Long term expert - project management

Local Long-Term Expert (LTE) Vocational Education and Training Partnership for Water and Wastewater Technologies in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Bildungswerk der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (bbw) gGmbH is implementing a Vocational Education and Training Partnership (VET Partnership) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project is implemented in cooperation with Thekwini TVET College and Umfolozi TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The project is administered by sequa gGmbH.

The project runs from September 2026 until September 2029 and aims to strengthen labour market-oriented vocational education and training in environmental technologies, with a particular focus on the water and wastewater sector. The project will support the development, accreditation and implementation of a new qualification programme, strengthen lecturer competencies, and foster sustainable cooperation between TVET colleges, municipalities, industry stakeholders and relevant government institutions.

For the implementation of the project on site, bbw gGmbH is seeking an experienced Local Long-Term Expert (LTE) who will coordinate project activities in South Africa in close cooperation with the German project management team.

Services

The LTE will be responsible for:

• Operational implementation and coordination of project activities in South Africa.
• Regular communication and coordination with the project management in Germany.
• Supporting the preparation and implementation of workshops, trainings, study visits, stakeholder meetings and other project activities.
• Reporting on project progress and results.
• Communication and coordination with project partners and stakeholders at national and local level
• Industry associations and companies operating in the water and wastewater sector
• Advising project partners on the development, accreditation and implementation of qualifications in water and wastewater technologies.
• Supporting colleges with curriculum development, equipment planning and accreditation processes.
• Facilitating cooperation between TVET colleges, municipalities and private sector companies.
• Supporting the organization of workplace-based learning opportunities, internships and industry partnerships.
• Identification and mobilisation of local experts and resource persons.
• Coordination of short-term experts and consultants.
• Supporting capacity-building activities for lecturers and trainers.
• Ensuring local quality assurance of project activities.
• Monitoring project indicators and contributing to knowledge management.
• Supporting communication, visibility and dissemination activities.
• Assisting German experts during missions to South Africa.
• Maintaining networks with stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal and nationally.

Position Details

The LTE position will be a consultancy-based assignment over a period of approximately three years (October 2026 to September 2029).

All eligibility criteria must be fulfilled.

Eligibility Criteria

• National Diploma, Trade Qualification or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Electronics, Water Infrastructure or a related technical field. Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a university degree
• English language skills at C1 level.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in technical training, industrial automation, engineering services, vocational education or related sectors.
• At least 3 years of experience in managing or coordinating multi-stakeholder projects involving industry, public institutions or training providers.
• Demonstrated experience working with South African industry and training institutions.

Award Criteria

Criterion

Weight

Knowledge of the South African TVET system and skills development landscape

15

Experience in technical training and workforce development

20

Demonstrated expertise in industrial automation, electrical systems, process control or related technologies

20

Experience working with municipalities, utilities or infrastructure sectors

10

Experience supporting curriculum development, workplace learning or apprenticeship programmes

10

Established network within KwaZulu-Natal industry and training sector

10

Experience in project coordination and stakeholder management

15

Daily fee rate

20

Scope of Services

• Expected start date: October 2026 (subject to project approval and contracting).
• Project period: 15 September 2026 to 14 September 2029.
• Estimated workload: approximately 70-80% position equivalent.
• Project location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with occasional travel within South Africa.
• Total level of effort: approximately 540 service days.

Application Submission

Interested candidates are requested to submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Daily fee rate (ZAR or EUR per working day)
• Relevant references

Applications should be submitted until 11.10.2026 to [email protected] under the subject line:

"Local Long-Term Expert (LTE) – Water and Wastewater VET Partnership, KwaZulu-Natal"

Pay: R14 592,48 - R66 001,22 per month

Work Location: In person