Current Vacancies at Voltalia

The Renewable Energies Engineer is part of the COE – Center of Expertise team, based in Portugal.

The main responsibilities of the Renewable Energies Engineer are:

• Provide engineering support in South Africa and regional project;
• Provide technical support to projects in development, construction or operation (layout, sizing, Energy Yield Assessment, technical/cost analysis, electrical design, etc…) for internal and external clients;
• Support the Asset Owner at each stage: Investment Proposal, Construction, Repowering, etc…
• Provide technical support in different stages of the project (development, commercial/bid and construction phases);
• Analyze technical information received for a specific project (including RFP/RFQ and tenders) and evaluate its impact in the electrical design of the project;
• Perform technical descriptions, technical calculations, technical specifications, drawings for project licensing, EPC and execution;
• Make technical assessment and support site surveys;
• Contact suppliers for technical discussion of existing and/or alternative solutions, or under technical arrangements to electrical infrastructure.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree or Degree in Electrical/ Electrotechnical Engineering (preferred), graduated from recognized leading Engineering School
• 5-7 years minimum experience in engineering/renewable
• Good skills in CAD tools and simulation tools (PVSys, WaSP, WindPRO)
• Minimum of 3 (three) years of experience in electrical projects
• Photovoltaic projects of more than 10MW are valued
• Complete knowledge of regulatory framework
• Good local network with external players in the sector and good analytical skills

Languages:

• English: Fluent
• Local languages, French or Portuguese are a plus.

KEY SKILLS

• Analysis and interpretation ability
• Availability and sense of responsibility
• Strong attention to detail, rigorous
• Self-motivation, autonomy, dynamism
• Ability to manage stress and to work under pressure
• Resilience ability and proactivity
• Good teamwork skills
• Availability for national and international travels
• Proactivity and Initiative spirit
• Good organization level
• Negotiation skills

go to method of application »

The main objective of the Asset Owner is to manage and supervise Voltalia New & Operating IPP projects in the respective countries to drive operational performance, ensure profitability and compliance with key projects contract, align and enhance the Business plans.

• Management of solar, wind and storage power generating assets in the South Africa through pre-construction, construction and operation phases, to optimize the value of the assets for the business;
• Be an active contributor in assessment of potential M&A which may arise in the South Africa (participate to the due diligence process technical and financial).
• Ensure that the assets are financed, constructed, operated, kept safe and secure at all the times and administered; 
• Achieve the objectives, execute the strategy, address the priorities, and comply with the budget agreed, to transpose those objectives and priorities into detailed operational and/or action plans for each of the assets;
• Act as representative of the Owner in front of EPC Contractor, O&M Contractor, Lenders, Government Authorities, Offtakers, Suppliers, land owners (if applicable), partners and other key stakeholders;
• Manage the corporate social responsibility program, issue the necessary reports and act in compliance with the operational and E&S obligations as deriving from the Financing agreements,
• Be focal point and organize the regular reviews required by DFI to confirm the compliance of operating plants (in relation with technical operational performance, financial performance, insurance compliance).
• Manage the contractual relationships with regulators, suppliers , subcontractors , Third parties stakeholders (both internal and external) and negotiate and resolve any claims stemming from such contractual relationships;
• Attend Local meetings with Offtakers, Utility and regulators.
• Conduct regular asset reviews to track the technical and financial performance of the assets and prepare rectification plans or recommendations for each of the assets to improve performance or address performance deficiencies and to oversee their implementation;
• Assume responsibility for the optimization of Voltalia’s assets in South Africa, technical but also financial in so included taxes, insurance, corporate structuration, etc.
• Build, foster and maintain relationships with local, national and regional authorities as well as other stakeholders, important to the successful finance, construction and operation of the assets in the South Africa;
• Build, foster and maintain positive and constructive relationships with the various internal Business lines in the execution of their activities with respect to the various assets, as well as with the various corporate support functions operating from France and Portugal, most notably, the DEV, EPC and O&M BLs and the ASIF (Commercial) and Finance corporate functions;
• Implement appropriate oversight to achieve the HSE objectives set for the South Africa and for each of the assets, ensure that appropriate HSE training is put in place for relevant employees, and ensure a continual constructive communication with employees to promote a culture of safety across all of Voltalia’s assets in the South Africa;
• Ensure that the assets are constructed and operated in accordance with Voltalia’s quality procedures, that assets are kept secure, that operational procedures are adhered to, and to immediately report and rectify any such deficiencies;
• Manage the respective asset teams to ensure we have the necessary people, processes and systems in place, that all employees are aware of and aligned with the objectives and priorities for each of the assets, that there is a clarity of purpose and opportunities for professional development for those employees, and that those employees are well integrated into Voltalia’s activities and aware of and aligned with Votalia’s values and mission;
• Foster a lean, efficient and performant working environment within the various asset teams, where employees feel valued and are encouraged to contribute to solutions, and where a respectful, safe and collaborative work environment is promoted at all times;

REQUIREMENTS

• Finance degree or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in an engineering field and/or business.
• Proven track record in the asset management, construction and/or operation of energy projects, or proven experience in Finance Controlling.
• Previous experience in the South Africa will be valued.
• Confirmed experience (+ 5 years) in solar power plants.
• Confirmed experience (+ 5 years) in project management, PMP qualification is a plus.
• Fluent in English, and local language knowledge.

KEY SKILLS

• Attention to safety
• Integrity, autonomy, creativity and initiative
• Rigor, organization and ability to prioritize
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Dedication to efficiency and to continuous improvement
• Passion for performing on time and on budget
• Strong work ethic with drive to succeed
• Sharp negotiation skills
• Ability to handle and resolve conflicts
• Commitment to promoting the success of others
• Team spirit.

go to method of application »

The Construction Site Manager will be based at the Bolobedu PV Project construction site for the duration of the project.

Main responsibilities:

 Business Line: Follow the guidelines as defined by the business line and provide continuous inputs towards proposing improvements or optimisation on procedures;

 Back Office organization:

• Plan and manage technical project resources to ensure tasks are completed and delivered in line with the proposed works schedule,
• Review and guarantee that technical documentation is considered by service providers and contractors for compliance both technically and contractually,
• Manage and interface with contractors and suppliers to launch, negotiate and align all technical aspects of the project,
• Provide full assistance to the PM to complete the Project Documentation;

Site Management organization: In order to ensure projects delivery/execution:

• Ensure the project is implemented according to the Final Project Design;
• Manage and evaluate design change requests to be approved by the Lead Engineer;
• Monitor and evaluate the works performed by ensuring adherence to the respective schedule, compliance, and quality requirements, and monitor deviations to identify risks in advance;
• Provide full time technical support to the PM and Project Team;

Ensure that all HSE and Quality procedures are in practice:

• Act as OHS Act 8.1 appointee for the project team,
• Enforce HSE and Quality policies, plans and procedures,
• Enforce a Zero tolerance stance on Health and Safety on site,
• Make regular site inspections and monitoring of site activities,
• Ensure HSE Audits are met and HSE safety measures are applied,
• Monitor all construction works and ensure compliance with site permits and standards,
• Manage the team and contractors to ensure compliance with the Project’s EMPr and EA;

• Establish and maintain on-site offices and facilities;
• Report all project site activities to the Project Manager;
• Manage site logistics and deliveries;

Interact with stakeholders:

• Be the interface and coordinate with Subcontractors, Environmental Control Officer, Owner’s Engineer, LTA, Eskom, etc.
• Liaise with the landowner(s) and local authorities on issues related to the site,
• Hosting 3rd party site visits / audit facilitation,

Communication and reporting:

• Fulfil construction reporting obligations - (weekly & monthly),
• Internal team reporting and preparation of external reporting to the Client.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree / Diploma in Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering;
• 5 to 10 years of working experience in a relevant construction role (preferably in the renewable energy sector);
• Proven track record in managing construction projects of >100 MW in the energy industry;
• Good knowledge of tools and techniques for project schedules/ planning;
• Speak and write fluent English, Afrikaans or Portuguese – other languages would be a plus;
• Knowledgeable in HSE and Quality procedures;
• SACPCMP registration as a Pr.CM;

KEY SKILLS

• Experience in working with international, multi-cultural teams, in multiple times zones;
• Proactive, independent and self-dependent working; 
• Analytical thinking on site crisis situations;
• High motivation and leadership skills;  
• Relationship and trust building skills and high integrity;  
• Good communication and team skills, with ability to work in cross functional teams; 
• Very good planning skills.

go to method of application »

The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for grid connection activities, which will encompass all aspects of the grid connection process from capacity assessments, MV & HV connection design, engagement with Eskom, and overseeing the implementation of grid connection works.

• Identify and evaluate potential Points of Connection to the regional Distribution or Transmission system where there could be available capacity to connect solar, wind, hydro or storage projects;
• Establish and maintain contacts with Grid Operator and Governmental Agencies related to the grid connections process;
• Manage interconnection process with Grid Operator and relevant authorities;
• Advise the broader development team and providing technical assistance throughout the life cycle of projects;
• Use knowledge of the local legislation and regulations in terms of authorizations and permits, in order to produce guidelines and tools for planning, organizing, executing and controlling the related project activities;
• Analyze the local Grid Code, National Grid Statements and additional information on the aspects that impact overall location strategy for new development projects. Relay the current and evolving connection environment into Power Plant design and Interconnection Infrastructure;
• Analyze and evaluate Grid Connection Offers and technical information for specific projects that impact the Grid Connection Design of the project;
• Coordinate the grid connection application, feasibility review and acceptance process with the Development team;
• Be familiar and be able to calculate the relevant values relating to single line diagrams of an Electrical Network on the network and customer side;
• Evaluate Grid Impact studies in a steady state, dynamic and in transient state of all electrical parameters, performed internally or by third parties;
• Make dynamic models in asynchronous and synchronous wind generators and PV Inverters in simulations to model power flow/stability and frequency response.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor or Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering;
• Professional Engineer registration with ECSA;
• 7+ years’ experience as an Electrical Engineering, with 5+ years’ experience in a project environment working on substations and/or grid-connected renewable energy facilities;
• Knowledge of Digsilent, PSSE, PSCAD or other relevant simulation software;
• Detailed understanding of the South African Grid Codes, regulations and standards that relate to renewable energy projects and connecting/operating these generators within the network;
• Awareness and understanding of the equivalent codes, regulations and standards in the region;
• Knowledge and experience of power systems, grid studies, and grid connection of utility-scale renewable energy projects in South Africa and beyond;
• Experience in negotiating grid connection agreements;
• Understanding and interest in large BESS (beneficial).

Languages:

• English: Fluent
• Local languages, French or Portuguese are a plus.

KEY SKILLS

• Analysis and interpretation ability;
• Availability and sense of responsibility;
• Strong attention to detail, rigorous;
• Self-motivated, dynamic;
• Ability to manage stress and to work under pressure;
• Resilience ability, Proactivity and Initiative spirit;
• Negotiation skills;
• Autonomous with Teamwork skills;
• Good organization level;
• Availability for national and international travels.