Background
The Ministry of Energy and Meteorology is implementing the “Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project” (LREEAP) funded by the Government of Lesotho (GoL) and the World Bank (WB). The objective of the project is to increase energy access in rural and peri-urban areas of Lesotho.
The project comprises three components: Grid Extension to Industrial Zones and Peri-urban areas of Lesotho; Rural electrification by mini-grids; and Technical Assistance to support project implementation. The LREEAP hereby invites applications from eligible candidates for the following positions:
A. MINI-GRIDS MANAGER
Reporting to the Project Coordinator, the Mini-grids Manager will have the overall responsibility to oversee the successful implementation, control and evaluation of the project within approved frameworks.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Mini-grids Manager will be undertaking the following roles and responsibilities regarding rural electrification by mini grids:
i. Liaise with all members of technical teams to ensure a common appreciation of extend of design and construction work; to ensure that mitigation measure contained in ESIA studies are accommodated in all phases of the design and construction processes.
ii. Review design parameters and design reports including technical drawings submitted for approval and acceptance of blueprint for construction implementation.
iii. Preparation of mini-grid bidding documents, utilizing standard documentation approved by the World Bank, including commercial sections, general and special conditions of contract and all information required by Bidders.
iv. Review and approve Contractor’s program for design, manufacturing, erection, testing and completion.
v. Attend project technical and progress site meetings and monitoring of the works throughout the implementation period.
vi. Review technical specification, due diligence of the implementation schedule, bill of quantity and cost estimates for mini-grids.
vii. Provide Contract Supervision throughout the implementation period.
viii. Attend and approve factory acceptance tests for the main equipment where required.
ix. Perform final inspection and advise Employer regarding take-over.
x. During the defects liability period, assist the Employer on request with the follow-up of contractual issues.
xi. Ensure timely implementation/deployment of mini-grids.
xii. Ensuring proper land acquisition ensues for the construction of mini-grid sites.
xiii. Verify resource data for planned mini-grids systems and assess energy demand including demand for productive end-users of the subprojects.
xiv. Review project design and project construction schedule proposed by mini-grids contractors.
xv. Conduct sites visits to mini-grids subprojects in order to do post installation M&E support.
xvi. Coordination with Lesotho Energy and Water Authority (LEWA) to provide license exemptions to successful mini-grid developers.
Work in close cooperation with other programs (Electrification Master Plan) to ensure team work and coordination.
Qualification and Experience
• The ideal candidate shall be in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Construction Management, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or any other relevant discipline. A qualification in Project Management will be an added advantage.
• The candidate should also possess a minimum of ten (10) years’ relevant post qualification experience, five (5) years of which should have been in a senior Management position. The candidate must have a demonstrable record and experience as a Mini-grids Manager in the construction or electrical environments.
Other Requirements and Competencies
i. Management professional with strong project management acumen; prior project management experience with financial responsibility.
ii. Aligned to World Bank and Government of Lesotho principles and values, as well as to promoting international development and reform in a conflict environment.
iii. Working knowledge in public and/or private sector and expertise in handling contract issues in the context of accredited Project Management bodies, policies and standards; strong ethics; service and client satisfaction oriented approach.
iv. Ability to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines, and with minimal to no direction/supervision.
v. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the capability to articulate the project’s strategic goals into sound operating plans and processes; excellent written and oral advocacy and negotiation skills; charisma necessary to effectively focus and motivate employees, clients, partners, and stakeholders.
vi. High proficiency with computers in particular MS Project, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, and the Internet. Advance knowledge of working with Internet based applications and languages; and
vii. Ability to lead and support teams in a complex multi-national, multi-cultural environment.
Reporting
The Mini-grids Manager will report to the Project Coordinator.
Location and Duration of the Assignment
The Mini-grids manager will be based in Maseru, Lesotho at the Department of Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Meteorology with frequent travel to project sites will be required for supervision of project implementation. Travel costs thereto shall be covered by the Project.
Interested candidates must email applications, CVs including certified Certificates to [email protected] cc [email protected] or hand deliver to Lower Thetsane end of Senqu Street. The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, 28th May 2021 at 12:00 noon. Please contact Procurement Specialist at +266 58044104 for further clarifications.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contracted. Female are strongly encouraged to apply