Interns x 2 – H2.SA Programme

Internship - Interns x 2 – H2.SA Programme

Reports to: Component Leader – H2.SA

Duty Station: Hatfield, Pretoria

Duration: Six (6) Months

BACKGROUND

Green Hydrogen (GH2) will be one of the key energy carriers of the future and the basis for a variety of Power-toX (PtX) products like green ammonia and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Worldwide, investments are already skyrocketing, 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.

The Intern will work within all four components of H2.SA as well as in the International PtX Hub South Africa component to gain general overview of the programmes. This 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:

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 conceptualisation of new activities;
  • Support the implementation of communication and knowledge management activities, incl. the organisation of meetings, workshops, events, 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, taking meeting minutes, 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES AND EXPRERIENCES

Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree in energy, engineering, environmental economics, or related fields.

Professional Experience:

  • Knowledge of the South African petrochemical industry, energy- or renewable energy sector, maritime sector and related policies.
  • Strong interest in issues related to the green hydrogen, PtX and the energy transition and proven willingness to further develop and enhance technical skills and competencies;
  • Interest to work in a multi-cultural team in a structured, methodical manner;
  • Good writing and communication skills in English.
  • Basic understanding of electrolysis, hydrogen production and related processes.
  • Prospective interns must be South African citizens or in possession of a valid study permit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The position will be based at the GIZ Offices in Hatfield, Pretoria.

The internship is for a 6-month period, in correspondence with GIZ rules regarding internships.

Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in an internship programme.

At GIZ, you will be offered global network and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect, and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us.

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be 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 disability. Applications from persons with disabilities are most welcome.

APPLICATION PROCESS

GIZ will only assess applications which meet the following criteria:

  • Suitable candidates should apply by submitting a
    • Cover/Motivation Letter in PDF format (max. 1 page) clearly stating your motivation for applying for the internship.
    • A detailed CV in PDF format.

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

The deadline for applications is 20 February 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates who meet the above requirements will be contacted.