Apply for Technical and Operations Manager, Mini Grids at Fenix International Full Time

Fenix International, a subsidiary of ENGIE is a next-generation energy and technology company.

ENGIE Energy Access is a leading Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGo) and mini-grids solutions provider in Africa, with a mission to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy solutions and life-changing services with exceptional customer experience. The company is a result of the integration of Fenix International, ENGIE Mobisol and ENGIE PowerCorner; and 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 $0.14 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 1,700 employees, operations in nine countries across Africa (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia), over 1 million customers and more than 5 million lives impacted so far, ENGIE Energy Access (EEA) aims to remain a leading clean energy company, serving millions of customers across Africa by 2025.

Fenix International is currently seeking for application from qualified applicants to fill the vacant position in the company

Job Title: Technical and Operations Manager, Mini-Grids

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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.