Job Description

Shape a Sustainable Future in Mpumalanga!Join the JUST SA initiative and be part of a groundbreaking project transforming South Africa's economy. Led by GIZ GmbH and partnering with renowned organizations like GreenCape and WWF, JUST SA is empowering Mpumalanga's transition to a thriving, sustainable future.This is your chance to join a dynamic team at the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA) in beautiful Middleburg, Mpumalanga. This full-time position offers a contract extending until June 30th, 2026, with the potential for continuation.At GIZ, you'll be part of a diverse, inclusive, and equal-opportunity work environment. We champion gender equality and are a proud signatory of the Diversity Charter. We value each individual, regardless of background, and actively seek to increase our workforce with talented individuals with disabilities.Essential Skills and Experience for a Sustainability ChangemakerDo you hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Environmental Science, or a related field? Are you passionate about driving positive environmental change?If so, we encourage you to explore this exciting opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking sustainability initiative! A Master's degree is a plus, but strong qualifications and relevant experience are highly valued.Your Proven Expertise:This role demands a passionate professional with a minimum of 5 years' experience:

• Driving Business Development: Have you excelled in securing resources and forging partnerships, particularly in the non-profit, green economy, or local economic development spheres?
• Mastering the Triple Helix: Do you thrive at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, with a deep understanding of the triple helix cluster model?
• Funding & Investment Powerhouse: Are you a proven champion in securing funding and investments, with a strong network of potential investors and partners?
• South Africa's Sustainability Landscape: Do you possess a comprehensive understanding of South Africa's public and private sectors in relation to the Just (Energy) Transition, green economy, and climate change?
• Building a Green Network: Have you cultivated a robust network within South Africa, specializing in green economy, local economic development, Just (Energy) Transition, climate change, or sustainable finance?
• Communication & Collaboration: Do you excel in crafting clear, compelling technical documents and thrive in a collaborative team environment?

To excel in this dynamic role, we seek a candidate who possesses the following:

• Sustainability Expertise: A strong understanding of climate change impacts and the social and environmental challenges facing South Africa is essential.
• Proactive & Results-Oriented: The ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver results on time is crucial.
• Fast Learner: A willingness and demonstrable ability to acquire new knowledge and master complex topics quickly is highly valued.
• Communication & Reporting Savvy: Excellent written and editing skills for reports are required, with experience in media/communication work a plus.
• Tech-Proficient: Very strong practical knowledge of Microsoft 365 office tools is essential.
• Workshop Facilitation: Experience facilitating workshops and events is a definite advantage.

What will you be doing?As the Enterprise Development Officer, you'll wear many hats, all focused on driving positive change. Here's a glimpse into your daily impact:

• Be MGCA's Green Economy Champion: Represent the agency in professional settings, discussions, and negotiations, effectively communicating our mission and goals to a wide audience.
• Navigate the Green Landscape: Maintain a deep understanding of the ever-evolving green economy, including trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge will be instrumental in informing strategic decisions.
• Ethical & Compliant Growth: Ensure all business development and funding activities follow the highest legal and ethical standards.
• Transparency & Results: Prepare clear and concise reports and updates for the board and stakeholders, highlighting progress made, challenges encountered, and the strategic direction moving forward.

This exciting role offers a dynamic blend of strategic development, funding acquisition, and partnership building. Here's a closer look at what you'll be doing every day:

• Strategic Mastermind: Develop and execute plans to establish and grow MGCA's core functions. Identify new business opportunities, secure funding, and forge partnerships that align perfectly with our mission.
• Financial Architect: Lead the charge in identifying, negotiating, and securing funding for MGCA initiatives and projects. Craft compelling business cases and proposals to win over investors and funding bodies.
• Triple Helix Hero: Facilitate collaboration and partnerships between government, industry, and academia (the triple helix) to propel MGCA's objectives forward. Work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to identify and overcome obstacles hindering green economic growth in the region.
• SME Champion: Develop and oversee a business strategy that prioritizes growth and success for MGCA's partnerships within the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector. Cultivate positive relationships with SMEs, conduct in-depth industry research to uncover new business opportunities, and develop effective business strategies with revenue generation at the forefront.
• Funding Alchemist: Promote SME products and services to potential investors and funding entities, identify market opportunities through targeted networking, and generate funding leads. Craft compelling funding proposals for SMEs, ensuring they have optimal access to funding opportunities.
• Growth Strategist: Review and develop Business Plans for MGCA's SME partnerships, create development plans, financial forecasts, and growth projections to propel their success.

In addition to the above, you'll also:

• Review contracts for SMEs to ensure legal compliance.
• Attend relevant exhibitions and conferences.
• Assist SMEs in preparing for investor conferences and pitch opportunities.
• Prepare reports for management.

Application Requirements and Deadline:To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit the following documents:

• Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae: Your CV should detail your qualifications and experience, including your residency status.
• Compelling Motivation Letter: A well-crafted motivation letter outlining your interest in the position and suitability for the role is essential.
• Briefly mention your nationality and salary expectations. The Q&A will allow you to answer these questions.

Please note:

• Applications without a motivation letter will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing Date for Applications: 18 June 2024This role is perfect for a passionate and results-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Are you ready to make a lasting impact on the green economy? Apply today!

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