About the Role
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.
Key Performance Indicators (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.
Key Responsibilities and 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.
Required 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 and Experience
- 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.
- 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.
