Technical Director - Hydropower Rehabilitation - Congo
(French fluency/ high level mandatory)
Are you a seasoned expert in hydropower with a passion for driving impactful projects? We have an extraordinary opportunity for a Technical Director to lead the large scale rehabilitation of a major hydroelectric power plant in northern Congo. This project is set to transform the region's energy landscape, and we're searching for a visionary leader to take charge of its technical success.
The hydroelectric power plant is located in northern Congo. It was built and commissioned in 2010 by the Congolese government. The concession for the rehabilitation and operation of this plant was awarded to our client last year 2023, following signature of the Power Purchase Agreement in June 2024.
Technical Director of this structure.
Responsible for supervising and coordinating all technical aspects of the hydroelectric plant renovation project, while ensuring continuity of operations. He/she will ensure that the work is carried out on time, on budget and to quality and safety standards.
The ideal candidate will have solid experience in the field of hydroelectric power, and a proven track record as Technical Director of a similar project in a developing country.
The successful candidate must have proven experience as a Technical Manager in the hydropower industry.
The position will be based at the Imboulou power plant site, with regular visits to Brazzaville. The Technical Manager will report directly to the General Manager of the company.
Main responsibilities
- Project management
- Supervise and coordinate all phases of the renovation project, from design to commissioning, while ensuring continuity of operations during the works.
- Draw up and monitor the general work schedule.
- Manage technical, human and material resources.
- Engineering and Design
- Work with engineering teams to define technical specifications.
- Validate feasibility studies and technical plans.
- Ensure compliance with current standards and regulations.
- Selecting and managing subcontractors and suppliers
- Validate specifications and manage tendering procedures
- Select and negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Monitor and evaluate the performance of subcontractors.
- Ensure coordination between the various project stakeholders.
- Work monitoring and control
- Ensure compliance with costs, deadlines and quality of work.
- Set up and monitor performance indicators.
- Ensure regular reporting to senior management and stakeholders.
- Safety & Environment
- Ensure compliance with safety standards on the worksite.
- Implement risk prevention plans.
- Ensure the project's environmental compliance.
- Quality Control
- Implement quality control procedures to verify that work is carried out according to specifications.
- Carry out regular inspections and quality audits.
- Risk Management
- Identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans.
- React quickly to incidents and implement corrective actions.
- Communication and Reporting
- Provide regular reports to management and stakeholders o n project progress.
- Document progress, challenges and solutions implemented.
- Stakeholder relations
- Establish a lasting relationship of trust with the customer's technical teams:
- Communicate regularly with local authorities, communities and other stakeholders.
- Organize and participate in site meetings and steering committees.
- Manage public relations and potential conflicts.
- Budget management
- Manage expenses to ensure the project stays within budget.
- Analyze budget variances and adjust financial plans if necessary.
- Commissioning
- Supervise testing and commissioning of equipment and installations.
- Ensure that systems comply with technical specifications and regulatory requirements.
- Training and Documentation
- Coordinate training for operating personnel.
- Ensure that all technical documentation is complete and properly archived.
Main requirements
- Training: Civil, electrical or hydromechanical engineer or equivalent.
- Experience :
- Minimum 10 years' experience in managing infrastructure construction projects, including at least 5 years in hydroelectric projects.
- Have participated in the construction or renovation of a hydropower plant in a developing country
- Previous expatriation to Africa desirable
- Technical skills :
- Mastery of hydroelectric plant construction techniques.
- In-depth knowledge of construction and safety standards and regulations.
- Ability to validate technical studies and engineering plans.
- Managerial skills :
- Excellent project management skills.
- Contract negotiation and management skills.
- Ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong analytical skills to identify and solve technical and organizational problems.
- Languages: Fluent in French and English.
- Personal qualities :
- Thoroughness and organizational skills.
- Natural authority and good interpersonal skills
Salary Package: 110,000 to 150,000 Euros (depending on experience)
Why You Should Apply: This role offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help shape the future of renewable energy in Africa. You'll be helping to lead a project with enormous potential, working in one of the continent's most dynamic sectors, and making a lasting impact on the local community and beyond. Plus, you'll benefit from a competitive expat package with other benefits.
Seize This Opportunity:
If you're excited by the chance to lead a landmark hydropower project in Congo and are ready to take on a new challenge with a lasting impact, we want to hear from you!
Be part of something extraordinary - apply now and help shape the future of energy in Africa!
ewi is committed to equality in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. ewi is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.