SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (SANEDI) VACANCIES

​WIND ENERGY TECHNICAL SPECIALIST 
Programme: Programme 2 
Division: Applied Energy Research, Development & Innovation 
Location: Sandton 
Period: Fixed Term Contract - 2 years 2 months 
 
1. Purpose 
The main objective of the Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) project has always been to develop and employ the wind atlas methodology for wind resource assessment applying mesoscale and microscale modelling and validation against measurements, and to support capacity to enable large scale exploitation of wind energy in South Africa. This includes dedicated wind resource assessment and siting tools for planning purposes and for feasibility studies in support of wind energy projects. The wind atlas data, reports and guidelines for using it are freely available to all interested parties. 
 
WASA4 objectives are to improve WASA validation and reducing uncertainties in wind resource estimations with a special focus on northern provinces, as well as to maintain and extend the knowledge, modelling capabilities and datasets in South Africa both onshore and offshore. It is envisaged that the WASA Team through the WASA4 project will contribute to the planning and de- risking of wind energy developments as a collaborative effort that builds further on the experience and platforms created by the WASA Team partners with SANEDI as a national coordinator. 
 
WASA4 is organised with on one side a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) constituted of DTU, SANEDI, UCT, CSIR and SAWS (same institutions as the WASA Team) and on the other side a Project Steering Committee (PSC) with authorities and funders, including, but not limited to, DMRE, DSI, DEA, DFFE, RDE, UNDP, DTU and SANEDI. The PIU will be responsible for the overall implementation and for achieving the defined objectives within the budget and time frame of WASA4. The PSC will approve any changes regarding objectives, means, organisation and budget allowed for in the WASA4 Agreements. 
Against the backdrop of the above project summary, SANEDI will employ a wind resource specialist to act as the SANEDI project manager in the role as WASA4 national coordinator and in support during the WASA4 project for a period of 36 months on a fixed contract basis. 
 
2. About the position 
The Wind Energy Technical Specialist should primarily focus on capacity building with a focus on SANEDI’s role and activities in the initial setting up of WASA4 project management, coordination, dissemination and documentation, including arranging, hosting and chairing the PIU and delivering progress reporting and what else is required by SANEDI according to the Project Description Document for: 
• The PSC secretariat 
• The PIU coordination 
• Project reporting 
 
3. Qualifications and Minimum Requirements 
• Master’s degree in energy, engineering, environmental or related field 
• 3-5 years’ experience in wind energy or related areas with proven experience within and/or knowledge of the field of public sector project management in South Africa. 
 
4. Job Knowledge and Skills Required 
• Knowledge of South African commitments to address climate change, carbon emissions reduction and just transition 
• Experience in working with South African public sector institutions, renewable energy sector 
• and carbon emitting industries 
• Excellent communication skills with diverse stakeholders 
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written English) 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (outlook, power point, word, excel) 
• Understand climate change initiatives around the globe 
• Core knowledge and understanding in fundamental research 
• Project management experience in the renewable energy sector 
• Excellent understanding of the South African Integrated Resource Plan and the Independent Power Producer Procurement Program 
• Technical expertise in renewable energy data understanding, collection, analysis and modelling 
• Proficient technical skills in relevant data analysis and modelling programs 
• Understanding of the Wind Atlas of South Africa, its value offering and potential 
• Develop, implement, and manage service level agreements with relevant service providers 
• Prior training through the WASA program would be preferred and an advantage 
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication and stakeholder liaison skills with experience in networking and establishing and maintaining relationships with partners at different levels. 
 
5. Summary of Key Responsibilities and Job Scope 
• A South African wind energy technical specialist to provide technical and governance support to SANEDI as a WASA project manager for the SANEDI role as WASA4 national coordinator, and to be able to learn from the academic and technical experts of Denmark. This specialist would be expected to develop capacity within SANEDI and coordinate South African expertise in lieu of creating an even more valuable knowledge base from which to execute the enabling capacity catalysed by WASA. 
• The SANEDI wind energy technical specialist is expected to integrate into SANEDI staff compliment, having the primary objectives being as follows: 
• Project manager for the SANEDI WASA4 national coordination 
• Capacity building and institutionalisation 
• Skills development through Danish universities (DTU) 
• Longevity and long-term plan 
• Knowledge and data management coordination not only within WASA but across the SANEDI driven national database 
• Communications and dissemination of WASA information and knowledge 
• SANEDI staff and/or intern exposure and mentoring towards technical and practical information 
• SANEDI renewable energy resource capacitation 
• Longevity of the skills developed through this post: 
• Required for the duration of the WASA 4 project, at the end of the project time frame, it is expected that the capacity that is built within SANEDI would allow knowledge transfer and skills development 
• It is expected that this expert transfer knowledge and skills within the organisation and within the renewable energy team. Skills need to be institutionalised within SANEDI and therefore the specialist appointed to assist during WASA 4 would be required to deliver training to current SANEDI engineers or scientists as well as interns and transfer knowledge through mentorship. 
• The appointed specialist would not only be required to transfer knowledge within SANEDI, but also within knowledge sharing, capacity development and skills development sessions, facilitated by SANEDI, in order to boost national capacity and knowledge in this South African Energy sector. This would directly contribute towards SANEDI’s knowledge dissemination role outlined within the WASA 4 Project programme, as well as support towards expert technical and/or academic development in the country. 
• The appointed specialist will also serve as a key resource for SANEDI to engage around and drive future developments in the wind energy space, including South African endeavours within the development of an offshore wind industry. 
• This assistance should primarily focus on capacity building with a focus on SANEDI’s role and activities in the initial setting up of WASA4 project management, coordination, dissemination and documentation, including arranging, hosting and chairing the PIU and delivering progress reporting and what else is required by SANEDI according to the Project Description Document for: 
• The PSC secretariat 
• The PIU coordination 
• Project reporting 
 
6. Additional Information 
It is our intention to increase the level of Indian, Coloured, White and people living with disabilities male, female and/others of representativity at all levels throughout the organisation. Therefore, preference will be given to competent group of candidates named above.

The EPC SDP Co-Ordinator will be based at the SANEDI office in Sandton, Johannesburg, 
 
Please email a detailed CV to: wasa@sanedi.org.za
 
The closing date for this position is: 29 June 2025 
 
Should you not hear from SANEDI within 30 days after closing of this advert, please consider your application unsuccessful.
 
SANEDI is a state-owned entity, established under the National Energy Act (Act 34 of 2008) Board Members: Mr Sicelo Xulu (Chairperson), Ms Lungile Mtiya (Deputy Chairperson), Ms Abegail Boikhutso, Ms Ilze Baron Dr Rebecca Maserumule, Mr Jongikhaya Witi, Mr Mthokozisi Mpofu. Alternate members: Ms Noma Qase, Mr Gerard Fourie. CEO: Dr Titus Mathe. Company Secretary: Mr. Solomon Mngomezulu

​