Construction Engineer (Consultancy)

Company Overview

Jaza is working to power Sub-Saharan Africa. We build solar-powered shops which charge batteries customers use to power their homes. Since 2022, we’ve achieved over 4 million battery swaps, providing approximately 225,000 people access to clean, affordable energy.

We employ women from each community (known as Jaza Stars) to run the service, empowering our team to become leaders, entrepreneurs and drivers of economic growth within their communities. For more information on what we are building, check out www.jazaenergy.com and watch the video the BBC made about Jaza here.

Position Overview:

The Construction Engineer oversees the acquisition, renovation, and installation process for Jaza service locations, managing a team of Expansion Construction personnel. This role is responsible for ensuring that approved sites are efficiently acquired, renovated, and prepared according to company standards. The Construction Engineer plays a critical role in translating validated sites into operational Jaza locations, maintaining high-quality standards while meeting acquisition targets.

Accountabilities:

Lead a team of Expansion Construction personnel to achieve site acquisition targets
Ensure the team maintains a First Pass Yield (FPY) of ≥95% for site acquisitions, minimizing the need for rework
Maintain team staffing levels to ensure the required acquisition roles are filled
Own the quality standards for site acquisition, renovation, and installation processes
Manage relationships with vendors, contractors, and landlords across the region

Roles & Responsibilities

Team Management and Development:

Recruit, train, and mentor Expansion Construction personnel
Assign and track team member responsibilities for site acquisitions in assigned regions
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
Identify training needs and coordinate skill development for the acquisition team
Ensure team members understand and follow acquisition quality standards

Site Acquisition Management:

Develop and implement acquisition strategies based on expansion targets
Review and approve lease negotiations and contracts before finalization
Oversee the site registry and documentation process for acquired properties
Coordinate with legal team to ensure compliance with local regulations and requirements
Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the acquisition process

Renovation and Installation Oversight:

Approve renovation plans and budgets for acquired sites
Manage vendor and contractor relationships for construction and renovation projects
Establish quality control protocols for renovation and installation work
Conduct regular site visits to assess progress and quality of work
Ensure all sites meet structural and safety requirements before commissioning

Quality Assurance:

Maintain FPY of ≥95% for site acquisitions by implementing quality control measures
Review and approve final site preparations before handover to the commissioning team
Identify reasons for rework and implement corrective measures to improve quality
Document and standardize best practices for site acquisition and renovation
Conduct periodic acquisition audits to ensure compliance with standards

Reporting and Communication:

Provide regular updates to the Expansion Lead on acquisition progress
Present acquisition data and insights during expansion team meetings
Document and report key metrics including sites acquired, leased, FPY, and rework rates
Escalate critical issues that may impact acquisition timelines or quality
Contribute to the refinement of acquisition criteria and processes

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as construction management, civil engineering
Experience in property management, construction management, or facilities management
Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing teams
Strong negotiation skills for lease arrangements and vendor contracts
Knowledge of construction standards and quality control processes
Excellent project management skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Understanding of legal and compliance requirements for property acquisition
Strong analytical skills for evaluating site renovation needs and budgets
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Willingness to travel frequently to remote locations