Deputy Team Leader / Transversal 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 Transversal Lead will support the Programme Manager in coordinating programme implementation and ensuring effective programme governance, stakeholder engagement, and operational systems. The role will lead the development of programme management procedures and support Scheme prioritisation, reporting, and institutional strengthening.

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Support overall coordination and management of the PISU and assist the Programme Manager across all Work Packages
• Lead the development and implementation of programme management systems and procedures, including the Programme Operations Manual.
• Support Scheme prioritisation, planning, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, communication, and programme reporting.
• Facilitate coordination across technical, financial, and administrative workstreams.
• Support process improvement, institutional strengthening, and knowledge transfer.

Qualification and skills:

• University degree in engineering, ECS, strategy, IT, business administration or in a discipline relevant to the project scope, or equivalent
• Proficiency in oral and written English language
• Certification in Programme Management or Project Management (PgMP or PMP from PMI or equivalent)

 

General professional experience:

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

 

Specific professional experience:

• At least seven (7) years’ experience related to stakeholder engagement efforts, including leading, designing, and implementing comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies, conducting stakeholder analysis, facilitating stakeholder meetings and workshops, and managing stakeholder relationships, ECS. Experience in large-scale projects, particularly in the transportation (rail or ports) infrastructure sectors would be an advantage
• At least 5 years’ experience in building effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, industry partners, NGOs, and other relevant organizations. This includes the ability to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts to achieve project objectives
• At least 5 years’ experience in project management, managing teams of engineers, schedule, costing, procurement, IT, ECS and financial experts as well as legal experts
• Experience as deputy team leader of one large infrastructure project within the last ten (10) years would be an advantage
• Proven experience in working with EU, EIB and/or other IFI’s (e.g., AfDB, WB, AFD/Proparco, FMO, KfW) on similar assignments

 

The Transversal Lead should be strategic, proficient in change management principles and able to effectively communicate the vision, goals, and progress of Transnet’s role in the Just Energy Transition project to stakeholders at various levels. This includes developing communication and other relevant developmental (policy) strategies, leading the formal change request process, preparing persuasive presentations, and engaging in transparent and inclusive communication practices. 

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.