Technical Advisor, Green Hydrogen at 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.

In Nigeria, GIZ's portfolio includes among others, a programme to support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its regional integration goals. The programme aims to strengthen sector-specific capacities in the areas of Peace and Security, Customs and Trade as weir as Strategic Management and Organizational Development in the ECOWAS Commission.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Advisor, Green Hydrogen

Vacancy No.: 037
Location: Abuja
Organization: GIZ Nigeria, Project Development Programme (PDP)

Background
GIZ. Solutions that work:

• As a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work, we are dedicated to shaping a future worth living around the world.
• GIZ has over 50 years of experience in a wide variety of areas, including economic development and employment promotion, energy and the environment, and peace and security.
• The diverse expertise of our federal enterprise is in demand around the globe – from the German Government, European Union institutions, the United Nations, the private sector and governments of other countries.
• We work with businesses, civil society actors and research institutions, fostering successful interaction between development policy and other policy fields and areas of activity.
• Our main commissioning party is the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn.
• Our approximately 23,500 employees, almost 70 percent of whom are national personnel, work in a round 120 countries (July 2020) GIZ has worked in Nigeria since 1974. From 2004, GIZ has maintained a country office in the capital city Abuja.
• Currently 361 national and 66 international employees, 19 regional staff, 4 integrated specialists and 3 development workers are working in the country (June 2020).

The Project

• Project Development Programme (PDP) The Project Development Programme is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) within the scope of the German Energy Solutions Initiative and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).
• The Project Development Programme supports German companies that are entering new markets in emerging and developing economies.
• The markets in these countries are extremely promising and dynamic, but at the same time present significant Vacancy Announcement 037 challenges to companies in the form of political instability, insufficient access to financing or a lack of qualified employees.
• In cooperation with other GIZ projects and local German Chambers of Commerce abroad (the AHKs), the Project Development Programme develops solutions to advance market development, establish partnerships between German and local enterprises, and promote climate friendly energy solutions.
• The Green Hydrogen project identifies and provides local companies with opportunities to switch from grey hydrogen production to green hydrogen or its derivates. It advises companies on plant design, business models and funding opportunities. With a view to accelerating the move to green hydrogen, the project facilitates access to funding instruments and suitable technology partners from Germany and elsewhere.
• The project analyses industry segments that would be suitable for pilot projects and presents them to companies registered at the German Energy Solution Initiative.
• Additionally, training sessions would be organised to raise awareness among local hydrogen customers, producers, and project developers with the involvement of the solution providers. Local companies would gain contacts to suppliers, who are made aware of specific project opportunities.
• On account of their pioneering role, they can profit from financial support measures for pilot projects.

Responsibilities & Tasks
To support implementation of the programme’s activities in Nigeria, Green Hydrogen project seeks a motivated and qualified candidate with the following core responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the programme’s in-country operation plan.
• Coordinate programme implementation closely with local hydrogen producers, project developers and customers with the involvement of the solution providers.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering site audits to systematically gather and validate essential data crucial for pre-developing hydrogen and power-to-x projects in cooperation with local industry representative.
• Support project management of Industrial Green Hydrogen including preparation and review of draft studies on market opportunities and risks.
• Provide knowledge management support by drafting reports, writing articles, and supporting the upscaling and replication of lessons learned.
• Contribute to the identification of local capacity needs and preparation of training sessions targeted to representatives of industry, project developers and regulatory bodies.
• Plan, coordinate, and document results of meetings, Vacancy Announcement 037 workshops, seminars, and other collaborative sessions.

Tasks
Designing and Implementing Programme Activities:

• Develop early-stage project strategies for turning grey hydrogen into green hydrogen, including derivatives like ammonia and fertilizers, within chemical, glass, fertilizers, and oil and gas industries. Implement these strategies under the technical guidance of the "Country Manager" in Germany.
• Lead the implementation of activities with detailed planning, deadlines, milestone setting, stakeholder involvement, and budget planning.
• Prepare terms of reference (ToR) and tenders for external suppliers, facilitators, consultants, and trainers to conduct relevant technical studies, capacity development, and training sessions.
• Prepare and implement events like workshops, technical trainings, delegation trips, focus group discussions, and other outreach measures.

Coordination with Local Partners, Programme Management, and Primary Stakeholders:

• Build a network of stakeholders across government, private sector, professional associations, and communities.
• Conduct consultations with local partners to identify policy support priorities and capacity development areas.
• Maintain close coordination with local partners on programme activities and implementation.
• Stay informed of activities and projects implemented by GIZ with programme partners.
• Coordinate closely with other GIZ Energy Programmes and international donors on topics related to green hydrogen.
• Observe and report on actors in the local market, such as project developers, technology providers, finance services, and development partners.

Knowledge Management:

• Design and prepare knowledge products showcasing the project's purpose, approach, and successes, including sector background briefings, presentations, success stories, factsheets, and reports.
• Participate in events, summarize meeting discussions, and provide synthesis papers relevant to energy efficiency in buildings.
• Organize 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 in and support preparation of technical working group and steering committee meetings.
• Select and supervise consultants, acting as external suppliers, facilitators, or trainers to ensure quality and alignment with political partners.

Communication:

• Prepare and deliver presentations to inform stakeholders about the project targets.
• Represent the project at relevant conferences on renewable energy and industry-related events.
• Draft or review text messages contributing to the project's public relations and other PR measures.

Other Duties / Additional Tasks:

• Carry out other tasks as requested by the Head of Programme or Country Manager.

Required Qualifications, Competences, and Experience
Qualifications:

• University Degree (BSc., MSc.) in Energy, Climate, Environment, Engineering, International Development, Project Management, or any field related to the project objectives.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in project development, business development, engineering, or market development in the energy or industry sector.
• Experience in the field of hydrogen, ammonia, and power-to-x is a plus.
• Practical knowledge in site auditing and data collection.
• Understanding of renewable energy topics like PV, wind, battery storage, and electrolyzer technology.
• Knowledge in project finance is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills and experience in presenting technical and financial issues to clients.
• Strong organizational competence, administrative, and event organization experience.

Desired Additional Qualifications, Competences, and Experience:

• Very good command of English (Level C1 or higher) and at least one or two Nigerian languages.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with government counterparts.
• Working knowledge of ICT technologies and computer applications (e.g., MS Office/Teams).
• Strong communication skills in multicultural contexts.
• Proven ability to multi-task and work in highly demanding and competitive environments.
• Willingness to travel to project sites across the country and work in a multicultural environment.

Salary
According to GIZ salary scale for Band 4.

Application Closing Date
10th May, 2024 - midnight EAT.