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SA - Development Associate

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid & Senior Level
  • Construction & Surveying
    Engineering
  • Cape Town
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You must have a relevant degree, 3-5 years in renewable project management (wind/solar preferred), strong communication skills, conversational Afrikaans, and proficiency in Microsoft and GIS software.
  • You will manage project components, liaise with stakeholders, oversee budgets, support team tasks, ensure compliance and quality, assist with site visits, and handle documentation and community engagement.

Requirements

  • What we require:
  • Educational background in Science, Environmental, Planning Related Disciplines, Engineering (note however that the role does not include detailed engineering design work), or Renewable Energy.
  • Minimum of 3 to 5 years experience in project identification, development and management is required. Wind and solar PV experience preferred.
  • Relevant knowledge of and experience in the renewable industry (specifically wind and solar photovoltaic) will be an advantage.
  • Driver's license
  • Candidates should:
  • Have excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills and be comfortable presenting to management at all levels.
  • Be able to liaise with all project stakeholders, many of whom are Afrikaans speaking.
  • Conversational Afrikaans is required
  • Ability to use Microsoft software packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint is essential and ability to use specialist software packages e.g., GIS, MS Project, SharePoint is an advantage.
  • Well-organized, self-motivated, punctual, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, respectful, have high integrity and confident.
  • Ability and willingness to work effectively in a team environment and also independently.
  • Ability and willingness to travel.
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritise, and meet reporting deadlines.
  • A "can-do" attitude that demonstrates hands-on accountability for their work and good team player.
  • Able to think conceptually, strategically, critically and creatively.
  • Able to anticipate problems, effectively seek out pertinent information which identifies the cause(s) of a problem and select the correct solution.
  • Able to maintain the respect and confidence of team members and have a courteous and helpful manner.

Responsibilities

  • Manage specific aspects of a project independently, with oversight from senior development executives.
  • Independently apply technical solutions to development challenges.
  • Liaise with external stakeholders on specific aspects of the project.
  • Develop budgets for smaller projects or project components, support senior development executives in larger financial planning.
  • Manage junior team members, assign tasks and ensure quality of work within their project scope.
  • Ensure smaller project components meet milestones on time and within budget.
  • Independently identify project risks and propose mitigation strategies for smaller projects.
  • Propose process improvement based on project learnings and suggest ways to increase efficiency or reduce costs.
  • Independently manage smaller contracts, review terms and ensure compliance with contracts, reviews terms and ensure compliance with contract requirements for midscale projects.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with the management of various projects and project related activities.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team in preparing projects for government and private project bidding efforts, ensuring accurate documentation, filing of documents etc.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with drafting proposals for specialised services, appointment and management of specialists.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team in documenting and administering all project related information, as required.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team in preparing required documentation to engage Eskom (for example, Cost Estimate Letters) in securing grid access.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with internal and external Stakeholder engagements and management.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with general database and SharePoint management and updates.
  • Follow all Mainstream health and safety (H&S) procedures, including the development and maintenance of Development Projects H&S Plans.
  • Assist the Development Team with site selection using new opportunities. These can include both greenfield and brownfield sites.
  • Undertake site visits for greenfields/brownfields opportunities and existing pipeline projects as and when may be required.
  • Independently manage and assist with the management of specialists and the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
  • Review and analyse specialist reports, environmental impact assessments, management plans etc. and legislation interpretation.
  • Independently liaise with the Engineering Team, participate in workshops and review indicative engineering layouts.
  • Review of preliminary engineering, geotechnical, traffic, transportation and hydrogeology studies amongst others that may be required.
  • Provide input to the Energy Analysts, Engineering and, Geographic Information System (GIS), teams with layout design considering environmental and other permitting constraints.
  • Manage and provide assistance with the preparation, submission of various permitting, consent and authorisation applications and follow-up on the status of the applications.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with due diligence, site visits, asset reviews, project sheet reporting and project status updates.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team with travel logistics, safety equipment and accommodation planning and management.
  • Interdepartmental liaison and liaison with various competent authorities.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team in arranging landowner meetings; design and issue landowner newsletters; gain familiarity with the full land agreement processes and all involved parties, including land agents, landowners, Mainstream employees, local recording offices, etc.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development and Energy Analysis Group (EAG) Team with the management of met mast and solar station installations including external service providers.
  • Manage and provide assistance with the development and management of project budgets; invoice management and purchase order/request creation and management).
  • Assist the Development Team to ensure projects remain within budget.
  • Manage and provide assistance with general document labelling in line with document naming convention.
  • Manage and provide assistance with the management and upload of Development Team project documents onto SharePoint.
  • Provide inputs regarding suggestions for system improvements.
  • Carrying out other related tasks as and when required.
  • Manage and provide assistance to the Development Team in EIA public participation processes as well as community engagements.
  • Participation in Mainstream public and community outreach programmes.
  • Be involved in relevant industry bodies’ committees and initiatives.

FAQs

What is the main responsibility of the Development Associate?

The Development Associate will assist the Development Team with completing the project development lifecycle from project inception to the start of construction, primarily focusing on wind and solar photovoltaic projects.

What previous experience is required for this role?

A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in project identification, development, and management is required, with a preference for experience in wind and solar PV projects.

Is a specific educational background needed for this position?

Yes, candidates should have an educational background in Science, Environmental, Planning Related Disciplines, Engineering, or Renewable Energy.

What language skills are required for the Development Associate role?

Conversational Afrikaans is required, as the role involves liaising with stakeholders who may predominantly speak Afrikaans.

What tools and software proficiency is expected from candidates?

Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft software packages such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with specialist software packages like GIS, MS Project, and SharePoint is an advantage.

What kind of projects will the Development Associate manage?

The Development Associate will manage various aspects of wind and solar photovoltaic projects, including environmental studies, permitting, stakeholder engagement, and more.

Does the role include travel requirements?

Yes, the Development Associate should have the ability and willingness to travel as required throughout the project lifecycle.

How does the company support career development?

The company offers excellent training, opportunities for career progression, and access to a self-paced online learning portal for micro-courses across various skills.

What is the work environment like for this position?

The work environment is dynamic and entrepreneurial, with a hybrid working arrangement that includes opportunities to work from home.

Are there any health and safety responsibilities associated with this role?

Yes, the Development Associate is expected to follow all Mainstream health and safety procedures, including the development and maintenance of Health & Safety Plans for Development Projects.

A world electrified by renewable energy.

Energy
Industry
201-500
Employees
2008
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Mainstream Renewable Power is a global company that specialises in the development, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects, with a focus on wind and solar power. The company works to create large-scale renewable energy infrastructure that supports the transition to a sustainable energy future. Mainstream Renewable Power's ultimate mission is to accelerate the shift towards clean energy by delivering high-impact projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability. Their purpose is to drive the global transition to renewable energy, helping to combat climate change and ensure a sustainable and resilient energy system for future generations.