Project Lead at Husk Power Systems Nigeria Limited - 2 Openings

Husk is one of the world’s leading rural energy providers. We provide low-cost and reliable power to rural households and businesses, entirely from renewable energy sources. Powering economic possibilities in every village is at the heart of everything we do.

We design, build and operate the lowest cost hybrid (solar and biomass) power plant and distribution network in India and Africa. To date, Husk has provided electricity to over 15,000 homes and business, reducing 95,000 tonnes of CO2. Our aim is to provide 30MW of power to 225,000 customers by 2025, and save 350,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Lead

Location: North East and North Central, Nigeria
Job Type: Full-time
Reports to: Head of Projects
Division / Function: Projects & Installation

Role Summary

• We are seeking a Cluster Lead, to join the growing team in Nigeria. 
• As a Cluster Lead you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the successful deployment of solar mini-grids within a designated cluster. 
• This role requires leadership, hands-on project management, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure that the installation of the mini-grids are completed effectively and efficiently. 
• The Cluster Lead will manage teams on-site, monitor project progress, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities
General:

• Play a key part as a member of the Installation Team in driving site installation targets.
• Develop and manage daily, weekly, and monthly work plans for site installation, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely delivery of tasks.
• Act as a with the project manager to report progress, highlight any issues, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure that all safety measures are strictly followed on-site, maintaining a safe working environment for all personnel.

 Project Coordination & Management:

• Oversee Multiple Installations: Manage the installation of solar mini grids across multiple sites within the cluster, ensuring all sites are built on time, within scope, and according to quality standards.
• Project Planning & Scheduling: Develop and manage detailed project plans for each site, aligning with company timelines, ensuring tasks are completed in sequence, and resources are available.
• Progress Monitoring: Regularly monitor and report on project progress, ensuring all milestones are met. This includes tracking delivery of materials, installation progress, testing, and commissioning.
• Problem-Solving: Address any installation issues or obstacles that arise on-site, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve them quickly.
• Stakeholder Communication: Act as the primary point of contact between the installation team, Project manager, and other internal stakeholders to ensure smooth project delivery.

Team Leadership & Performance:

• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and supervise the site teams and local technicians across multiple sites in the cluster. Ensure that all team members are working efficiently and safely.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure that the right resources (human and material) are deployed to each site at the right time, managing logistics and materials flow.
• Training & Development: Organize on-the-job training, ensuring the installation team has the necessary technical skills, safety knowledge, and competence.
• Performance Evaluation: Assess and evaluate the performance of the installation teams, offering constructive feedback and driving continuous improvement.
• Motivation & Morale: Maintain a positive and productive working environment, motivating team members to meet objectives while adhering to safety and quality protocols.

Quality Control & Compliance:

• Standards Compliance: Ensure all installations meet company and industry standards for safety, quality, and performance.
• Inspection & Quality Assurance: Conduct regular site inspections to ensure that work is being done according to plan and quality requirements. Verify the accuracy of installations before they are handed over for commissioning.
• Documentation: Ensure that all relevant documentation (installation records, safety checks, and commissioning reports) is properly maintained and uploaded to project systems.

Health & Safety Management:

• Safety Oversight: Enforce strict adherence to health and safety guidelines on all sites within the cluster. Ensure that all team members are properly trained on safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Incident Reporting: Immediately report any safety incidents or accidents to management and ensure that corrective actions are taken.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Daily/Weekly Reporting: Provide regular updates on project status, site progress, and resource utilization to the head of projects and other relevant stakeholders.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks to the project timeline or budget and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Site Documentation: Ensure that all site-related documentation (permits, inspections, etc.) is properly completed, stored, and accessible for audits or reporting purposes.

Budget and Cost Control:

• Budget Monitoring: Monitor and control the budget for the assigned sites in the cluster, ensuring that installations are delivered within financial constraints.
• Cost Reporting: Regularly report on budget vs. actual costs for each project site, identifying any variances and addressing them with appropriate corrective actions.

Qualifications
Required Skills & Attributes:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Project Management, or a related field. 
• Additional certifications in project management or solar energy systems are a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management or installation leadership in the renewable energy sector, specifically solar energy and mini grids.
• In-depth understanding of solar energy systems, mini-grid infrastructure, and installation techniques.
• Familiarity with electrical systems, grid connection processes, and solar power generation.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a team in a fast-paced, field-based environment.
• Strong project management skills, including scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Trello, or similar).
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve installation issues quickly and efficiently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, contractors, and senior management.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations, particularly in the context of construction and energy installations.
• Ability to travel frequently within the assigned cluster region, including remote areas.

Additional Information:
Travel:

• Frequent travel to Husk Minigrid Sites.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.