project, ensuring that skills development interventions are aligned to labour market needs and emerging opportunities within the Just Transition.

Your work will include:

• Designing, planning and steering interventions linked to vocational education, training, employment promotion and student placement
• Supporting new and emerging green occupations, including the battery value chain, mineral beneficiation and green hydrogen
• Supporting the CSIR grant intervention for curriculum development in manganese beneficiation and related implementation with companies in skills development zones
• Supporting QCTO qualification development processes linked to new technologies in the battery value chain
• Contributing to instructional design for battery development and hydrogen programmes, including curriculum design, lesson planning and lecturer preparation
• Coordinating capacity-development interventions for TVET staff, teachers and in-company trainers.

Supporting TVET colleges and private providers introducing new Just Energy Transition programmes.

Strengthening pathways from learning to earning, including student placement and host employer engagement

• Coordinating with grant recipients, implementation partners and internal and external stakeholders.

Supporting the OP-VET approach through technical advisory, stakeholder engagement and capacity building

• Contributing to gender-sensitive and gender-transformative implementation approaches
• Monitoring progress against Output 3 and 4 indicators and contributing to reporting, financial planning and knowledge management
• Representing the CPD4E project in relevant platforms, meetings and events nationally and internationally.

Working with GIZ

• The position will be based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.
• The contract period for this position is until 31 August 2028, with a possible extension.
• Up to 50% of the role may be allocated to the Team Europe Initiative, supporting the OP-VET grant project linked to the battery value chain.
• At GIZ, you will be part of a global network and an environment characterised by diversity, respect and equal opportunity. GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and values recognition, appreciation and inclusion across all forms of diversity.
• Applications from people with disabilities are most welcome.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• A cover letter / motivation letter, maximum 1 page, clearly indicating the role you are applying for: Senior Technical Advisor: CPD4E – Output 3 & 4, and explaining your suitability for the role and the value you would bring to the CPD4E project
• A detailed CV, maximum 4 pages, indicating your nationality
• Proof of eligibility to work in South Africa, such as a copy of your South African ID
• Closing date for applications: 16 July 2026

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.

Only shortlisted applicants who meet the requirements will be contacted.