Project Developer - Renewable Energy

Introduction

We are currently seeking an experienced Project Developer – Renewable Energy to join a leading renewable energy consultancy. The successful candidate will support and lead the development of large-scale solar, battery energy storage and hybrid renewable energy projects across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded and technically capable professional with experience in renewable energy project development, permitting, commercial negotiations and project execution
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Description

The Project Developer will assist with the management and coordination of renewable energy projects throughout the development lifecycle, from opportunity identification and feasibility through permitting, commercial negotiations, procurement and financial close
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The successful candidate will work closely with developers, utilities, financial institutions, government authorities, landowners, technical consultants and other stakeholders to successfully progress projects through the development pipeline.

• Identify and develop new renewable energy project opportunities
• Support strategic business development and project pipeline growth
• Assist with market-entry and portfolio development initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa
• Build relationships with utilities, developers, lenders, landowners, regulators and other stakeholders
• Identify and support strategic partnerships and joint venture opportunities
• Coordinate project permitting, licensing, environmental authorisations and land acquisition
• Manage environmental, legal and technical consultants
• Support compliance with relevant ESG and international development standards
• Assist with the negotiation and preparation of PPAs, NDAs, JVAs, MOUs, Heads of Terms and related agreements
• Coordinate project requirements leading towards financial close
• Support public and private renewable energy bid submissions
• Evaluate power offtake structures and commercial feasibility
• Prepare investment papers, due diligence reports and project assessments
• Review EPC costs, technical specifications and commercial proposals
• Coordinate technical, commercial and legal feasibility studies
• Assist with financial modelling inputs, budgeting and commercial risk assessments
• Support GIS-based site identification and project optimisation
• Develop and maintain project development procedures, tools and documentation
• Maintain accurate project records, reporting and administrative documentation

• Degree in Engineering, Business, Natural Science or a related discipline
• Additional renewable energy, project development or project management qualifications advantageous

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ relevant professional experience
• Renewable energy / infrastructure project development experience highly advantageous
• Experience in Solar PV, BESS, hybrid energy or utility-scale energy projects advantageous
• Knowledge of the South African EIA process advantageous
• Exposure to permitting, environmental approvals and land development processes beneficial
• Commercial negotiation and contract exposure advantageous
• Experience with PPAs, project procurement, EPC or financial close processes beneficial
• Strong commercial and analytical capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Strong administrative and organisational abilities
• Creative and solutions-driven approach to problem-solving
• Self-motivated and able to manage responsibilities independently
• Valid South African Code 08 driver's licence
• Willing and able to travel to project sites across Africa in line with business requirements

Negotiable