Company Description
We are one of the Financial Times' Africa's Fastest Growing Companies! PowerGen ranked 40th in the overall rankings and 5th in the Energy & Utilities sector. PowerGen a leading renewable energy platform in sub-Saharan Africa. PowerGen owns and operates renewable energy and distribution utility assets to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power to all. We are looking for professionals who want to be a part of a highly driven team which is at the forefront of the market and hungry to reshape the landscape of energy in Africa. We want leaders who are committed to the mission and able to think broadly and dynamically about a complex challenge, without losing focus on the critical day-to-day details of managing projects or a team.
Job Description
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.
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Additional Information
Benefits and Compensation:
A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance, professional development and team building events. And you'll be working with a dynamic team of people passionate about electrifying East and West Africa!
Why Join Us
Lead landmark solar hybrid projects transforming Nigeria’s and West Africa’s energy landscape.
Be part of a fast-growing regional team with projects across Africa.
Take ownership of complex, high-impact projects from concept to operation.
