Experienced Project Developer

Genesis Eco-Energy Developments; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm in Cape Town is seeking a Senior Project Developer to lead renewable energy projects, including Wind and Solar. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in project development, strong skills in negotiation and stakeholder engagement, and a background in environmental sciences or engineering. This role requires fluent English and Afrikaans, as well as a commitment to delivering innovative energy solutions. Salary is negotiable based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience as a Renewable Energy Project Developer.
• Strong business/commercial acumen with knowledge of financial analysis.
• Significant professional experience in renewable energy greenfield project development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of renewable energy projects from inception to implementation.
• Engage with stakeholders and manage external relationships.
• Conduct feasibility studies and secure necessary permits.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Fluent in English

Fluent in Afrikaans

Education

Honours Degree in Engineering or Environmental Sciences

Master's Degree

PMI or PMSA Certification

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

We're looking for experienced project development and implementation professionals to join our Cape Town team.

Position: Senior Project Developer

Reporting: direct report to the Head of Project Development

Location: Cape Town, In-office. Travel will be a key requirement of the position

Salary: Negotiable, based on experience and qualifications

Type of employment: Permanent. Genesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Starting Date: Immediate or as negotiated

Position Level: Experienced Hire; Mid Career Professional

Closing Date for applications: 15th March 2026

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Developer to lead the development of renewable energy projects, including Wind, Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid greenfield projects. Your primary responsibility you will the delivery of projects from inception through permitting to project implementation (on time and on budget). As a seasoned and experienced member of the development team, with a track record of delivery, you know what it takes to get a project from greenfields through to fully permitted state. You should be comfortable to take the project through commercialisation and on to full implementation (construction and operation), if required to do so.

You are innovative and able to develop solutions that address client needs as the market changes and evolves in South Africa.

This role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and risk management to bring projects to commercial and financial close.

Who this if for:

This role is best suited for individuals who:

• Prefer environments that are non repetitive, are fast paced, flexible and highly adaptable;
• Are independent and can work under minimal supervision whilst being a team player;
• Are driven and who take on responsibilities while respecting authority;
• Take accountability for outcomes;
• Are primarily motivated by their meaningful contribution instead of a title focused on personal gain.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, originate, negotiate and secure new renewable energy projects (all land rights).
• Conduct a suite of desktop analyses (including environmental), site visits, and negotiate land lease agreements for the site and grid.
• Well versed in conducting project feasibility studies and motivating projects to senior management and investment teams.
• Secure permits, consents, licenses, and authorisations from relevant authorities and stakeholders for greenfield projects.
• Strong experience in conducting resource assessment campaigns through to preliminary site yield assessments and design, incorporating storage solutions, using various software packages as required. This will include working with various service providers to provide certain of these services.
• Strong technical knowledge of grid connection requirements, managing Eskom Cost Estimate Letter and Budget Quote applications and liaising with grid operators and the Eskom IPP Grid Access Unit and other key Eskom and local Government electricity authorities.
• Manage commercial negotiations for agreements (land, servitudes, environmental, grid connections).
• Compile, manage and oversee development controls, budgets and consultant costs.
• Compile proposals, evaluate, appoint and manage external consultants and service providers.
• Engage with stakeholders, including landowners, government departments and affected parties.
• Manage negotiations with prospective development partners and assume responsibility for external stakeholder relationships.
• Manage and coordinate the development teams involved in the structuring/financial closing phase, including internal resources, consultants, development partners and external advisors.
• Implement risk mitigation strategies for permitting and licensing.
• Coordinate due diligence for multiple projects and establish development plans.
• Support and/ or lead bid submissions for REIPPPP and private off-taker RFPs.
• Assist and support during commercial close and financial close and ensure compliance with international standards if required e.g. IFC Performance Standards. Having taken projects through to financial close is an advantage.
• Undertake market reviews, analysing regulatory developments, issues and policy support for utility-scale renewable energy projects and contribute to the development of project development strategies.
• Mentor junior developers and employees and foster strong teamwork and external relationships.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• BTech, BSc in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical), BCom, or any relevant bachelor’s degree. Master’s Degree is an advantage. A recognised qualification in business studies, project management (with a focus on renewable energy projects) or finance will be an added advantage.
• ECSA registration or in-process registration or other associated professional body registration is an advantage.
• PMI or PMSA Certification is a distinct advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years as a Renewable Energy Project Developer in South Africa. Candidates with a strong background in Town and Regional planning will be considered.

Technical:

• Significant professional experience with renewable energy greenfield project development in emerging markets ideally with a renewable energy developer/ IPP. Wind development experience will be an advantage
• Project management, negotiation, and contract management skills
• Knowledge of South African rural context, environmental law, and energy landscape
• Strong business/commercial acumen with knowledge of business fundamentals and financial analysis
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with closing complex transactions, deal structuring and project finance
• Working knowledge and understanding of power purchase agreements, interconnection agreements, permitting requirements and EPC contract terms and conditions is preferable, but not required
• Understanding of electricity markets and in particular renewable energy
• Language: fluent in at least 2 South African languages. Stong fluency (written and spoken) in English and Afrikaans highly advantageous.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)

Behavioural:

• Strong interpersonal skills and influencing skills to provide direction and to influence without direct authority
• Strong feedback and leadership skills to develop and coach others
• Alignment with Genesis Eco-Energy Developments’ values which includes:
• Integrity: strong ethical and professional conduct including honesty, transparency, confidentiality and high standards to deliver the best
• Results driven: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, prioritisation, works under pressure and independently
• Innovative: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, takes initiative and adjust fast
• Team Player: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, listen and can compromise, has a can-do attitude.

Qualifications

• Honours Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) or Environmental Sciences. Master’s Degree is an advantage. A recognised qualification in business studies, project management (with a focus on renewable energy projects) or finance will be an added advantage.
• Registration or in-process registration with ECSA or other associated professional bodies is required.
• PMI or PMSA Certification is a distinct advantage and will be required if you are not already registered.

For a confidential introductory discussion, please email your CV and a covering letter, or request a full job spec: careers[at]genesis-eco.com.

• Genesis Eco-Energy reserves the right not to make an appointment if candidate is not available or suited to the position.