Project Developer - Utility-Scale Renewables (Wind, Solar, BESS)

Energy Africa Recruitment; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative IPP in South Africa seeks a Development team member to drive utility-scale Renewable Energy projects in Cape Town. You will lead land acquisition, manage stakeholders, and ensure timely environmental permitting. Ideal candidates hold a related Bachelor’s degree and have 2–3 years in renewable energy project development. This role offers a dynamic environment and exposure to full project life cycles, contributing to landmark Wind, Solar, and BESS projects shaping the future of energy in South Africa.

Benefits

Opportunity to work on landmark projects

Dynamic and collaborative environment

Growth opportunities within a team

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of experience in renewable energy project development.
• Proven involvement in a utility-scale renewable project.
• Sound knowledge of South African permitting frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Scout and originate new renewable energy sites.
• Lead land acquisition processes including stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee environmental permitting and coordinate submissions.

Skills

Project tracking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, Business or similar

Job description

Introduction

A leading IPP in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape is looking to expand its Development team. This full-time, Cape Town–based role supports the origination and execution of utility-scale Wind, Solar PV, and BESS projects from early‑stage scouting to financial close. The role interfaces across technical, legal, ESG, and finance functions, and works directly with landowners, consultants, and regulators to enable commercially viable and fully permitted projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Scout and originate new renewable energy sites aligned with company strategy.
• Lead land acquisition including site visits, stakeholder engagement, lease negotiations, and servitude processes.
• Oversee environmental permitting by managing EAPs, coordinating public participation, and ensuring timely submissions to authorities.
• Support grid connection processes, including liaising with Eskom and municipalities, and coordinating technical studies.
• Manage project budgets, timelines, risk registers, and external consultants across the development lifecycle.
• Maintain project data rooms to support internal governance, audit trails, and readiness for bid submission or financial close.
• Contribute to REIPPPP and private PPA bid submissions, with a focus on Land, Environmental, and Permitting deliverables.
• Engage with communities, traditional leaders, and other Interested & Affected Parties to secure social licence and project support.

Provide regular reporting to the Head of Development and participate in strategic planning sessions.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• 2–3 years of experience in renewable energy project development in South Africa.
• Proven involvement in at least one utility-scale renewable project through development milestones (preferably to financial close).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning, Business or similar.
• Sound knowledge of South African permitting frameworks, REIPPPP structure, and Eskom grid application processes.
• Strong coordination and project tracking ability with budget oversight experience.
• Skilled in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) and comfortable managing consultants.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Willing to travel to site locations as needed.
• English fluency required; Afrikaans or another South African language advantageous.

What is on offer

• The opportunity to work on landmark Wind, Solar, and BESS projects shaping South Africa’s energy future.
• A dynamic and collaborative environment within a mission‑driven IPP.
• Exposure to the full project lifecycle and opportunity to grow within a fast‑paced team.