Remote Renewable Energy Project Developer

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement savings options

Remote-friendly culture

Bonus structure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Renewable Energy Project Developer to join a fully remote team in South Africa. You will identify opportunities, assess feasibility, secure land rights, permits, and PPAs, while coordinating with engineering, finance, and legal teams.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in renewable energy development and strong knowledge of SA regulations, with excellent negotiation and communication skills. Travel may be required for site visits and meetings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of renewable energy project development experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the South African renewable energy market and regulations.
• Experience with land acquisition, permitting, and PPA negotiation.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Willingness to travel domestically for site visits and meetings.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for renewable energy projects (solar, wind).
• Conduct initial feasibility studies, including resource assessment and grid connection feasibility.
• Secure land rights through leases or acquisitions.
• Manage the permitting process with local and national authorities.
• Develop and negotiate PPAs and other key project contracts.
• Build relationships with landowners, communities, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with engineering, finance, and legal teams throughout development.
• Develop project pro‑formas and assist with securing project financing.
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and incentive programs.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Law, or a related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and experienced Renewable Energy Project Developer to join their fully remote team. This critical role involves identifying, evaluating, and securing new opportunities for renewable energy projects, primarily focusing on solar and wind energy across South Africa . You will be responsible for the entire project development cycle, from initial site identification and feasibility assessment to securing land rights, permits, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the renewable energy landscape, project finance, and stakeholder engagement. As a remote-first position, you will have the flexibility to work from anywhere within the country, requiring strong self-management skills and excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with a geographically dispersed team and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate potential sites for renewable energy projects (solar, wind).
• Conduct initial feasibility studies, including resource assessment, grid connection feasibility, and environmental screening.
• Secure land rights through leases or acquisitions.
• Manage the permitting process with local and national authorities.
• Develop and negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other key project contracts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landowners, communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, finance, and legal teams throughout the development process.
• Develop project pro-formas and assist with securing project financing.
• Stay informed about market trends, regulatory changes, and incentive programs affecting renewable energy development.
• Represent the company in industry forums and public consultations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a strong track record of successfully bringing projects to financial close.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African renewable energy market, including regulations, policies, and key players.
• Experience with land acquisition, permitting, and PPA negotiation.
• Strong understanding of project finance principles for renewable energy projects.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet strict deadlines in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools for project management and analysis.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required for site visits and meetings.
• Proven ability to build consensus and manage diverse stakeholder interests.

Benefits

• This remote role offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Our client provides comprehensive health benefits and retirement savings options.
• This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy in South Africa and to work with a dynamic, forward-thinking company from the convenience of your home office.
• We foster a collaborative and supportive remote work culture.