Business Development Lead -DRC

Purpose / Overview

The DRC Business Development Lead will originate, develop and close new renewable energy projects in the DRC.  The role will lead the development cycle of our power projects, including originating new projects, building financial models, generating commercial proposals, commercial and legal structuring, contracting, government and donor engagement, and closing projects. Once a project is in the implementation stage, the DRC BD Lead will support the implementation and asset management teams where necessary. 

Activities:

1. Originate and identify renewable energy projects suitable for development

2. Lead assessment of project feasibility, risks, and financial viability, in coordination with internal teams at PowerGen and external stakeholders 

   1. Detailed analysis of new business opportunities, incl. developing financial models, building a deep understanding of project returns and leverage, legal structuring, and continuous interactions with internal teams to optimize for project returns.

3. Oversee project development activities, including permitting, land acquisition, and interconnection.  Follow the Development Roadmap, incl. the required approval gates, documentation, and hand-overs

4. Coordinate with BD, engineering, HSES, legal, and finance teams to ensure successful project implementation

5. Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and local communities

6. Engage in negotiations for partnerships, project acquisitions, and joint ventures

7. Maintain project pipeline tracking and database, and provide regular updates to management on key KPIs and business development progress

8. Frequent travel as required

1. 5+ years professional experience in DRC.  Preference for prior experience in business development, power sector, or relevant field 

2. Must be a driven and collaborative self-starter with a strong work ethic and high-level of grit 

3. Ability to build relationships with clients, partners, donors, governments, and power utilities and a clear understanding of what a sales process would entail with such counterparts

4. Technical understanding of solar PV and battery systems

5. Strong in fundraising / project finance, complex solution sales, and financial and legal structuring with an ability to perform detailed analysis and translate it into financial models and pitch decks 

6. Comprehensive knowledge of project management practices including, scheduling, cost control, and procurement

7. Strong computer skills with MS Office suite and industry-standard tools such as HOMER, PVsyst, or other modelling software

8. Passionate about transforming the power sector on the continent and providing clean, reliable and affordable power to millions of people

9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English

What Excites You:

• Intense attention to detail and managing multiple and varied work streams at the same time

• Working collaboratively with many internal teams across multiple countries and offices to drive growth and operational excellence

• A fast-paced, informal environment where constant change is the norm.

Benefits & Compensation

• Remote work

• On-the-job mentoring and learning opportunities

• Networking with experienced professionals

• Work experience for professional profile and resume

• Professional development opportunities internally and externally  Individualized career development

• Performance feedback and open-door company culture