Senior Technical Advisor: LEAP Programme

About the Role

Africa’s transition to zero-emission transport will not be driven by technology alone. It will depend on the policies, partnerships and institutions that make change possible.

GIZ is looking for an experienced Senior Technical Advisor to lead the implementation of the South African component of the Leapfrogging to Zero Emission Transport in Africa (LEAP) Programme.

LEAP is a multi-country initiative supporting the transition towards sustainable, low-carbon transport systems in South Africa, Kenya and Senegal, while strengthening regional collaboration across Africa. The programme works to advance ambitious, coordinated and inclusive e-mobility policies that contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, sustainable industrial development and inclusive economic growth.

In South Africa, this means working at the point where policy, industry, climate action and implementation meet.

You will work with government institutions, industry, research organisations, think tanks, development partners and regional organisations to help strengthen the policy environment for electric mobility and support the development of a competitive and sustainable e-mobility ecosystem.

Working closely with TIPS, the South African implementing agency, and a small GIZ team, you will provide the strategic and technical leadership needed to turn programme objectives into coordinated, credible action.

This opportunity will suit someone who understands that successful policy change is not created through technical expertise alone. It requires evidence, judgement, trusted relationships and the ability to bring different institutions and interests into the same conversation.

The position is based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria, and the contract period is until 31 October 2029, subject to donor approval and project funding.

What We Are Looking For

• We are looking for a senior professional with the credibility and experience to operate across government, industry and the development cooperation environment.
• To be considered for this position, you must have a Master’s degree in Transport Planning, Engineering, Energy Studies, Environmental Management, Climate Change, Public Policy, Economics, Industrial Policy, Development Studies or a related field.
• You must have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in sustainable transport, climate change, energy transition, industrial development or public policy, together with a minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience in e-mobility policy and regulation and/or automotive industrial policy and value chains.
• You will also need relevant experience advising government institutions on policy development and implementation, a strong understanding of South Africa’s transport, automotive, climate and industrial policy landscape, and experience facilitating high-level stakeholder engagement across government, the private sector and development partners.
• You should be able to engage confidently with senior stakeholders, navigate complex institutional environments and translate technical evidence into practical policy and implementation conversations.
• Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills are essential, together with the ability to be self-driven, learn quickly, adapt and remain effective in a complex and highly collaborative environment.
• A valid driver’s licence and readiness to travel nationally and internationally when required are also necessary.

What You Will Lead

• Your role will be to help shape and drive the South African implementation of the LEAP Programme.
• You will advise partners on South Africa’s transition towards zero-emission mobility and help ensure that programme activities align with national policy priorities, including the Electric Vehicles White Paper, Green Transport Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions, industrial policy and the Just Energy Transition.
• Working across government institutions responsible for transport, trade and industry, environment, energy and economic development, you will help strengthen policy coordination and support the implementation of e-mobility priorities.
• A major part of the role will involve bringing the right people and institutions together. You will facilitate policy dialogue and consensus-building, support multi-stakeholder platforms and technical working groups, build strategic partnerships and represent the programme in national, regional and international forums.
• You will also help ensure that policy decisions are informed by credible evidence. This will include steering policy analysis, technical studies, scenario modelling, research and data analysis, while supporting the development of practical policy recommendations and knowledge products that can strengthen implementation.
• Your work will contribute to national approaches in areas such as charging infrastructure, circular economy, vehicle standards, public procurement and transport decarbonisation.
• Alongside your technical and advisory responsibilities, you will contribute to programme planning, monitoring, quality assurance and reporting, and help coordinate programme activities with TIPS and other partners.

Working with GIZ

• At GIZ, you will be part of an international network working on complex development and climate challenges.
• The organisation offers flexible working hours in line with internal human resource processes and a working environment characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunity.
• GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and values recognition, appreciation and inclusion. All employees are valued regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background, age or sexual orientation.
• GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disabilities, and applications from people with disabilities are most welcome.

How to Apply

• Suitable candidates should submit a Cover Letter or Motivation Letter of no more than 1 page, clearly explaining why they should be the preferred candidate and the value they will bring to the work of the project. Please use the following subject line: Application for Senior Technical Advisor: LEAP Programme. Applications should be submitted for the attention of the Head of Human Resource.
• Applicants must also submit a detailed CV of no more than 4 pages, indicating their nationality, together with proof of eligibility to work in South Africa in the form of a copy of their South African ID.

Closing date: 24 July 2026

Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted.