Job Title: Business Development Officer
Sector: Lusaka
Location: Lusaka - Zambia (with traveling)
A. About GreenCo Power Services (GreenCo)
GreenCo acts as an intermediary offtaker and service provider, purchasing power from renewable IPPs and selling that electricity to utilities and private sector offtakers (i.e. commercial and industrial users) and markets of the SAPP. Through its activities, GreenCo will increase the supply of, and demand for, finance for energy projects, and mobilise private sector capital more quickly towards critical and transformative capacity addition.
GreenCo's vision is to lead innovation and sustainably transform renewable energy markets. This will be achieved through:
- Forward-looking approach to the deeper integration of power markets to unlock investment in renewable energy generation capacity.
- Focusing on creating impact through innovative new solutions in the energy sector.
- Fostering an agile start-up culture with a focus on individual responsibility and personal impact.
GreenCo offers an excellent, dynamic, and exciting work environment for the right candidate with significant potential for further personal development and career advancement.
B. The Role in Context - Business Development Officer
Primary Role
The Business Development Officer will drive revenue growth by identifying profitable opportunities and developing long-term growth strategies. As part of GreenCo, a regional entity with operations across Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, the role focuses on cultivating relationships with key industry stakeholders in Zambia and the region, positioning GreenCo’s brand and profile within the regional energy market, and driving business expansion in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives. The position includes recommending competitive improvements, assessing risks, and negotiating strategic partnerships. A strong understanding of Zambia’s energy market and mining industry is essential, along with the ability to leverage regional experience.
Key Deliverables
- Strategic Market Development: Assist in the refinement and execution of a multi-pronged market penetration strategy focused on C&I customer acquisition and IPP procurement in Zambia, while integrating regional market dynamics.
- Growth Planning: Assist in the development a comprehensive 5-10 year growth plan encompassing MW additions, customer focus, and technology diversification, with consideration of regional opportunities.
- Opportunity Identification: Identify and evaluate medium-to-long-term business opportunities in Zambia and the broader region that align with GreenCo’s objectives.
- Market Positioning: Interpret market design changes to articulate strategic imperatives and reposition GreenCo effectively across its operational markets.
- Partnership Building: Assist in strategic engagements with financiers to promote GreenCo’s PPA derisking structures and innovative business model.
- Mining Industry Focus: Leverage insights into Zambia’s mining industry to identify synergies and opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Innovation Leadership: Identify and propose innovative products and services to maintain GreenCo’s competitive advantage in the regional energy sector.
- Market Intelligence: Provide periodic market research and intelligence to inform regional strategy reviews and decision-making.
- Team Collaboration: Foster cross-functional collaboration across GreenCo’s regional operations to drive sustainable, long-term growth.
- Brand Representation: Represent GreenCo at key events (energy, mining, government, regulatory, financial, and industry-specific fora) across Zambia and the region, securing speaking opportunities to enhance GreenCo’s profile.
- Stakeholder Relationships: Establish and nurture strong relationships with key industry and government stakeholders in Zambia and across the region, ensuring alignment with GreenCo’s strategic goals.
- Customer Engagement: Oversee the preparation of responses to RFPs from Zambian and regional markets.
Qualifications and Requirements
Skills and Competencies:
- Proven strategic planning skills with the ability to integrate multidisciplinary workstreams across regional markets.
- Excellent relationship management capabilities with government, industry, and financial stakeholders in Zambia and the region.
- Deep understanding of the Zambian energy and mining sectors, with an ability to assimilate concepts from GreenCo’s operations in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.
- Financial and business acumen, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with experience in high-level negotiations and stakeholder management.
- Strong research, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in technology tools, including Excel and CRM platforms.
- Big-picture thinking combined with attention to detail and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated ability to deliver high-profile projects at pace and under pressure.
- Experience representing organizations at influential events and forums across the region.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, engineering, or a related field.
- Professional qualification in finance (e.g., Certificate in Finance, Accounting, and Business) is highly desirable.
- Master’s degree, MBA, or other advanced qualification is an advantage.
- 4+ years of sector-relevant experience in Zambia, with additional experience in Zimbabwe, South Africa, or Namibia being highly advantageous.
- Established business network within Zambia and familiarity with regional networks.
- Demonstrable knowledge of Zambia’s mining industry and its intersections with energy and infrastructure, with an understanding of regional industry trends and dynamics.
Application Requirements:
- CV
- Cover letter stating:
- Why you are interested in joining Africa GreenCo
- What unique skills, experiences, and perspectives you can contribute to the organization.
Both the CV and cover letter are required for your application to be considered
C. Time Commitment
This is a full-time role and whilst the normal working week is 40 hours, it is expected that the ideal candidate will be prepared to both work and travel as required to fulfil the objectives of the business.
D.Conflict of Interest
Potential conflicts of interest must be declared and discussed prior to this appointment