Project Developer - Solar at EarthStream

Responsibilities:

• Work in direct cooperation and contact with the Business Developer for the country, according to the defined strategy;
• Manage solar projects in South Africa from site acquisition, planning,
• community engagement and outreach, engineering, permitting and licensing, to ready-to-bid and pre-construction;
• Identify new project sites and work together with internal or external teams on land lease negotiation, agreements with landowners or any due diligence processes for co-development or acquisitions of sites;
• Coordinate feasibility studies and project development activities with cross-functional resources, both internal and external;
• Evaluate network access options and grid feasibility studies for projects together with internal and external stakeholders;
• Estimate and optimize business case for each project, together with the
• Business Developer and other internal resources;
• Prepare budget & development plan for each project under supervision, including correct inputs and maintaining Project Management system;
• Perform risk management to minimize project risks;
• Manage the day-to-day activities and contacts / subcontractors for the development of the projects;
• Ensure the implementation of the project development guidelines and principles;
• Ensure that projects are delivered on-time, within budget and scope, and ascertain quick communication with Business Developer & Steering
• Committee about all changes in project scope, schedule and costs;
• Support project team during REIPPP or other tender processes;
• Lead diverse teams, including relationships with both internal and external
• stakeholders, to achieve common goals for the projects under responsibility;
• Maintain and promote values, strength and reputation of company and its business lines in any interactions with external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Mandatory experience in project management within the energy field;
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, economics or business;
• Post-graduation or specialization in Project Management is a plus;
• More than 7 years of relevant work experience, with at least 3 – 4 years of relevant experience within the South African energy sector;
• Strong knowledge of regulatory framework, project development process and connections within the renewable industry in South Africa;
• Preference for prior REIPPP experience, with working knowledge of PPAs, interconnection and permitting requirements;
• Experience in interacting with external stakeholders;
• Command of AutoCAD, Google Earth and similar cartography tools;
• Availability to travel throughout South Africa;
• Fluent in English;
• Command of other local languages, Portuguese or French are a plus.

Key Skills:

• Team player;
• Negotiation skills;
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills – strategic and creative thinker;
• Capacity to manage and prioritize time and multiple tasks efficiently, especially when operating under pressure or deadlines;
• Results-oriented and able to work both independently and within a team environment;
• Ability to communicate effectively with local stakeholders, colleagues, clients and partners;
• Strong aptitude to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment;
• Solid personal initiative and drive to excel and succeed;
• Positive, “can do” attitude;
• Willing to receive and accept feedback, as well as giving constructive criticism to peers.