Head of Construction at Virunga Power

The Head of Construction will be based in Nairobi though will be expected to frequently travel to project sites in rural areas within the East Africa region with occasional travel further afield.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

General Management

• Manage the internal team responsible for the design review, procurement and construction management of small hydro plants.
• Assist with recruiting new staff and professional mentoring and training.
• Ensure overall quality of work.
• Generally, coordinate with project leaders and collaborate with various technical disciplines across companies and regional boundaries.

Development Support

• Prepare tender documents for the procurement of external design engineering teams covering site civil, mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• Perform detailed design reviews of work performed by external design engineering teams.
• Prepare tender documents for the procurement of electromechanical equipment and civil structures for the projects.
• Lead contracting with design engineering and construction firms.

Construction Management

• Plan, schedule, coordinate and determine staffing levels and assignments needed for construction management and oversight of small hydropower projects across East Africa.
• Prepare internal work plans and reporting structures to monitor and maintain schedule, budget, quality, and profitability of assigned projects.
• Prepare processes and procedures for contract administration with various suppliers.
• Study, comment and approve contractors’ method statements for the works.
• Assist in the source inspection and final inspection of electromechanical equipment and civil structures for projects.
• Attend site meetings/technical meetings to discuss work progress and technical issues related to project implementation

About the Applicant

Education and Experience

The ideal candidate would have the following experience:

• Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering (Master’s degree preferred)
• 10+ years of relevant experience managing large capital projects in renewable energy and small hydropower related engineering, design, construction, design-build delivery or project management.
• Specific experience delivering hydropower projects in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• A proven track record of success in leading on site construction teams.
• Experience managing and working with international teams in different locations.
• Professional courses, training and professional accreditations a plus.

Competencies

The ideal candidate would have the following competencies:

• Effective organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize processes and schedules, develop sound project plans, conduct constructability, operability, maintainability reviews and juggle multiple assignments with competing deadlines.
• Ability to build successful teams and a demonstrated commitment to quality.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, technical, cross-functional and geographically diverse organization.
• High level of intellectual rigor with the ability to work independently in a self-directed, entrepreneurial environment.
• Maturity, professionalism, integrity, and excellent technical, intercultural, and communication skills.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Kiswahili skills are a plus.

Please include your CV when applying.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.