Junior Project Developer - Renewable Energy

Energy Vault; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Energy Vault is seeking a Junior Project Developer to join their dynamic development team in Johannesburg. This role involves working on renewable energy projects across Southern Africa, handling site evaluations, compliance, and cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and possess at least 18 months of experience in environmental consulting or renewable energy development.

Qualifications

• Driver’s licence required.
• At least 18 months' experience in related fields.

Responsibilities

• Research and shortlist greenfield locations for projects.
• Coordinate environmental authorizations and manage compliance.
• Liaise with cross-functional teams for project support.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Eagerness to Learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Introduction

Join a dynamic development team at a leading African Independent Power Producer (IPP) focused on utility-scale and private renewable energy projects. In this Junior Project Developer role, you’ll gain hands-on experience taking solar, wind, and battery energy storage projects from initial concept through to financial close and into the construction phase. Based in Johannesburg, you will support projects across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Site Identification & Evaluation: Research and shortlist promising greenfield locations or acquisition targets; perform desktop analyses and field visits to assess feasibility.

• Permitting & Compliance: Coordinate environmental authorizations, manage consultants, review EIA and specialist reports, and ensure all statutory requirements are met for construction readiness.

• Land Agreements: Negotiate option agreements and lease terms with landowners; secure land rights aligned with project timelines.

• Development Planning: Prepare and monitor project development schedules and budgets; maintain trackers for permits, milestones, and deliverables.

• Due Diligence: Conduct environmental and legal compliance checks on operational projects under consideration for acquisition.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with business development, technical, and finance teams to support tender submissions and client proposals.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and sustain relationships with landowners, community representatives, municipal authorities, and regulatory bodies.

• Risk Management: Identify project risks related to land tenure, permitting delays, and technical inputs; develop mitigation strategies.

• Industry Networking: Represent the company at sector events and build a professional network across the Southern African region.

• Field Work: Undertake site visits throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Eswatini to validate project assumptions and progress.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Valid driver’s licence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Engineering, or a related discipline.

• At least 18 months’ experience in environmental consulting, renewable energy development, or spatial planning.

• Familiarity with South African environmental legislation, permitting processes, and land-use contracts.

• Experience preparing Environmental and Social Action Plans for renewable energy projects.

• Knowledge of Equator Principles and IFC performance standards is an advantage, but not required.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work collaboratively and take ownership of assigned tasks.

• Eagerness to learn from colleagues and industry experts.

• Willingness to travel frequently within the SADC region.

Interested?