Our client is a large successful IPP, that was successful in the first BESIPPPP (Batter Energy Storage Independent Power Producers Programme) With over 100MW of BESS to be constructed.

Main purpose of the role:

The Project CEO is responsible for the successful and efficient execution of 3 sites under their control once Financial Close is achieved up to the point of handover to Asset Management of the Project(s). Thi is a 26 month assignment.

MUST Have’s

• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.
• PMP accreditation, IoDSA, IBASA or similar registration.
• At least 15 years’ experience in a related field of engineering and project management
• As a leading member of the Project implementation team, the Project CEO needs a strong experience of conducting renewables energies projects or power generation projects, with multidisciplinary teams:
• Extensive experience in the tendering and construction of renewable energy projects using both an EPC wrap and split- contract approach. (preferable)
• Project management professional with extensive project implementation experience in excess of 10 years within the utility scale renewables project environment or power generation environment including FIDIC contract management expertise.

The role consists in conducting the day-to-day functional operations of the SPV team during the financial close, construction and implementation phase.

These functional operations will include:

• Providing Leadership and direction
• Stakeholder management with various key players
• Efficient project management
• Contract management
• Health and Safety Responsibility

The role encompasses two categories of responsibility between Financial Close the Handover to Asset Management:

1. Project Governance which relates to the obligations set out in the Project Company Shareholders Agreement and the Power Purchase Agreement, Implementation Agreement, Direct Agreement and Financing Agreements.
2. Project Execution through the Operational Structures, to ensure the obligations set out in the IPP Contract, and various Project permits and licenses are met by the project team.

The Project CEO will be accountable to the Board of Directors appointed by the Shareholders of the Project Company in relation to the full project scope as approved by the Board.

Key Responsibilities:

The Project CEO shall be responsible for the following Implementation Phase activities:

• Accountable to the Board of the Project Company for the Project’s Business Case and the realization of Project benefits.

Leadership:

• Provide the strategic leadership of the Project team in accordance with the approved investment case, Project Schedule and appropriate Project Company policies and procedures to enable the successful achievement of the Project obligations under the Project agreements.
• Provide thoughtful leadership, balanced stakeholder management and set a positive example for the implementation team within the framework of the Shareholders Agreement.

Stakeholders Management:

Responsible for primary stakeholder management in conjunction with the needs of the organizational structure by initiating and maintaining strong working relationships with:

• Sponsors,
• Relevant operating units within Eskom,
• IPP Office and
• Board of Directors,
• H&S Agent
• Local municipalities and communities.

Project Management:

• Implement the processes and guidelines set out in the Project Charter and Project Governance Plan and ensure these are adhered to by the Project team.
• Approve and ensure the implementation of a project specific Project Management Plan in terms of which the Project will be implemented.
• Monitor the Project progress in accordance with the Project schedule, ensuring that commercial operations are achieved on the Scheduled Commercial Operations Date and opportunities for Early Operating Energy are maximised.
• Ensure all works during the implementation of the Project comply with all relevant legislation, permits, licenses, financing covenants, and industry best practices.
• Implement changes in the strategic direction approved by the Board or terminate the Project if the Board agrees the business case no longer justifies the Project.
• Appoint the relevant Operational Structures to ensure the successful implementation of the Project.
• Evaluate and approve the necessary Project changes, variation requests and claims outside of the limits of the delegation authority of the Operational Structure and where necessary, seek approval from the Board prior to implementing these through the Project team.
• Ensure the satisfaction of the obligations set out in the Project agreements on behalf of the Project Company within the limits of the Project’s investment case.
• Identify, monitor, and respond to strategic, governance, investment case and implementation risks and opportunities during the implementation of the Project to limit the risk profile of the Project and optimize the return on Sponsor investment.
• Approve the key Project milestones and requirements to confirm these have been satisfied.
• Update the initial Risk Matrix and establish the Project Risk Management Plan by identifying and addressing the strategic risks associated with the Project related to the business case, political framework and financial controls.
• Provide all the relevant inputs from the Risk Matrix and Risk Management Plan to the Operational Structures for the management thereof.
• Provide decision-oriented reports on Project performance and progress to the Strategic Structures.
• Prepare Lessons Learned reports at the end of the Project.
• Effectively communicate to all stakeholders in accordance with the Delegation of Authority.
• Coordinate the SPV team, manage its budget, internal and external resources as needed.
• Regular reporting to SPV Board of Directors, and its Financial and Technical Committees, anticipate and prepare resolutions and decision making, in light of the investment criteria, to ensure the right balance between risk and profitability.
• Regular reporting to LTA’s and Lenders.

Contract Management:

• IPP contract with internal EPCco.
• PPA, DCUOSA, SBA and BQ with Eskom, as single buyer, and Grid Operator.
• CTA with Lenders
• Ensure the maintenance of valid project insurances including Contractor’s construction bonds throughout the lifespan of the IPP Contract
• Administration of relevant project agreements on behalf of the Project Company which shall include but not be limited to the Implementation Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, Direct Agreement, Self-Build Agreement (where used), Distribution/ Transmission Connection and Use of System Agreement and Construction Contracts.
• Ensure the achievement of the Economic Development Obligations in the Implementation Agreement.
• Compile routine, contractual reports to key stakeholders (Board of Directors, Lenders/ LTA, Independent Engineer, IPP Office etc).

Health, Safety and Environmental compliance responsibility:

Occupational Health and Safety Act: 16.1. appointee: As the appointed OHS Act Section 16.1 person representing the Project Company, ensure the health and safety of the environment, local communities, employees, visitors and all construction workers on the site during the Implementation Phase with the support of the Programme Manager.

Preparation of the Operation Phase:

• Implement autonomous team for the operation phase of the Project (Asset Management and O&M, in coordination with the EPC Company).
• Successful Handover of the Project to the Asset Management Team.