Lead Systems Engineer - Lodwar, Turkana

Location: Lodwar, Turkana

Type of Employment: Permanent

Brief on Client

With our focus on sustainable power generation and commercial energy distribution, KUDURA Power East Africa Limited is a leading energy company operating in East Africa. As a Kenyan licensed minigrid developer/operator, we serve 1,000’s of rural electricity consumers in Busia and Turkana Counties through our renewable energy minigrids. We are scaling up to serve 10,000’s in Kenya and other Sub-Saharan countries over the next 3 years. We are an equal opportunity employer, value diversity at our company and do not discriminate on any basis whatsoever – in fact, we encourage applications from female candidates. We are a dynamic and culturally diverse team and keen on keeping it that way in a workplace that is casual, upbeat and hard working. We place emphasis on customer satisfaction and promoting from within. We are looking for results-oriented individuals who exhibit resilience and a long-term commitment to achieving our vision.

Role Summary

As a Lead Systems Engineer reporting to the County Business Manager, you will be a key member of our operations leadership team, playing a pivotal role in the design, implementation, and optimization of our minigrid systems. Your responsibilities will encompass overseeing systems management, operations, and maintenance to ensure the seamless functioning of our renewable energy solutions. Your technical expertise will be instrumental in managing the functionality and security of our solar energy and distribution assets, contributing to the company’s mission of providing reliable power to off-grid communities.

Responsibilities

Systems Management, Operations, and Maintenance:

● Oversee the systems management, operations, and maintenance of minigrid projects, ensuring the seamless functioning of renewable energy solutions.

● Develop and implement robust processes for day-to-day operations and maintenance, optimizing system performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish efficient operations, encompassing aspects such as solar PV, battery storage, and smart grid solutions.

● Lead efforts to enhance the lifecycle management of minigrid systems, including preventive and corrective maintenance strategies.

Technical Leadership:

● Provide technical guidance and leadership to a team of systems engineers, ensuring alignment with project goals and industry best practices.

● Mentor team members, fostering a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and continuous learning.

Project Management:

● Oversee the execution of minigrid projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

● Collaborate with project managers to identify and mitigate risks, making informed decisions to optimize project outcomes.

Optimization and Performance Monitoring:

● Implement continuous improvement processes for minigrid systems, conducting regular performance assessments and identifying opportunities for enhancement.

● Develop and implement monitoring systems to track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring optimal operation and addressing issues proactively.

Regulatory Compliance:

● Ensure that minigrid systems comply with local and international regulatory requirements and participate in regulatory engagements as needed.

● Manage and prepare EPRA reports as well as other required stakeholder reporting, ensuring compliance with all reporting obligations.

Collaboration and Communication:

● Foster effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and field technicians.

● Engage with external stakeholders, such as government agencies and community representatives, to build positive relationships and facilitate project success.

Technical Support and Issue Resolution:

● Coordinate technical support, issue resolution, and technical operations and maintenance at minigrid sites in Turkana County in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

● Collaborate with the Director–Technology to resolve Level 3 issues as deemed necessary, leveraging technical expertise and knowledge.

Leadership and Organizational Development:

● Lead the engineering team by example, demonstrating integrity and honesty, with a focus on broader organizational development and improved customer service.

Tools and Equipment Management:

● Take charge of tools and equipment, maintaining a corresponding register to ensure due diligence in tracking and looking after company equipment and vehicles.

Adherence to Company Policy and Standards:

● Implement and reinforce best practices within the engineering team to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field.

● Minimum T3 EPRA license is required; a preference for candidates with A1- to C2 EPRA licenses and/or EBK Engineer’s registration.

● Proven experience 3 years in the implementation, operations, maintenance and management of

● mini-grid systems, with a focus on renewable energy sources and energy storage, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of solar PV technologies and off-grid energy solutions.

● Demonstrated experience in technology optimization and performance monitoring, with a focus on continuous improvement and familiarity with monitoring and control systems for minigrids and proficiency in relevant software tools.

● Advanced level of reporting skills, with the ability to analyze and present technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

● Strong project management skills, with a track record of successfully delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

● In-depth knowledge of relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in the renewable energy and minigrid sector, with a focus on compliance and adherence to licensing requirements.

● Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner. Proven ability to engage with external stakeholders, including government agencies, regulatory bodies, and community representatives.

● Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

● A strong commitment to sustainability and a passion for contributing to global energy access through renewable energy solutions.

Why Join KUDURA Power?

Joining KUDURA Power East Africa Limited as CBM Turkana offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to electrifying rural Kenya, exceeding SDG7 goals and making a positive impact on East Africa’s energy sector. You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to driving performance excellence in the minigrid sector, achieving financial sustainability and exceeding the company’s regional goals. We believe that diversity (of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, personality type, perspective, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different) enriches innovation and our competitiveness in the market. We strive to ensure diverse perspectives inform critical decisions, and we actively work towards ensuring all employees feel like they belong. We also know that sustaining an inclusive workplace requires conscious effort and is a continuous journey, not an end state. KUDURA Power East Africa Ltd recruits, employs, trains, compensates and promotes individuals based on experiences and demonstrated job performance, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, HIV/AIDS status, disability, or any other protected characteristics as established by law.