Substation Project Leader

About the role

The Substation Project Leader will deliver a 66 kV step‑up substation that connects a 23 MWac solar PV plant to the ZESCO grid in Zambia. This hands‑on leadership position will build and manage an in‑house team for current and future solar and IPP projects.

Key responsibilities

• Obtain ZESCO approval for the substation design.
• Recruit, lead and develop a core team including civil, electrical and commissioning engineers.
• Specify main equipment such as transformer, switchgear, protection devices and SCADA.
• Supervise civil and electrical works on site, ensuring safety and schedule adherence, even during the wet season.
• Lead testing and commissioning with ZESCO witnessing.
• Energise the substation and hand over as‑built drawings and test records.

Required profile

• At least 10 years in power transmission or distribution, with 5 years leading substation projects.
• Delivered at least two substations ≥33 kV, including one ≥66 kV, through to energisation.
• Experience across design review, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience connecting generators or IPPs to a utility grid is a strong advantage.

Required skills

• Power transformers
• HV switchgear
• Protection schemes (distance, differential, over‑current, earth‑fault)
• Earthing design
• Substation automation
• IEC 61850 protocol
• SCADA integration

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• Milestone completion bonus
• Return travel
• Camp accommodation