Site Validator 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: Site Validator

Location: Oyo
Job Type: Full time

About the Job

• The Site Validator will be responsible for collecting and conducting thorough assessments of potential locations for our solar hub/shop projects in rural or remote communities.
• This role involves evaluating sites based on specific approval criteria and providing detailed reports to ensure the successful deployment of our company’s energy solutions.
• The ideal candidate should have an understanding of the challenges surrounding electrification in remote areas and the ability to assess physical, social, and technical factors that can impact the feasibility of solar installation and operations.

Responsibilities
Site Assessment and Validation:

• Work closely with the QA Expansion/Growth Lead to create a pool of potential sites/communities within the region/country that would fit well with the products and services offered by our company.
• Gather information on any ongoing and upcoming electrification projects that may potentially affect our business operations in any respective community/state/region.
• Conduct on-site visits to assess potential locations and collect data based on our set approval standards.
• Identify suitable land or shop for our hub or shop installation, ensuring there is adequate space and structural suitability.

Community Engagement:

• Engage with local leaders, community members, and stakeholders to understand local needs, expectations, and potential support for our solar projects.
• Facilitate discussions around the benefits of solar energy to ensure community buy-in.

Data Collection And Reporting:

• Collect and document site-specific data, including GPS coordinates, photographs, community demographics, and infrastructure details.
• Generate detailed site validation reports, highlighting strengths and weaknesses of potential sites for solar installations.
• Recommend potential improvements or considerations for sites that do not meet all criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Rural Sociology, Rural Development or any other relevant discipline
• Minimum of 1- 2 years Experience in fieldwork or site evaluation
• Knowledge of rural or remote community needs, especially regarding energy access challenges.
• Ability to collect data and produce clear, concise reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with local communities and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of mapping tools, and data collection technologies.
• Ability to work independently and travel frequently to remote locations.

Must have skills:

• Communication
• Rural Sociology
• Stakeholders Management
• Negotiation

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.