Technical and Operations Manager, Mini-Grids at Fenix International

Location: Abuja, with national business trips
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 technical 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 technical 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:

• Make the preliminary diagnosis and the qualification of the considered site (s)
• 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.
• Analyze 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 construction phase:

• Ensure the monitoring of projects (Cost, Quality, Deadlines) in support of the construction teams and / or the EPC contractor
• Follow quotes and invoicing in connection with our projects
• Ensure the delivery and supply of materials upstream of the start of work
• Ensure the proper execution of the works in compliance with the HSSE rules of the ENGIE Group and the quality procedures in force
• Manage mini-grid construction teams
• Prepare the documents for the reception of the mini-grids
• Perform site acceptance at the end of the works and ensure that the O&M teams are well trained for the maintenance of all equipment

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

Required Skills & Experience

• Hold a Master'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
• 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
• 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.