Technical Advisor: Power-to-X & Green Hydrogen

Join GIZ as Technical Advisor Power-to‑X & Green Hydrogen (PtX Hub South Africa) reporting to the Component Lead and based in Hatfield, Pretoria on a contract until 31 December 2027
, driving the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels and maritime e‑fuels as part of South Africa’s long‑term industrial decarbonisation pathway.

If you are motivated by real industrial transformation and not theoretical climate talk, this role sits at the centre of one of the most critical shifts of our time.

Reaching climate neutrality by 2050 requires more than renewable electricity. Hard‑to‑abate sectors such as aviation and maritime transport cannot simply be electrified. Green hydrogen and Power‑to‑X technologies unlock the production of sustainable fuels, chemicals and materials using renewable energy, making deep decarbonisation technically and economically viable.

South Africa is uniquely positioned to lead. With exceptional renewable energy potential, strong platinum group metal resources and established hydrogen expertise, the country has the foundations to become a global supplier of green hydrogen and PtX products. This transition offers export diversification, industrial transformation, economic growth and job creation while advancing a just energy transition.

Through the International Power‑to‑X Hub, this project drives sustainable aviation fuels and maritime e‑fuels in South Africa, strengthening regulatory frameworks, industrial pathways and investment conditions to accelerate sector decarbonisation in partnership with national and international stakeholders.

This is an opportunity to shape South Africa’s role in the global green hydrogen economy and contribute directly to long‑term industrial defossilisation.

• Relevant University Degree at Master’s Level or equivalent in Engineering, Natural Sciences, Energy Systems, Environmental Sciences, Economics or related fields

• At least 4 years of relevant Professional Experience in Hydrogen or Power-to‑X, Maritime or Aviation sectors, Petrochemical Industry, Industrial Decarbonisation, Energy Policy or Energy Project Development
• Proven Technical Knowledge in at least one of the above-mentioned fields demonstrated through relevant Professional Experience or Academic Specialisation
• Demonstrated Experience in Project and Process Management including coordination of multi-stakeholder activities
• Familiarity with the South African Energy and Industrial Policy Landscape and understanding of Renewable Energy Regulatory Frameworks as an advantage
• Strong understanding of the role of Power-to-X Technologies in defossilising hard-to-abate sectors particularly Aviation and Maritime Transport
• Strong Interest in Green Hydrogen, Power-to-X and Industrial Transformation Pathways with willingness to continuously deepen Technical and Regulatory Knowledge
• Ability to work effectively in a Multi-Disciplinary and Diverse Environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a Team in a structured and methodical manner
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills in English

• Support the overall implementation of project activities including planning, coordination and monitoring of work packages in line with project objectives and indicators
• Develop and support concepts for the production and use of PtX products in South Africa particularly sustainable aviation fuels and maritime e‑fuels
• Provide advisory services to government private sector and civil society partners on PtX development pathways and industrial transformation
• Prepare and support strategic cooperation with companies in the power-to-liquid and power-to-gas sectors to advance sustainable PtX concepts and pilot initiatives
• Coordinate and manage national and international consultancies including preparation of Terms of Reference and supervision of assignments
• Contribute to the preparation and support of national and international tenders, financing agreements and partnership arrangements
• Facilitate stakeholder cooperation and support dialogue platforms, steering…