Job Description
Husk is seeking a Project Development Manager to work with its team in Nigeria with overall responsibility in the development of interconnected mini-grids and C&I power projects, overseeing the full project cycle from site identification, evaluation, and permitting to land acquisition, environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), and commercial structuring. This role requires a balance of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and commercial acumen to deliver bankable and scalable projects.
This position provides the opportunity to join a growing team that is changing the face of rural electrification in Nigeria and Asia. The ideal candidate should have a positive attitude, be a team player, believe in Husk’s values, have an inherent curiosity to find creative solutions for problem-solving and have an appetite for growth.
The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of experience in energy project development, preferably in large scale MW RE projects. He/she will coordinate cross-functional teams, engage with regulatory authorities, and ensure compliance with all permitting and legal requirements.
Key responsibilities:
Project Development & Site Preparation
- Own and drive the end-to-end development process for interconnected mini-grids and C&I projects.
- Conduct site identification, feasibility studies, and technical due diligence.
- Lead land acquisition processes, including negotiations with landowners and securing legal titles.
- Oversee Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
- Secure permits and/or approvals from relevant authorities, including NERC, TCN, DISCOs, and local governments.
- Develop and manage project timelines, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Regulatory Compliance
- Support internal teams in engaging with regulators, utilities, and government agencies to navigate licensing and compliance processes.
- Build and maintain relationships with distribution companies (DisCos) for Interconnected minigrid approvals.
- Coordinate community engagement initiatives to ensure project acceptance and smooth execution.
- Stay updated on policy developments, market trends, and regulatory changes impacting the sector.
Commercial & Financial Structuring
- Support business development teams in structuring commercial agreements, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Connection Agreements.
- Support relevant teams with inputs to develop financial models and business cases to assess project viability and bankability.
Project Execution & Coordination
- Work closely with relevant internal teams to ensure project readiness.
- Manage risks associated with site development, permitting, and community relations.
- Monitor project progress and troubleshoot any bottlenecks during the pre-construction phase.
- Ensure documentation and reporting compliance for internal and external stakeholders.
General Skills & Attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, Business, or related field. An advanced degree (MBA, MSc) is an added advantage.
- 7-10 years of experience in project management and either renewable energy project development, minigrids, or C&I power projects at MW scale.
- Strong understanding of Nigeria’s electricity sector, including regulations, permitting, and licensing for interconnected minigrids and distributed generation projects.
- Proven track record of leading land acquisition, ESIA, and permitting processes.
- Experience working with distribution companies, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Commercial acumen with experience structuring and negotiating power agreements, a plus
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Willingness to travel frequently to project sites across Nigeria