Planning Engineer/Analyst Talent House

About our Client:

Zengamina is a mini grid operator committed to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to communities in Ikelenge district, NWP, Zambia. Our mission is to empower local communities through sustainable energy solutions, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life.

About the role:

The Planning Engineer/Analyst role at Zengamina Power Limited (ZPL) encompasses a wide range of responsibilities from grid development and expansion to materials and procurement planning, generation planning, data analysis, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Key skills required include proficiency in GIS software, analytical tools, project management, and procurement processes, alongside strong communication and leadership abilities. This role is pivotal for supporting both current operations and future growth, ensuring efficient and reliable grid management. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical engineering and data analysis, with experience in rural electrification and a passion for sustainable energy.

ZPL encourages Local candidates to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

The Planning Engineer/Analyst will be expected to fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:

Grid Development, Planning and Optimization

• Coordinate surveys and mapping of new and existing customers and assets, including power lines, poles, transformers, and fault recorders.
• Weekly planning and coordination with stores, and staff work schedules to meet targets.
• Conduct grid studies and develop plans for addition of new generation, transmission, distribution and customers.
• Prepare capex plans, budgets, and cost estimates and timelines for new customers and assets.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as load profiles, energy losses, and reliability metrics,
• Plan and optimize new powerlines and other assets to supply new customers.
• Develop short- and long-term grid expansion plans and infrastructure needs
• Identify potential risks related to grid expansion and generation projects and develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
• Coordinate with local authorities for necessary permits and approvals.
• Technical planning for interconnection with the national grid.
• Advise on grid control and protection, including protection upgrades and earthing improvements.
• Assist in the development of strategies to reduce technical and non-technical losses.
• Provide technical input for financial planning and budgeting related to distribution infrastructure.

Materials and Procurement Planning

• Prepare detailed material requirements and forecast future needs.
• Develop procurement schedules and manage supplier relationships.
• Ensure timely procurement and compliance with budget constraints.
• Support inventory management and planning.

Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure that all planning and operational activities comply with local regulations and industry standards.
• Prepare and submit regular reports to regulatory bodies and stakeholders as required.
• Maintain accurate records of network performance and customer data for regulatory reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the operations and customer service teams to align planning efforts with community needs and expectations.
• Engage with local communities and customers to understand their energy needs and gather feedback on service delivery.
• Collaborate with external partners, including government agencies, consultants, and NGOs, to support the expansion of rural electrification.

Other Support Roles: O&M, Billing and Reporting

• Support in planning replacement of faulty materials and equipment.
• Plan infrastructure upgrades to support increased demand capacity.
• Support ongoing operations and maintenance activities.
• Update billing reports and regulatory, technical, and financial reports.
• Conduct technical reviews of contracts.
• Other tasks as may be assigned time to time.

Desired Skills and Experience

Technical Skills

• GIS software (Google Earth, ArcGIS, QGIS) for mapping and spatial analysis.
• Analytical skills, advanced Excel, and basic Python for data analysis.
• Ability to create and interpret single line diagrams.
• Power simulation software for system analysis (ETAP, PSSE, PSS SINCAL, ASPEN, PSCAD, etc).
• Power line design software (PLS CADD, SkyCAD, DIELMO, etc).

Project Management Skills

• Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Gantt charts, MS Projects).
• Organizational skills for managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Basic financial modeling for project viability assessments.
• Procurement and Inventory Management
• Experience in procurement processes and supplier management.
• Skills in inventory management to ensure material availability.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a challenging and resource-constrained environment.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
  Ability to plan, prioritize and work with deadlines.
• Commitment to sustainable development and improving access to energy in rural communities.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 2-4 years of experience in data analysis, electrical engineering, or a similar role, preferably within the energy sector.

Compensation:

The incumbent will receive a competitive salary commensurate with experience.