Programme Manager/ Team Leader (m/w/d) - EIB PISU JETP Transnet Decarbonisation Framework Loan_South Africa

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a EUR 350 million framework loan (potential total envelope of up to EUR 500 million) to Transnet to support the decarbonisation and modernisation of South Africa’s rail and port infrastructure.

The programme is expected to leverage at least EUR 700 million in total investments and will be implemented over a seven-year period from 2026 to 2033. It will finance a portfolio of strategic infrastructure upgrades to improve efficiency and resilience and enable low-carbon transport solutions.

Supported by a European Union grant, a Project Implementation Support Unit (PISU) has been established to provide technical and programme management support to Transnet throughout the full project lifecycle over a seven-year implementation period.

Our consortium has been shortlisted and is currently preparing its bid for the Project Implementation Support Unit (PISU). Please note that recruitment is conducted in anticipation of project award, and final engagement will be contingent upon successful contract award and project commencement. Project start date (anticipated for Q3/2026) and the exact location within Gauteng, South Africa, are still to be determined.

The Programme Manager will lead and oversee the Project Implementation Support Unit (PISU), acting as the primary interface between Transnet, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and other stakeholders. The role is responsible for the overall coordination, strategic direction, and delivery of technical assistance supporting the implementation of the EIB framework loan and associated infrastructure Schemes.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and manage the Project Implementation Support Unit (PISU) and coordinate all programme activities.
• Oversee planning, prioritisation, and implementation of infrastructure Schemes under the EIB framework loan.
• Ensure compliance with EIB requirements, programme governance procedures, and reporting obligations.
• Act as the main interface with Transnet, EIB, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor programme performance, risks, and progress, and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Support institutional strengthening and knowledge transfer within Transnet.

Qualification and skills:

• University degree in engineering, economics, business administration, project management or equivalent
• Proficiency in oral and written English language
• Certification in Programme Management or Project Management (PgMP or PMP from PMI or equivalent)
• Proficiency in the use of project management IT tools/systems

 

General professional experience:

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of working experience, with at least five (5) years working in Sub-Saharan African countries and ten (10) years managing large scale infrastructure programmes
• Working experience in South Africa would be an advantage
• Focused experience in managing port and railway projects
• Proven experience in setting up and managing day to day activities of a PgMO or PMO

 

Specific professional experience:

• Team leader in a minimum of one (1) large-scale infrastructure project in the past ten (10) years (CAPEX > EUR 100m). Demonstrated experience in the in the rail and/or ports sector(s) will be considered an advantage;
• At least five (5) years project (and/or programme) management experience, leading diverse multi-cultural teams, implementing infrastructure projects;
• At least five (5) years knowledge of the green energy, decarbonisation policy dialogues;
• Involvement in a minimum of four (4) infrastructure projects in developing countries, involved in preparation studies for two (2) of them (i.e. feasibility studies, detailed design, tender documentation) and involved in implementation support for the other two (2) (i.e. technical assistance to the asset owner), preferably in the rail and/or port sectors, in the past fifteen (15) years;
• Proven experience in working with EIB, the EU and/or other IFI’s (e.g. AfDB, WB, AFD/Proparco, FMO, KfW) on similar assignments.

 

The Programme Manager must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and a record of successful project experience with multi-sector teams. S/he will also need to possess excellent drafting skills and be a good communicator and a facilitator of contacts among different stakeholders.

This job is suited to a full or a part-time position.

The willingness for frequent business trips is required.

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Everyone has the same opportunities in our company, regardless of gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation or physical disability. We recruit based on specialist expertise and social skills. Transparency and fair opportunities for career advancement are just as much a matter of course for us as gender not being a barrier to taking up a management position., We are a provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and work to build a future worth living around the world. We support projects in over 130 countries to achieve goals sustainably together with our partners., Extensive check-ups and preventive measures (e.g. on appointment, before the outward journey, during the stay in a country of assignment, in an emergency) are provided to our staff and the family members accompanying them as a matter of course., You will receive various additional benefits during your stay abroad that will depend on your country of assignment., We reward staff who achieve their agreed annual targets with a variable remuneration component.

Your professional and personal development is important to us. At GIZ, you will be offered global work opportunities and an atmosphere that is characterised by diversity, respect and genuine equal opportunities. Gender equality promotion is a matter of course for us. Our benefits are also impressive in terms of work-life balance and family friendliness. Flexible working hours that fit your life situation, comprehensive onboarding and internal health management are an integral part of our corporate culture, along with the opportunity to use childcare facilities and parent/child offices.

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.

We support equal opportunities and welcome applications from people with disabilities.