Xina Solar One is a 100 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) plant located near Pofadder in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province and forms part of the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. Commissioned in 2017, the facility uses parabolic trough technology with molten salt thermal energy storage, enabling it to dispatch electricity for up to 5.5 hours after sunset and supply power during peak demand periods. Electricity generated by Xina Solar One is sold to Eskom under a long‑term power purchase agreement, contributing to grid stability, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and South Africa’s transition to a more diversified and sustainable energy mix.
Overall, Purpose of the Job
Responsible for Executive-level technical leadership role for Xina Solar One project company as the interface between the Operator and the Owner ensuring compliance with the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract and Generation License thus protecting the interests of Xina Solar One as the main contract owner.
Education (Formal Qualification Required)
Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical) Project Management qualification Ideal
Master’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical or Chemical)
Professional registration would be advantageous
Driver’s License
Experience (Minimum Experience Required – Number of years)
Experience in operation, development, construction and commissioning of power assets (Solar, Wind, OCGT, CCGT) 10+ years
Experience in the IPP sector implementing PPA and O&M agreements and management of utility‑scale assets
Experience in leading and managing teams
Added Advantage
Knowledge of current best practices relating to operational practices, well‑versed in current technological trends.
Experience in budgeting, forecasting and long‑term financial planning.
Experience in preparation and attendance of board meetings.
High degree of skill in Business Computing Applications such as Word Processors, Spreadsheets, Power Point, etc.
Position Description As the Technical Manager, deliver on the timely collection and submission of accurate information and documentation and the applicable reporting obligations therein, providing advice where appropriate.
Ensure that the requirements of the Buyer (Eskom), the DMRE, NERSA, IPPO and the Lenders are met, providing oversight that there is compliance with the O&M Contract or any of the schedules thereto, as well as any other requirements of the Buyer, the DMRE, IPPO and NERSA.
Monitor performance of Xina Solar One against its obligations under the Project Agreements, with a focus on meeting the technical obligations.
Monitor Project Agreement notice obligations relating to the provision of the Services.
Maintain lines of interface and communication open with Project participants for mutually beneficial collaboration and co‑operation.
These include:
Lenders' Technical Advisor (Primary management interface with LTA)
Buyer and Systems Operator
NERSA
DMRE
Provide information to technical and insurance advisors necessary for the execution of the Company's business (e.g. insurance claims).
Prepare documents, correspondence and invoices under the Project Agreements.
Monitor Xina Solar One's compliance with those statutory obligations ascribed to the Company, including, but not limited to, the Project Agreements and all applicable Laws and elevate any identified areas of non‑compliance. PPA, Distribution Connection & Use of System Agreement (DCUo SA), and Implementation Agreement Compliance
Monitor and liaise with the O&M Contractor to ensure their compliance with all their contractual obligations in relation to the Project Agreements and fulfil all the remaining obligations on behalf of the Company, in particular:
Follow up with the Operator on submissions on claims and report outages in compliance with the PPA / DCUo SA / Implementation Agreement.
Provide reports to the CEO and / or directly where appropriate in response to all queries and requests for information from the DMRE, NERSA and the Buyer under the PPA / DCUo SA / Implementation Agreement or otherwise.
Manage billing and invoicing with the Buyer under the PPA ensuring that Operator and Buyer information reconciles. O&M Contract Management
Monitor compliance of the O&M Contractor with all their obligations under the O&M Contract, and monitor Xina Solar One’s rights, ensuring it complies with all of its obligations under the O&M Contract, including:
Verify that the O&M Contractor maintains in effect all Consents that are required for the operation of the Facility.
Monitor the O&M Contractor's compliance with Project Agreements, Consents conditions, Applicable Laws, Environmental and Social Requirements, environmental approvals, lease agreements, the Buyer's conditions of entry and other key approval documents or Financing Agreements.
Where the application for consent is required for the Project, coordinate assistance from the O&M Contractor as appropriate and provide advice and assistance to the CEO in connection with the application.
When non‑compliances are identified, this will be reported and support will be provided to the CEO to ensure that corrective measures and / or actions are taken by the O&M Contractor, as applicable, to rectify the non‑compliance.
Monitor and verify that the O&M Contractor is implementing the Operation and Maintenance Manual and such other guidelines required by Applicable Laws, the Codes (as contemplated in the PPA), or the original equipment manufacturer in accordance with the standards of Reasonable and Prudent Contractor and updating such Operation and Maintenance Manual. These verification activities will include, but not limited to, monitoring of the O&M Contractor's compliance with workplace health and safety obligations and Environmental and Social Requirements.
Take the lead with respect to warranty and insurance matters and manage warranty and insurance claims under the O&M Contract, Insurance Policies and related agreements, and other applicable Project Agreements, keeping the CEO informed and escalating decisions where necessary.
Upon notice thereof by the O&M Contractor, advise the CEO of any circumstance giving rise to an outage in excess of 24 hours within such period so as to comply with any reporting requirements under the Project Agreements.
Analyse and finalise the annual generation budget and the Plant improvement budget, in collaboration with the Operator for presentation to the CEO and / or Board.
Review and follow up on Weekly Exception Reports, taking remedial action when necessary.
Assist with root cause analysis (RCA) efforts, taking the lead when required. Regulatory Compliance Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures.
Responsible for overseeing local regulatory and statutory requirements including municipal consent conditions and grid code compliance.
Ensure necessary remedial action is taken (e.g. application for extension, request for funding to ensure equipment / configuration can be implemented) to comply with requirements. Administration. People Management and Operations Lead the design, implementation and execution of new projects assigned by the CEO.
Undertake local contracting and supplier management, importing components (excluding subcontractors or suppliers falling under the scope of the O&M Contract).
Provide information as the on‑site technical representative to the CEO (based in Johannesburg) on all operational, contract and technical issues as they arise.
Complete all operational reporting requirements to the Buyer; IPPO and NERSA and other key Stakeholders.
Directly manage and supervise subordinate staff, including setting clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Lead, motivate, coach, and develop team members to achieve operational and individual performance objectives.
Conduct performance management activities, including goal setting, regular feedback, performance reviews, and development plans.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels, workforce planning, leave management, and succession planning.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and high‑performance team culture. Primarily responsible for technical input (subject to CEO approval) for all Board and Board sub‑committees. Location
Based in Johannesburg or the Option to be based in Upington with frequent visits to power plant. #J-18808-Ljbffr
