Internship: x2 Promoting a Green Hydrogen Economy in South Africa (H2.SA Programme)

Reports to: Component Lead

Duration: 6 Months

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

BACKGROUND

Green hydrogen (GH2) will be one of the key energy carriers of the future and the basis for a variety of Power-to X (PtX) products like green ammonia and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Worldwide, investments are increasing, and the future global demand could be up to 500 million metric tons per year. For South Africa, with its outstanding potential of renewable energy sources and existing hydrogen production facilities, it will be a key component to decarbonize the production of domestic industries like mining, steel, manufacturing and ensure their future growth. At the same time, South Africa will benefit from the global demand and has the chance to become a major exporter of GH2 and PtX products. GH2 offers significant economic development and job creation and plays an integral role in supporting a just transition in the South African energy sector. 

 

An essential pre-condition for GH2/PtX market development is the massive expansion of low-cost renewable energy (RE) capacities, the establishment of favorable political and regulatory framework conditions, the mobilization of foreign investment and a far-reaching capacity building and skills development initiative. 

 

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in close cooperation with the South African government, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is implementing the programme H2.SA with the aim “to promote a green hydrogen economy in South Africa”. 

The programme has four components: 

  1. Strategy, policy & regulatory framework 
  2. Private sector cooperation 
  3. Capacity building, research & innovation
  4. Sustainability & just transition 

H2.SA is working closely with the South African project component of the International Power-to-X Hub. Both projects are part of GIZ South Africa’s Energy Cluster and contribute to the goals of the initiative Green Hydrogen South Africa.

About the position

The Intern will work within all four components of H2.SA or in the International PtX Hub South Africa component to gain general overview of the programme. The hands-on experience will provide comprehensive understanding of the Green Hydrogen and PtX economy while allowing you to develop valuable skills and make meaningful contributions towards a greener and more sustainable future.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: see full job description download below..,

The Intern has the following key tasks and responsibilities:

  • Support and collaborate with cross-functional teams in the coordination and implementation of activities focusing on the promotion of a GH2 / PtX economy in South Africa;
  • Support stakeholder coordination for the development of adequate strategies, policies and regulatory framework conditions;
  • Support the development of programmes and activities;
  • Support the implementation of communication and knowledge management activities, incl. the organisation of meetings, workshops, seminars, study tours, trainings and other means of information sharing among government decision-makers, industry representatives and other experts;
  • Support general coordination and project management including reporting, operational planning, follow-up on activities, etc.;
  • Contribute to the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system by adding required information and preparing reporting inputs as required.
  • Stay informed about industry trends, regulations and emerging technologies.

All tasks will be done under the supervision of the H2.SA Programme Component Managers and the H2.SA Programme Director. The intern will be supported by a dedicated mentor from the green hydrogen or PtX Hub programmes implemented by GIZ.

Note that the list is not exhaustive and will be further developed.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
    • A detailed CV.
    • motivation letter (concisely 1 page) stating why they should be the preferred candidate, the value added they will bring to the H2.SA project.

The application should be submitted to: recruit-pretoria@giz.de, with the following email subject line “Application for Internship – H2.SA” for the attention of Head of Human Resource.

                                         

Closing date for applications: 22 February 2024.

Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

Applications without a Cover letter will not be considered!