Key expert 2: Finance, Admin and Contracts Lead (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 Finance, Administration and Contracts Lead will oversee all financial, contractual, and administrative aspects of the programme, ensuring full compliance with the EIB Finance Contract and applicable regulatory and fiduciary requirements.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure compliance with the EIB Finance Contract and applicable financial and contractual requirements.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, and financial monitoring of the programme and Schemes.
• Support preparation, review, and management of contracts financed under the programme.
• Ensure compliance with EIB financial, contractual, and procurement requirements.
• Support preparation of financial documentation, contract amendments, and reporting to EIB.
• Support financial planning, investment structuring, and financial risk management and mitigation.

Qualification and skills

• University degree in engineering, finance, accounting, law, or related discipline, or equivalent
• Proficiency in oral and written English language

 

General professional experience:

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of general working experience, with at least three (3) years working in in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Working experience in South Africa would be an advantage

 

Specific professional experience:

• At least seven (7) years’ experience in financial management, compliance management, contract management, financial modelling, business case development and risk assessment
• At least five (5) years’ experience in managing teams of procurement, costing, scheduling, accounting, financial and/or legal experts
• Experience in finance and/or contract management of two large infrastructure projects (CAPEX > EUR 50m) within the last ten (10) years
• Knowledge and experience in understanding financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), grants, loans, and other financial instruments relevant to infrastructure projects
• Knowledge and experience in the legal and regulatory requirements related to financial management, contracts, and procurement in South Africa would be an advantage
• 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 Finance and Contract Lead should be proficient in project management principles, including planning, organizing, and executing projects within budget and timelines. Experience in coordinating and managing financial aspects of projects, monitoring financial performance and contracts, as well as managing project risks is crucial. 

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

The willingness for frequent business trips is required.

Please understand, that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system. Following the confirmation of your successful application, kindly check your spam / junk mail folder on a regular basis, since some provider classify emails from our recruiting system as spam.

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.