Technical Lead; m​/w​/d - EIB PISU JETP Transnet Decarbonisation Framework Loan_South

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• Job-: V
• Location: Pretoria
• Assignment period: 01.09.
• Job Category: Infrastructure
• Working hours: full- or part-time
• Final date to receive applications: 09.03.2026

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…