PowerGen Renewable Energy Careers

As the O&M Associate, you will be a key member of the PowerGen Grid Operations team. You’ll be focused on supporting our customers who use electricity from our micro-grids each day. You will report to the O&M Lead and will work closely with the entire Grid Operations team.

What You’ll Make Happen:

• Dealing with unplanned problems, is a key component of the O&M Associate’s role. You’ll be responsible for addressing and solving unplanned problems on-site, which are either identified by system monitoring or reported by a customer (i.e. electricity outage, asset vandalism, reticulation issue, etc.).
• You will be responsible for building and hiring various Technicians to support the team’s goals and objectives.
• You’ll be responsible for contributing to the creation of SOPS, processes, templates and work plans to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the O&M team
• When dealing with unexpected issues, you should establish a comprehensive understanding of the issue through detailed fact-finding and implement an established procedure for correcting issues in a timely fashion.
• You will work with various PowerGen stakeholders to identify an issue and solve it correctly. All unplanned maintenance activities should always be based on thorough root cause analysis to ensure that the failure does not re-occur.
• As the O&M Associate you’ll also be responsible for scheduling and planning preventative maintenance activities that are standardized and regularly scheduled activities designed to identify and prevent any type of negative consequence before it happens. This includes quarterly maintenance trips and regularly scheduled diesel generator refueling trips.
• You’ll be responsible for providing feedback in a standardized manner across various teams at PowerGen - including Installations, Grid Development, Procurement,
• System Design and Grid Operations - to enable long-term improvement of design, installation, service and O&M.

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in engineering construction, operation and maintenance services, preferably in overhead distribution, PV solar installations, and generators.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering or any related course
• Registration with a professional body such as EPRA
• Technical engineering background and a demonstrated ability to learn the specific technical aspects of the PowerGen business.
• Fluency in Kiswahili and English, both in written and oral communications.
• Kenyan citizenship.
• Valid Drivers’ License.
• Ability to work with a team of 10+ full-time employees plus a number of contractors
• Budgeting skills for the team’s operations
• Ability to train, manage and ensure field employees are observing safety standards while working
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are a must.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility and eagerness to lend a hand wherever needed, even if a specific task may fall outside the core job description.
• Enthusiasm in working for the field of renewable energy!

Purpose / Overview

The Head of Technology will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancement and operational efficiency. This senior position requires a strategic thinker with a strong technical background to lead the integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, ensuring seamless data flow, robust security, and optimized performance across our operations. The role will oversee the integration and consolidation of data from various streams, ensuring a single source of truth with high data quality and availability. This role will also manage the company's business systems and the in-house developed software "Amini," which aggregates mini-grid customer payments  across different platforms..

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

•  Develop and execute the IT/OT strategy in alignment with the company's goals and objectives.
• Lead the consolidation of data from CRM, OEM SCADA, meter vendors, ERP systems, Jubi, and other sources into a single source of truth.

 IT/OT Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Define and execute a comprehensive IT/OT strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Develop the technology roadmap, identify technology investments, and ensure alignment with industry best practices

 Data Integration and Management:

• Oversee the consolidation of data from diverse sources into a unified data warehouse.
• Implement robust data quality checks and governance processes to ensure data accuracy and availability

 Systems Architecture and Design:

• Lead the design and implementation of IT and OT system architectures, including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data warehouse

Technology Infrastructure Management:

• Manage and optimize the company's IT and OT infrastructure, including hardware, software, metering, SCADA and network systems.
• Ensure the availability and reliability of systems to support business operation

Cybersecurity and Compliance:

• Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect the company's IT and OT systems from cyber threats.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations for IT and OT

Software Development and Maintenance:

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and support of the company's in-house software "Amini ".
• Ensure alignment with business requirements and efficient operations

Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and monitor IT/OT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project implementation and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with IT/OT projects.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of IT and OT professionals, creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and hold team accountable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of IT/OT systems and/or software projects
• Prior experience with  IT and OT systems, including SCADA, metering systems, ERP systems, and CRM platforms.
• Proven experience in data consolidation, data quality management, and data governance.
• Hands-on experience in resolving metering systems/SCADA/ software-related issues.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in the renewable energy sector is a plus

Job Description

• Provide subject matter expert (SME) support and expertise to the Project Managers, Project Engineers and procurement teams. 
• Review client expectations and requirements before handing over to the design team and ensure it is communicated clearly to the design team.
• Review and provide input to detailed designs submitted both internally and externally to ensure it meets minimum required standards as well as efficient and cost-effective constructability.
• Develop electrical power system designs for large and relatively larger projects and associated bill of quantities and technical specifications.
• Develop solar concept designs (including layout, SLDs, and BoM) as and when required by the project development team.
• Provide input into detailed design both internal and external to ensure efficient and cost-effective constructability.
• Support preparation of technical specification and inputs during equipment and contractors tendering and equipment selection stage.
• Support in preparation of technical site survey requirements.
• Develop generation and distribution system capacity and equipment operating models using selected simulation and analysis tools
  Inspect and approve relevant and reusable technical documents and design templates and models.
• Identify initiatives to improve designs and cut unnecessary costs
• Support business development and nurture relationships with client
• Support technical investigations and fault finding in PowerGen’s O&M areas to identify root causes to help restoration of the network quickly and prevent recurrence of the issue.
• Train, upskill and recommend learning opportunities to other engineers to ensure team growth and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Bachelors (BSc./BTech/BEng Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or structural)
• Related Masters degree is additional credit
• 5+ years’ relevant experience
• Certification and licenses
• EPRA T3 or equivalent
• EBK Graduate engineer or equivalent
• EBK Professional or equivalent, preferred
• Advanced technical skillset
• Power Generation (Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage and Hybrid generation)
• Power Distribution ( LV ,MV)
• Power Installation
• Testing & Commissioning
• Site Management (Technical Support for construction)
• Troubleshooting Capability
• Quality Control
• Solar and BESS design software knowledge and experience e.g PVSyst, Helioscope, Homer 
• Advanced analytical ability
• Advanced communication skills - written and verbal
• Advanced project management and stakeholder management

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

•  Develop and execute the IT/OT strategy in alignment with the company's goals and objectives.
• Lead the consolidation of data from CRM, OEM SCADA, meter vendors, ERP systems, Jubi, and other sources into a single source of truth.

 IT/OT Strategy Development and Implementation:

• Define and execute a comprehensive IT/OT strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Develop the technology roadmap, identify technology investments, and ensure alignment with industry best practices

 Data Integration and Management:

• Oversee the consolidation of data from diverse sources into a unified data warehouse.
• Implement robust data quality checks and governance processes to ensure data accuracy and availability

 Systems Architecture and Design:

• Lead the design and implementation of IT and OT system architectures, including network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data warehouse

Technology Infrastructure Management:

• Manage and optimize the company's IT and OT infrastructure, including hardware, software, metering, SCADA and network systems.
• Ensure the availability and reliability of systems to support business operation

Cybersecurity and Compliance:

• Develop and implement a robust cybersecurity strategy to protect the company's IT and OT systems from cyber threats.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations for IT and OT

Software Development and Maintenance:

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and support of the company's in-house software "Amini ".
• Ensure alignment with business requirements and efficient operations

Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and monitor IT/OT projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project implementation and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with IT/OT projects.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of IT and OT professionals, creating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and hold team accountable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the management of IT/OT systems and/or software projects
• Prior experience with  IT and OT systems, including SCADA, metering systems, ERP systems, and CRM platforms.
• Proven experience in data consolidation, data quality management, and data governance.
• Hands-on experience in resolving metering systems/SCADA/ software-related issues.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in the renewable energy sector is a plus

Job Description

• Support the closing of corporate funding, including:
  • Equity and debt investor processes
  • Preparation of due diligence materials and Q&A 
  • Support in financial modeling
  • Structuring of corporate vs. project debt
  • Structuring of local currency debt vs. HoldCo-level debt
  • Structuring of non-commercial guarantees
  • Capital disbursements (i.e. making sure all investors' criteria are met and drawdowns can be executed)
• Support in development and continued improvement of financial models, including:
  • Templates used by commercial owners and helping all commercial owners understand the various models and sign-off on models where appropriate
  • Reviewing final financial models for projects that reach the IC1 and IC2 stage and providing input and recommendations on final investment decisions
  • Project asset management performance tracking
  • Project expansion and reinvestment decision-making
• Support in developing a clear long-term capital structure strategy (i.e.  D/E ratios, treasury, project bank accounts and cash management, FX, management, corporate debt structuring, lender management and selection, etc.)
• Provide input on overall company strategy and including strategy for C&I business vertical, business development approach, entity structuring, company and team structuring, pricing of CapEx and tariffs, etc.

Qualifications

Competencies & Experience:

• Passionate about transforming the power sector on the continent and providing clean, reliable and affordable power to millions of people and businesses
• 3-5 years’ investment and industry experience in project development, investment and/or project finance in the power sector within: a utility/concessions company, project finance/infrastructure departure of an international investment bank, infrastructure department in a Development Finance institution, the infrastructure / PPP department of a transaction/financial advisory firm or an infrastructure private equity fund with exposure to early/mid-stage project development
• Project management experience
• Advanced Financial Modelling skills
• Solid understanding of concession agreements, PPA, EPC, O&M contracts
• Demonstrated understanding of project and concession financing and policy issues
• Demonstrated track record of closing transactions
• Awareness of the latest trends and developments in financing infrastructure
• Strong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa-focused career
• Strong understanding of the power sector
• Strong understanding of PPP project structuring and project finance
• Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively and identify potential business partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluent in French is a plus
• Interest in PowerGen’s mission, strategy & Values
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with investors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plus
• Prior knowledge of African infrastructure and relationships in Africa are a strong plus
• Qualities: Integrity, self-starter, curious,high initiative and bias toward action, positive attitude

Job Description

• Support the closing of corporate funding, including:
• Equity and debt investor processes
• Preparation of due diligence materials and Q&A 
• Support in financial modeling
• Structuring of corporate vs. project debt
• Structuring of local currency debt vs. HoldCo-level debt
• Structuring of non-commercial guarantees
• Capital disbursements (i.e. making sure all investors' criteria are met and drawdowns can be executed)
• Support in development and continued improvement of financial models, including:
• Templates used by commercial owners and helping all commercial owners understand the various models and sign-off on models where appropriate
• Reviewing final financial models for projects that reach the IC1 and IC2 stage and providing input and recommendations on final investment decisions
• Project asset management performance tracking
• Project expansion and reinvestment decision-making
• Support in developing a clear long-term capital structure strategy (i.e.  D/E ratios, treasury, project bank accounts and cash management, FX, management, corporate debt structuring, lender management and selection, etc.)
• Provide input on overall company strategy and including strategy for C&I business vertical, business development approach, entity structuring, company and team structuring, pricing of CapEx and tariffs, etc.

Qualifications
Competencies & Experience:

• Passionate about transforming the power sector on the continent and providing clean, reliable and affordable power to millions of people and businesses
• 3-5 years’ investment and industry experience in project development, investment and/or project finance in the power sector within: a utility/concessions company, project finance/infrastructure departure of an international investment bank, infrastructure department in a Development Finance institution, the infrastructure / PPP department of a transaction/financial advisory firm or an infrastructure private equity fund with exposure to early/mid-stage project development
• Project management experience
• Advanced Financial Modelling skills
• Solid understanding of concession agreements, PPA, EPC, O&M contracts
• Demonstrated understanding of project and concession financing and policy issues
• Demonstrated track record of closing transactions
• Awareness of the latest trends and developments in financing infrastructure
• Strong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa-focused career
• Strong understanding of the power sector
• Strong understanding of PPP project structuring and project finance
• Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively and identify potential business partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluent in French is a plus
• Interest in PowerGen’s mission, strategy & Values
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with investors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plus
• Prior knowledge of African infrastructure and relationships in Africa are a strong plus
• Qualities: Integrity, self-starter, curious,high initiative and bias toward action, positive attitude

Job Description

• As the Group People Operations Manager for PowerGen, you will lead the development and execution of all people-related strategies to support the company’s growth & sustainability.
• The ideal candidate will have experience with renewable energy or related industries and have a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector, as well as an international background.

Activities:

• Develop and execute the company's overall people strategy, including talent acquisition, Learning, retention, and succession planning.
• Talent Acquisition Developing strategies to attract and hire top talent and ensuring the business has the right people in the right positions. Oversee hiring plan, and approve new roles and offers based on budget. Lead on senior hires across the group 
• Create and manage compensation and benefits schemes that ensure the organization is competitive in the talent market.
• Create and implement employee engagement and culture programs to foster a high-performance culture, employee satisfaction, and retention.
• Lead and oversee all HR functions, including compensation and benefits, employee relations, HR policies and procedures, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee contractors' compliance with PowerGen`s policies and in-country regulations during onboarding 
• Partner with all managers to ensure that the company's human capital initiatives are aligned with departmental and PowerGen`s strategic goals and objectives.
• Develop and oversee performance management and KPI processes and schedules 
• Develop and oversee training and development programs to ensure employees have the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the company's business needs.
• Oversee diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including the development of DEI strategies and metrics to measure progress and success.
• Own people operations Metrics like HR expenses and budgets, turnover metrics, employee counts, investor and the board on people operations reports 
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team and provide guidance and expertise on all people-related matters.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and best practices to ensure the company remains competitive in the renewable energy sector

Qualifications
Competencies & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including experience leading HR functions in a renewable energy or related industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing human capital strategies that align with business goals and objectives.
• Experience in creating and implementing employee engagement and culture programs that foster a high-performance culture.
• Strong understanding of employment laws and regulations, including DEI and labor laws.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to collaborate and influence at all levels of the organization.

About the job

• We are seeking a highly-skilled and motivated Investment Associate to join our team at PowerGen. As an Investment Associate, you’ll play a critical role on our investment team. The Investment Associate will support in developing, structuring, and fundraising for new projects (across multiple countries) to transform the African power sector. This work will include building detailed financial models, corporate and project-level debt raising (in local currency and USD), complex commercial and legal structuring, government and donor engagement, and ushering projects through the development cycle (incl. Internal Investment Committee approval gates).
• Once a project reaches the implementation stage, the investment associate will support the implementation and asset management teams where necessary to inform ongoing portfolio management and investment decision-making .
• This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong background in finance and a passion for the energy industry.

Activities:

• Support the structuring of project development and equity partners
• Contribution to development of projects in the portfolio with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects
• Participate in negotiations with investors, sponsors, lenders, funders
• Prepare project-related documents for internal and external audiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local/regional/global partners
• Anticipate market trends and employ sector/country knowledge
• Perform routine reporting functions for investors and other key external stakeholders, including data collection and financial reporting, and where necessary, liaise with other teams to provide the same

Competencies & Experience:

• 2-4 years’ investment and industry experience in project development, investment and/or project finance in the power sector within: a utility/concessions company, project finance/infrastructure departure of an international investment bank, infrastructure department in a Development Finance institution, the infrastructure / PPP department of a transaction/financial advisory firm or an infrastructure private equity fund with exposure to early/mid-stage project development
• Project management experience
• Solid understanding of concession agreements, PPA, EPC, O&M contracts
• Demonstrated understanding of project and concession financing and policy issues
• Demonstrated track record of closing transactions
• Awareness of the latest trends and developments in financing infrastructure
• Strong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa-focused career
• Strong understanding of the power sector
• Strong understanding of PPP project structuring and project finance
• Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively and identify potential business partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluent in French is a plus
• Interest in PowerGen’s mission, strategy & Values
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with investors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plus
• Prior knowledge of African infrastructure and relationships in Africa are a strong plus
• Qualities: Integrity, self-starter, curious,high initiative and bias toward action, positive attitude

Purpose / Overview

The Financial Accountant is responsible for processing of accounting transactions, preparation of reconciliation and supporting schedules that provide confidence that the Kenya balance sheet is accurate and collaborative improvement of inefficient finance and business system team process improvement.

The Finance team will ensure that we use our technical competence to help PowerGen achieve its vision of becoming the leading renewable energy utility in Africa, profitably. 

Our team supports the vision by processing transactions within the agreed due dates, we maintain up-to-date reconciliations and schedules, we review our balance sheet accounts every month to ensure it is accurate, we achieve unqualified audit opinions and we continually improve our processes to make them more efficient so that we spend less time processing transactions and more time on analysis and growth opportunities. We continuously review and improve our internal controls i.e our mechanisms and procedures to ensure PowerGen is operating effectively and efficiently, has reliable financial reporting and is compliant with company policies, government laws and regulations.

Activities:

Accounting, Reporting & Auditing: 

• Maintain, in conjunction with the Finance Manager, the monthly cash flow forecast file for the company to ensure that cash is available for operations for at least 12 months 
• Ensure that strong internal controls exist and are followed over the company's cash, inventory and fixed assets. Internal controls include but are not limited to preparing reconciliations between the amounts held on mobile money vs amounts on the general ledger, preparing and reviewing with the financial controller monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, verifying the reconciliation between physical Inventory and ERP inventory values and ensuring the Fixed asset register is accurate
• Ensure to obtain a finance scorecard score of at least 90% each month
• Post all Kenya and Germany transactions in the ERP by the 5th of every month recommending further courses of action
• Process Kenya payments and work with the finance and supply chain teams to improve controls around the procure to pay process
• Recognition of revenue generated from electricity sales and other sources in accordance with IFRS
• Every month report on the Kenya electricity revenue assurance performance of the Kenya business i.e comparison between electricity paid for versus electricity delivered, circulate the report to the CFO, COO, Chief of utility operations and Financial Controller by the 10th of every month
• Maintaining fixed assets register ensuring that assets are properly recognized and depreciation calculated appropriately
• Ensure intercompany accounts between Kenya and the other entities reconcile on a monthly basis
• Manage the Kenya Audit and ensure we obtain an unqualified opinion by the agreed due dates
• Implement the Management letter recommendations as advised by the External Auditors

Tax & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and Verify that tax filings VAT, PAYE, withholding taxes, NSSF and NHIF calculations, corporate income tax are accurate and are filed before the statutory due dates
• Ensure tax compliance with the relevant regulators and become an expert in local tax law to ensure optimal planning
• Serve as lead liaison with KRA
• Ensure Kenya business is  compliant with regulatory filings such as the corporate annual return and ensuring all investment through share capital is properly registered at the registrar of companies

Analysis and Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in areas of responsibility
• Collaborate on working groups and committees as requested
• Conduct reviews and evaluation for cost-reduction opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a progressively advanced accountant
• CPA

Competencies:

•  Working capital management
•  Grant Reporting 
•  Financial statement analysis
• External audit management
•  Cashflow management & forecasting
• Balance sheet reconciliation
• Cost accounting
• Tax & regulatory knowledge