Job title : Technical Advisor : Value Chain Development and Recycling
Job Location : Gauteng, Pretoria
Deadline : October 19, 2025
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Background
South Africa is uniquely positioned to develop value chains for green hydrogen and its derivatives (Power-to-X, PtX), thanks to abundant renewable energy resources, established industrial infrastructure, and critical raw materials (CRMs) such as platinum, vanadium, chromium, nickel, and manganese. These materials are of high economic importance for industrial processes, battery production, digitalisation, and the broader energy transition.With a strong mining and refining sector and a skilled workforce, South Africa is well placed to become a regional hub for CRMs, while building local green hydrogen and battery value chains. The development of a sustainable battery value chain (BVC) is also critical for the future of the South African automotive industry, which is a strategic pillar of the economy.Both hydrogen and battery value chains are recognised in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) and the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan, approved by Cabinet in November 2023, as priority sectors for targeted investment.However, challenges remain : uncertain market development, skills gaps, insufficient coordination, and the integration of strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.To address these challenges, GIZ is implementing the H2.SA II / BVC programme, on behalf of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), in close cooperation with the South African government. The programme strengthens policy frameworks, supports private sector cooperation, builds capacity, promotes sustainability, and develops the battery value chain.The role of Technical Advisor : Value Chain Development and Recycling is embedded in Workstream 5, with a specific focus on sustainable BVC development, ESG, standards, certification, recycling, and civil society engagement.Your Contribution
As Technical Advisor : Value Chain Development and Recycling, you will :
Identify, plan, and implement activities that advance a sustainable battery value chain in South Africa.Develop and implement strategies on standards, certification, and recycling, including adoption of the international battery passportSupport the creation of a recycling strategy for the South African battery sectorFacilitate community participation and civil society engagement in the development of the BVCShowcase South Africa’s sustainable BVC to potential investors and international off-takersStrengthen collaboration with stakeholders to promote ESG compliance and transparent procurement chains as a competitive advantageSupport South African stakeholders in accessing international trade mechanisms and positioning the BVC globallyCoordinate and manage external service providers, consultancies, and partnersPlan and implement workshops, seminars, study tours, and other knowledge-sharing activities across industry, government, and civil societyWhat You Will Need to Succeed
Qualifications :
A tertiary degree in Engineering, Economics, Environmental Management, or another relevant fieldProfessional Experience :
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in ESG frameworks, sustainable value chain development, international trade, trade promotion, or related fieldsDemonstrated success in project and process managementProven experience in developing and implementing measures to support sustainable economic development and value chain growthKnowledge of international battery value chain trade mechanismsFamiliarity with South Africa’s energy, renewable, critical raw materials, new energy vehicle, and battery sectorsExperience with recycling, particularly in battery re-use and recyclingExperience in building and managing partnerships with both public and private stakeholdersSkills and Attributes :
Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and complex environmentStrong stakeholder management and communication skillsA structured, methodical approach with the ability to work both independently and within a teamExcellent writing and communication skills in EnglishAdministrative / Management jobs