Project Developer - Utility Scale at PowerGen Renewable Energy

Purpose / Overview

• The Senior Project Developer will lead the end-to-end development of utility-scale solar PV and storage projects (50MW+MWh+) , ensuring projects are identified, de-risked, permitted, and prepared for a successful transition to construction and operations while meeting PowerGen’s quality, timeline, and budget objectives.

KPIs:

• Project Pipeline Advancement: Measured by MW + MWh progressed from origination to NTP (Notice to Proceed) and financial close.
• Permitting & Approvals: Percentage of projects securing key permits within planned timelines.
• Grid Connection Readiness: Securing interconnection agreements and grid studies on schedule.
• Stakeholder Engagement Effectiveness: Quality of relationships with communities, utilities, regulators, and partners; measured by project progress without major disputes.
• Project Financial Viability: Projects meeting IRR and cost-per-Watt targets for investment readiness
• Development Budget Management: Adherence to approved development budgets.
• Risk Management: Identification and mitigation of project development risks.
• Handover Readiness: Quality and completeness of documentation and project package handed over to Implementation.

Activities:

• Lead site identification, feasibility studies, and land acquisition strategies for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
• Manage the permitting process, securing environmental, land use, and regulatory approvals.
• Drive PPA/offtake processes, including structuring and negotiating Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and offtake arrangements to secure long-term revenue streams.
• Lead grid interconnection processes, including applications, studies, and utility negotiations.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to build trust, manage expectations, and resolve issues proactively.
• Oversee financial modeling to assess project viability, working closely with the Investments team.
• Prepare and manage development budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Work with Engineering and Implementation teams to align technical design with development requirements.
• Support EPC tender preparation by ensuring development data and permitting conditions are captured accurately.
• Drive risk identification and mitigation strategies throughout the development lifecycle.
• Maintain up-to-date reporting on project status and development pipeline health.
• Cultivate relationships with government agencies, utilities, and other strategic partners to facilitate project progress.
• Manage consultants and service providers supporting technical studies, environmental and social assessments, and permitting.

Competencies:

• Proven track record in developing 50MW+MWh solar PV and BESS projects to financial close
• Proven experience with PPA structuring and negotiation
• Deep knowledge of land acquisition, permitting, environmental and social impact assessments, and grid interconnection processes in Africa.
• Strong project management skills, able to coordinate multi-stakeholder activities across different stages of development.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and relationship management skills with utilities, regulators, communities, and investors.
• Financial acumen with the ability to interpret and develop project financial models for viability assessments.
• Understanding of technical aspects of solar PV and BESS systems to guide project design and feasibility.
• Strong risk management mindset with the ability to foresee and mitigate development bottlenecks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder interactions.
• Comfort with working in dynamic, ambiguous environments requiring proactive problem-solving.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Environmental Management, Business, or a related field.
• 7–12 years of experience in large-scale renewable energy project development, with at least 3–5 projects above 50MW+MWh advanced to financial close
• Experience working in African or emerging markets on utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects.
• Familiarity with project financial modeling and investment readiness processes.
• Experience in managing community and government stakeholder relationships