Technical 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 Technical Lead will provide technical leadership and oversight for the preparation and implementation of rail and port infrastructure Schemes financed under the programme. The role will support Transnet in technical appraisal, procurement, and implementation monitoring (several parallel schemes, each > EUR 50m).

 

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for preparation and implementation of rail and port infrastructure Schemes.
• Support technical appraisal, feasibility review, and prioritisation of rail and port infrastructure projects.
• Review and support feasibility studies, technical designs, procurement documentation, and implementation plans.
• Ensure technical compliance with EIB requirements, international standards, and applicable regulations.
• Support Transnet during procurement processes, including technical evaluation of bids and contract implementation.
• Monitor technical progress, performance, and risks during project implementation.
• Coordinate technical inputs from engineering, procurement, environmental, and other specialists.
• Support preparation of technical documentation and reports required by the EIB.
• Identify technical risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Support knowledge transfer and strengthening of Transnet’s technical capacity.

Qualification and skills:

• University degree in engineering, or equivalent
• Proficiency in oral and written English language
• Certification in Programme Management (PgMP from PMI or equivalent)

 

General professional experience:

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of general working experience, with at least five (5) years working in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Working experience in South Africa would be an advantage

 

Specific professional experience:

• At least seven (7) years’ experience in project feasibility assessment and economics, project engineering and risk assessment, project scheduling and project procurement
• At least five (5) years’ experience in large-scale projects, particularly in the transportation (rail or ports) sectors. Experience in both sectors would be an advantag
•  At least five (5) years’ experience in managing teams of engineers, procurement, costing, scheduling, accounting, financial as well as legal experts
• Experience in finance and/or contract management of two (2) 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 energy transition projects
• Knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements related to financial management, contracts, and public procurement in South Africa is an added 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 Technical Lead should be proficient in project management principles, including planning, organizing, and executing projects within budget and timelines. Experience in coordinating financial aspects of projects, monitoring financial performance, and 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.

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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.