Technical Advisor – Private Sector Development at The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (German Agency for International Cooperation) is an international enterprise owned by the German Federal government, operating in many fields across more than 130 countries.

Job Title: Technical Advisor – Private Sector Development

Vacancy No: 030

Location: Abuja

Organization: GIZ Nigeria, PEP Programme

Responsibilities

The Project Development Programme is looking for a Technical Advisor who will work together with the Project Development Team in Nigeria. The Technical Advisor will be based in Abuja with the following core responsibilities:

• Early-stage project development services for solar PV solutions, including site audits and load measurement of the electric consumption at specific production facilities.
• The identification of project opportunities, initiation of project development, contact management of German and local project partners as well as knowledge management all within the field of renewable energies.
• Collaboration with private as well as with public stakeholders
• Support the global team with co-working on innovative PV fields such as Agri-PV or similar.
• Support with RET project development in humanitarian settings in collaboration with the global team.

Tasks:
Designing and implementing programme activities:

• Compile information on renewable energy market, legal framework and business opportunities in Nigeria.
• Establish networks within industry and identify project opportunities and future project partners with promising ideas and development potentials.
• Support and advise stakeholders and potential partners in the process of generating, structuring and formulating project ideas and concepts.
• Conduct engineering site audits to collect and verify structural and electrical data (number of connection points, current supply situation, description of energy mix, energy consumption and load, tariff structure, equipment in use, outages and resulting electricity costs, pattern of operation) as well as other site related information like roof quality and accessibility, availability of roof (orientation and inclination) as well as ground spaces (shading).
• Work closely with local banks, auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Prepare presentation of results to client (local off taker), with the goal to convince the client to option for the proposed system.
• Support technical and financial tender evaluation, where needed.
• Manages administrative procedures within the GIZ country office, such as contracts with third parties, travel bookings, visa procedures and others.
• Prepare ToR’s and tenders for technical studies, capacity development, trainings, workshops etc.
• Prepare and implement events such as workshops, conferences, technical trainings, delegation trips, focus group discussions, and related outreach measures, including administrative and content related tasks.
• In cases of insufficient load data, management of load measurements or load modeling necessary for further technical and financial simulations. Must be discussed with and approved by the GIZ PDP Country Manager, Bonn.

Coordination with private sector partners, programme management, and primary stakeholders:

• Work closely with PDP Country Manager in Bonn and thirdparty consultant in the design of solar PV systems and cashflow modeling in the commercial and industrial sector using selected simulation tools.
• Manage and assist short-term experts / consultants assigned to projects/programmes in completing their tasks (e.g. consultancy for load measurements).
• Support in implementation of business trips organized by the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (AHK), where necessary for German renewable energy companies to Nigeria.
• Plan, coordinate and document meetings, workshops, seminars and other project activities.
• Organize, prepare and implement professional information and expert workshops.
• Compile overview of programme activities, deadlines etc. as discussed in team meetings and presents this regularly during the meetings
• Keep key programme partners and programme management well-informed about programme activities and implementation status.
• Maintain close coordination with partners on programme activities and implementation.
• Coordinate closely with other projects of the GIZ Energy and Climate Programmes and from other international donors on topics related to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Communication, Knowledge management and Monitoring:

• Represent PDP Nigeria in national conferences, workshops, seminars and relevant events in collaboration with the project coordinator.
• Identify Nigeria-specific tenders in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, which are relevant to German companies.
• Prepare PR contributions, identify appropriate distribution channels in case of significant events, and compile articles for newsletters.
• Assist with PR work for the programme.
• Organize and update programme documentation in the data management system.
• Continuously update the local contact database.
• Update information on project progress, documents and reports regularly on the internal monitoring platform.
• Assist with report writing for all project activities undertaken
• Implement activities outlined in the existing operation plan and to the satisfaction of PDP and the private partners.
• Design ideas and prepare knowledge products showcasing the purpose, approach, and successes of the projects, including sector background briefings, presentation, success stories, factsheets, fliers, and reports.
• Provide backstopping and review of such knowledge products in coordination with the Programme management.
• Participate in events, summarize meeting discussions, and provide synthesis papers relevant to energy efficiency in buildings.
• Participate in internal knowledge management including the GIZ Energy and Climate Programmes, to provide internal analysis and synthesis related to energy efficiency in buildings.
• Organise and update programme documentation in the data management system including continuously updating the local contact database

Project management support:

• Provide inputs to global/local annual operational planning, budget planning, project reporting and monitoring.
• Participate and support preparation of regular technical working group and steering committee meetings.
• Select and supervise consultants, acting as external suppliers/facilitators/ consultants/trainers to steer activity
• Implementation, provide quality assurance and maintain close alignment with political partners.

Other duties/additional tasks:

• Carry out other tasks at the request of the Head of Programme or Country Manager.

Required Qualifications, Competences and Experience
Qualifications:

• University Degree in Energy, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Power Systems or a related field

Professional experience:

• Minimum of 5 (five) years professional experience in the renewable energy and energy efficiency or engineering, including understanding of the commercial and industrial sectors in Nigeria.
• Professional training/certification in renewable energy and energy efficiency project development and monitoring is required.
• In-depth experience in project and business development, and investment grade assessments and performing load measurement is a prerequisite.
• Previous experience in preparing and implementing events and capacity development programmes (conference, delegation trips, trainings, dialogues, etc.).
• Previous experience working with/for government institutions is an asset.

Desired additional qualifications, competencies, and experiences:

• Very good command of English and Hausa: Level C1 or more.
• Good knowledge of the global discourse about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills and ability to liaise and communicate effectively with public and private stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of ICT technologies (internet, e-mail) and computer applications (e.g., MS Office/Teams).
• Strong communication skills in multicultural context.
• Proven ability to multi-task across various planning and implementation process within a highly demanding and competitive environment.
• Proactive approach.
• Willingness to travel (to project sites across the country) when required.

Application Closing Date
24th March, 2025.

How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Letter of Motivation as one document with complete contact details to: [email protected] using “Vacancy no. 030” as the subject of the mail.

Note

• GIZ is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity.
• All qualified candidates, regardless of disability, age, sex, ethnicity, race, and religion are encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.