EPC Project Manager at Jaza Energy

Jaza is a solar energy start-up working to power Sub-Saharan Africa. We build solar-powered shops which charge batteries customers use to power their homes. In 2022, we achieved over 1.5 million battery swaps, providing approximately 186,000 people access to clean, affordable energy. We employ women from each community (known as Jaza Stars) to run the service, empowering our team to become leaders, entrepreneurs and drivers of economic growth within their communities. We’ve already successfully entered the Nigerian market, piloted several sites here and will grow to hundreds of locations over the next year. To support this expansion, we’re planning to hire over 200 people over the next 6 months.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: EPC Project Manager

Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time

Position Overview

• To support this rapid expansion, we’re seeking an exceptional leader in EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Project Management. As the EPC Project Manager, your primary role is to lead the expansion phase of Jaza's operations. You will be working with all 3rd party contractors to build our hubs in rural or semi-urban locations around the South-West region of Nigeria.
• This is an in-person role with a preference for candidates based in Lagos or Ibadan.
• This role may require frequent travel within Nigeria, as Jaza is expanding across the South-West states, with 21 hubs currently located in Oyo State. There will also be a need to work remotely, as this role involves collaborating with various stakeholders virtually.
• This role presents a unique opportunity to take a leadership role in managing complex EPC projects and play a crucial part in our growth. The ideal candidate is someone with strong experience in project management, contract negotiation, and relationship management, particularly in construction projects or solar installations.

Role and responsibilities

• Oversee the entire project lifecycle, from the contracting process to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget & scope.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage risks associated with underground transmission and building activities, maintaining a strategic approach to project integrity.
• Act as the primary point of contact to build and maintain strong relationships with contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. These include the Solar Installation team, Hub Managers, and other operations & maintenance teams.
• You will conduct thorough vetting processes to ensure the selection of reliable and trustworthy partners.
• Lead the contracting process with various contractors, including managing RFQs, analyzing quotes, and negotiating contracts. Work closely with legal support for contract finalization.
• Act as the main point of contact for the hub factory, overseeing quality monitoring and ensuring adherence to project specifications. You will also ensure compliance with safety regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Oversee the procurement process, to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of essential materials and services.
• Create and implement forward-thinking EPC strategies to ensure the smooth execution of solar energy and hub projects, in alignment with Jaza's expansion goals.
• Recognize, evaluate, and effectively handle project risks with foresight, taking proactive steps to reduce challenges.

Who you Are

• You have a background and/or experience in Project Management, Construction Management, Solar Installations or other related fields.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven track record of successfully leading and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills to guide and inspire a multidisciplinary team
• Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable contracts with suppliers
• Bonus points if you have a pre-existing network of pre-vetted contractors in the construction or solar industry.
• You are excited about our mission of increasing access to energy and employment for women.
• Expertise in procurement processes, contract negotiation, and vendor management
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, cost control, and financial reporting
• Adept in strategic thinking, problem-solving skills and planning skills for short-term and long-term goal-attainment
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate the dynamic nature of large-scale projects

What we Offer

• Be part of the most exciting growth phase of a company.
• Work with great teammates in an international environment. Our team is spread across the USA, Canada, China, Tanzania, and Nigeria. You’ll be interfacing with our CTO, and Director of Operations regularly.
• Gain hands-on experience. Although we are a startup, we don’t expect you to just figure it out alone. You’ll be given lots of responsibility but also lots of support to help you succeed.
• We offer health insurance coverage, paid annual vacation & sick leave, as well as airtime, data & transport allowance.

Application Closing Date
24th February, 2024.