Head of Solar Project Development

Job objective:

As the Head of Solar Project Development, you will be responsible for driving growth of the business in Mauritius and the region by identifying opportunities, building relationships, and executing strategic initiatives to expand the company’s reach and achieve its objectives.

Your expertise, vision, and leadership are essential for driving innovation, revenue generation, and competitive advantage in the market place.

Key tasks & responsibilities:

#1 – Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to identify market opportunities and growth strategies in Mauritius and the region, to build project pipelines for solar project development.

#2 – Project Identification and Evaluation:

• Lead the identification and evaluation of potential solar project sites, conducting feasibility studies, site assessments, and due diligence activities to assess project viability.

#3 – Project Development:

• Oversee the development of solar energy projects from concept to execution, including negotiating and securing land rights, obtaining permits and approvals, and managing interconnection processes.

#4 – Financial Analysis:

• Conduct financial analysis, including project cost estimation, financial modeling, ROI analysis, and risk assessment to evaluate project economics and investment potential.

#5 – Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including landowners, regulatory authorities, utilities, investors, and community members, to facilitate project development and mitigate project risks.

#6 – Team Leadership:

• Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to the solar project development team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

#7 – Contract Negotiation:

• Lead negotiations for power purchase agreements (PPAs), off-take agreements, and other contracts with utility companies, corporate buyers, or other stakeholders to secure revenue streams for solar projects.

#8 – Project Management:

• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and milestones, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

#9 – Quality Assurance & HSE:

• Implement quality assurance & HSE processes and standards to ensure the delivery of high-quality solar energy projects that meet industry standards and client expectations.

#10 – Regulation and Policies:

• Stay abreast of market trends, policy developments, and regulatory changes related to renewable energy, and provide strategic insights to board of Directors for project development decisions.

#11 – Process Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project development processes, optimize costs, and streamline project delivery timelines.

#12 – Financial Focus:

While the primary focus as the Head of Solar Project Development is on the technical aspects of developing solar energy projects, understanding financial concepts is crucial to effectively manage the financial aspects of solar projects and maximize their economic benefits.

#Budgeting and Financial Planning:

• Solar projects involve significant upfront investment in equipment, installation, and infrastructure.
• Create and manage project budgets, forecast financial requirements, and ensure that costs are controlled to optimize project profitability.

#Financial Analysis:

• Assessing the financial viability of solar projects requires conducting financial analyses, such as return on investment (ROI), net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR).
  • This analysis helps determine the economic feasibility of projects and evaluate different financing options.

#Financing and Funding:

• Solar projects often rely on various financing mechanisms, such as loans, grants, tax incentives, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Understand these financing options, negotiate terms with lenders or investors, and secure funding for projects.

#Revenue Generation:

• Solar projects generate revenue through the sale of electricity, renewable energy credits (RECs), and other revenue streams.
• Understanding revenue models, pricing structures, and revenue projections is crucial for estimating project revenues and maximizing financial returns.

#Risk Management:

• Financial knowledge helps identify and mitigate financial risks associated with solar projects, such as fluctuations in energy prices, regulatory changes, and financing risks.
• Effective risk management strategies are essential for protecting project finances and ensuring project success.