Job Title: Technical and Operations Manager, Mini-Grids
Job Location: Abuja, with national business trips
Department: Mini-Grids
Reporting line: Head of Mini-Grids, Nigeria
Job Purpose / Mission
- The Technical and Operations Manager will play a key role in the design and operation of mini-grids, as well as in the conduct of the main technical and digital innovations essential to the success of Engie Energy Access in Nigeria. This is a unique leadership role of the Technical and Operations Team in ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria.
Key Responsibilities, Deliverables and Activities
Key Responsibilities:
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- Structure and manage the technical team: recruit and train new employees, including local technicians in adding new connections and solving technical problems on mini-grids
- Develop the budget, follow the monthly portfolio, and make end-of-month comments on the technical part
- Be responsible for the application of the HSSE (Health, Safety, Security and Environment) standards of the ENGIE Group within the company
- Provide training and awareness-raising for all the players who visit our sites, in particular employees and our subcontractors
- Evaluate the technical feasibility of new innovative products and services: understand customer needs and propose solutions
- Carry out a permanent technological watch
- Ensure the continuous improvement of tools, best practices and internal skills
Deliverables and Activities
In development phase:
- Make the preliminary diagnosis and the qualification of the considered site (s)
- Participate in carrying out mini-grid feasibility studies, in conjunction with the Headquarters Operations team: choice and sizing of PV equipment, site plans, simulation of the yield, electrical diagrams, sizing of storage systems and systems hybrids, etc.
- Analyze the technical aspect of a tender specification
- Support the development of financial model assumptions (including the costing of Capex and Opex)
- Write technical files in support of commercial offers for responses to calls for tenders
- Ensure interaction with technical stakeholders, consultation of service providers and suppliers, and draft consultation specifications
In construction phase:
- Ensure the monitoring of projects (Cost, Quality, Deadlines) in support of the construction teams and / or the EPC contractor
- Follow quotes and invoicing in connection with our projects
- Ensure the delivery and supply of materials upstream of the start of work
- Ensure the proper execution of the works in compliance with the HSSE rules of the ENGIE Group and the quality procedures in force
- Manage mini-grid construction teams
- Prepare the documents for the reception of the mini-grids
- Perform site acceptance at the end of the works and ensure that the O&M teams are well trained for the maintenance of all equipment
In Operation and Maintenance phase:
- Ensure proper functioning of mini-grids 24/7
- Be responsible for the metering platform and the maintenance of smart meters
- Establish the technical assistance strategy
- Plan and carry out preventive maintenance campaigns for sites
- Train “Local Operators” on the technical tasks that they must perform on the sites: basic maintenance of the production unit, preventive maintenance, writing of reports on problems encountered
- Ensure that mobile payment, SMS communication to customers and the internet connection of the metering system are still functional
- Ensure all sites are properly monitored, provide excellent service to our customers and are well maintained
Required Skills & Experience
- Hold a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or in another related field
- Have at least 10 years of relevant experience in electricity and / or energy efficiency, including at least 5 years in a team management position
- Be passionate about access to energy and improving the lives of rural communities
- Be passionate about clean energies (preferably solar photovoltaics and batteries)
- Be passionate about innovation and technology
- Have advanced skills in quantitative analysis and master Excel and PowerBI
- Be structured and have an eye for detail
- Be able to meet deadlines, get organized and carry out several tasks in parallel
- Have a proven ability to plan and achieve goals
- Be able to work independently and demonstrate a great sense of initiative and sense of priorities
- Have an entrepreneurial spirit and be able to work in a team
- Have strong interpersonal skills to interface with all members of the Engie Energy Access team
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Commit to upholding high standards of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality
- Demonstrate humility, honesty and flexibility.
Desired Skills & Experience:
- Have experience in the field of mini-grids
- Have experience in the development and/or operation of digital tools.