In-Country Project Developer
Location: Harare, Zimbabwe (Full-Time, Based In-Country)
Travel: Frequent travel to Africa, sometimes with 1-2 week stays
About Us:
Izuba Energy is a renewable energy company dedicated to driving sustainable energy transformation across Africa. We develop high-impact renewable energy projects that address the continent's growing energy demand while supporting economic and social development. We are actively developing projects in Zimbabwe and are seeking a dedicated, full-time In-Country Project Developer to lead our on-the-ground operations.
Position Summary:
The In-Country Project Developer will serve as Izuba Energy's primary representative in Zimbabwe, responsible for day-to-day management of our project pipeline and ensuring full compliance with local regulations, international standards, and company expectations. This is a full-time role requiring local engagement, strong stakeholder relationships, and rigorous project oversight. The successful candidate will coordinate between Izuba's headquarters team and all local workstreams, keeping projects on track and ensuring the highest standards of delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Compliance & Regulatory Management
Ensure all project activities comply with Zimbabwean law, including relevant energy, environmental, land, and permitting frameworks.
Ensure compliance with international standards including IFC Performance Standards and relevant ESG frameworks required by international lenders and partners.
Act as the primary liaison with local and national regulatory and government bodies.
Coordinate Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and monitor ongoing environmental and social compliance throughout project development and construction.
Maintain and update compliance documentation, permits, and reporting to meet both company and lender requirements.
On-the-Ground Project Management
Manage day-to-day project activities across all workstreams including land, permitting, technical studies, community engagement, and construction oversight.
Coordinate and supervise contractors and consultants (geotech, topographical, hydrology, grid studies, legal, etc.), ensuring deliverables meet scope, timeline, and quality standards.
Track project milestones and proactively flag risks, delays, or issues to the headquarters team with proposed solutions.
Ensure projects are executed in line with Izuba's internal processes, quality standards, and reporting requirements.
Land & Site Management
Lead land identification, negotiation, and securing of land agreements in coordination with legal counsel.
Manage relationships with landowners, traditional leaders, and local authorities to maintain project site access and community goodwill.
Oversee site surveys, access arrangements, and any site-related compliance requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Community Relations
Serve as Izuba Energy's face in Zimbabwe - building and maintaining strong relationships with government, communities, investors, and industry partners.
Lead stakeholder consultations and community engagement processes in line with international best practice and company standards.
Address community concerns proactively and ensure projects deliver tangible local benefit.
Reporting & Coordination
Provide regular structured reporting to the Izuba headquarters team on project status, compliance, risks, and upcoming milestones.
Coordinate closely with the broader Izuba team to ensure local execution aligns with overall project strategy and timelines.
Market and Policy Analysis
Stay up-to-date on renewable energy policies, incentives, and market trends in Africa.
Provide strategic insights on market dynamics to identify new business opportunities.
Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy adoption and sustainable growth.
Qualifications:
Experience managing infrastructure or energy projects in Africa; familiarity with local permitting and regulatory processes strongly preferred
Strong project management skills - able to track multiple workstreams, manage contractors, and keep complex projects moving
Good values: committed to treating all stakeholders - communities, government, contractors - with honesty and respect
Resourceful and self-directed; comfortable operating with a lean team and limited corporate support infrastructure
Excellent communication skills; able to represent the company professionally at all levels
Relevant degree in international development, engineering, environmental science, project management, business, or a related field preferred
To apply, email your CV and cover letter to careers@izuba.energy