Renewable Energy Systems Engineer

Project: Empower Southern Africa (ESA) Program
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Type of employment: Fixed Term Contract
Closing date: 27 September 2024

Chemonics seeks a Renewable Energy Systems Engineer for the USAID Empower Southern Africa (ESA) project. ESA is a 5-year regional program that covers South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros and Sao Tome and Principe. The primary purpose of the ESA program is to increase the availability of access to, and use of affordable, reliable, sustainable and clean energy in Southern Africa in order to reach measurable development outcomes. Measurable development outcomes include economic growth, reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and increasing inclusive access to electricity-enabled services in such areas as health, education, sanitation, and food security. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people and communities around the world.

Responsibilities:
• Reviewing and commenting on feasibility studies and impact assessments for new renewable energy projects (hydropower, solar, wind, etc.) to evaluate the impact of renewable projects on the grid.
• Act as a technical specialist and technical project manager to provide technical assistance to counterparts, in close collaboration with other team members.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of activities in the field of renewable energy.
• Participate in short-term assignments in the region as technical specialist or project coordinator on program activities.
• Supervise short-term consultants both on the project management aspect and budget allocations.
• Design and implement activities related to renewable energy to bring renewable energy projects online in accordance with ESA goals.
• Support the development and maintenance of grid connection standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Reviewing of project financial analysis and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) calculations from various projects.
• Support counterparts to develop requests for proposals by identifying leading practices for terms of reference that encourage the participation of private project developers.
• Stay current with industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in grid engineering and renewable energy.
• Using engineering leading practices, provide advisory support to counterparts as they analyze engineering-related components of project proposal.
• Foster strong relationships with utility companies, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the Empower Southern Africa Program at industry conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Prepare and present technical reports, proposals, and presentations to stakeholders.

Requirements, Qualifications, Experience and Competencies:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a related field.
• 5- 10 years of professional experience in the implementation of projects related to the generation, transmission or distribution of electricity.
• Technical knowledge of renewable energy (Solar PV, wind and hydropower) equipment, technologies and construction methods advantageous.
• English is the working language but knowledge of French and Portuguese advantageous.
• Professional Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) or other relevant registration depending on country of origin of applicant.
• Design and project development experience in renewable energy projects working for an EPC (engineering procurement and constructions), developer or in an engineering consulting environment for large-scale projects >5MW.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of grid impact and integration assessments for renewable energy technologies.
• Proficiency in using power system simulation and design software (e.g., DIGSILENT or PSS/E (Power Systems Simulator for Engineering); PVSyst or Homer).
• Excellent project management skills, with experience in using project management tools and methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to travel within the Southern African region and internationally as required.
• Having already worked in an EPC and/or IPP (Independent Power Producer) company within the energy sector is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of energy systems, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable design principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office such as Excel, Word, Power Point and MS Project
• Excellent technical report writing, and verbal communication skills required
• Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and e-Mobility knowledge would be an advantage.
• Experience with compiling design and tender documents advantageous.
• Prior experience on a donor-funded energy sector project delivery. USAID-funded project preferred

Application Instructions:
Please send a cover letter and a curriculum vitae in PDF or word format, includes contact information and three references to esarecruitment@chemonics.com by COB 27 September 2024. Please include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email. No telephone inquiries. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.