Operations Manager at ENGIE Energy Access

ENGIE Energy Access is the leading Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) and mini-grids solutions provider in Africa. The company develops innovative, off-grid solar solutions for homes, public services and businesses, enabling customers and distribution partners access to clean, affordable energy. The PAYGO solar home systems are financed through affordable instalments from $0.19 per day and the mini-grids foster economic development by enabling electrical productive use and triggering business opportunities for entrepreneurs in rural communities. With over 1,800 employees, operations in nine countries across Africa (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), over 1.9 million customers and more than 9 million lives impacted so far, ENGIE Energy Access aims to impact 20 million lives across Africa by 2025.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Operations Manager

Requisition ID: 13668
Location: Abuja, Nigeria with national business trips
Job Grade: HL 16
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 operational 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:

• Structure and manage the operations 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:

• 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.
• Analyse 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 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
• Managed the utilization of other energy sources

Required Skills & Experience

• Hold a Bachelor'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
• Have at least 5 years’ experience in power systems operations and maintenance
• 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 – French is an added advantage
• 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

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.