CEO - Kipeto

Project Description

Kipeto is a 100MW onshore wind farm in Kenya, owned by Meridiam and Craftskills, and consisting of 60 General Electric (GE) turbines. The project achieved commercial operations in July 2021 with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), as the off taker under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). It is the second largest wind farm in the country supplying an estimated 250,000 households. Based in the Esilanke area in Kajiado County, southwest of Nairobi, the wind farm covers an area of approximately 33km² and is connected to the Kenyan national grid at Isinya substation via a 17km 220kV transmission line. Meridiam and Craftskills are also actively looking to additional wind and BESS capacity.

Project Sponsors:

Meridiam; Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau on the principle that aligning public and private sector interests can create transformative solutions to meet the critical needs of communities. As an independent Investment Benefit Corporation under French law and a certified asset manager, Meridiam specializes in developing, financing, and managing sustainable public infrastructure with a focus on sustainable mobility, critical public services, and innovative low-carbon solutions.

With a global presence, Meridiam operates offices in Addis Ababa, Amman, Dakar, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Libreville, Luxembourg, Washington D.C., Paris, Toronto, and Vienna. Managing EUR 23 billion across more than 130 projects worldwide, the firm delivers impactful infrastructure with a strong commitment to sustainability and excellence.

Craftskills; Founded by three Kenyans in 2008, Craftskills has a mission to develop large-scale renewable power across Africa by applying best practices and maximising resource capacities. Craftskills was awarded the prestigious 2024 United Nations Person of the Year in Kenya Award for its outstanding contributions to sustainable energy and community development.

Position Summary:

The CEO is responsible for providing leadership to the Company, working to implement guidance, policies and decisions of the Board of Directors, managing a team of 80+ persons, ensuring timely and quality performance obligations under the PPA contract and the financing agreement, building and managing relationships with all stakeholders (KPLC, EPRA, local community, lenders and shareholders). The CEO will focus their efforts on delivering the KPIs (Technical, Financial, Operational E&S, etc.) for the existing operational asset.

·         The CEO will report to the Board of Directors of the SPV holding company.

·         Full-Time Employee, Nairobi. Start Date: September 2025

Primary Responsibilities:

·         Provide leadership to all aspects of the SPV operations and project development.

·         Ensure performance of the contract obligations under the PPA, Letter of Support (LoS), Financing agreements and lead the negotiations of any additional amendment or related contract and authorizations with the client and other public bodies necessary.

·         Build and maintain relationships with project stakeholders, including: the client (KPLC); relevant Government of Kenya agencies (eg. EPRA); The local communities; Contractors (EPC contractor(s), O&M contractor); Shareholders and others

·         Manage a small team of key executives and a team of Advisors (technical, environmental, legal, financial…)

·         Implement policies established by the Board

·         Deliver monthly/quarterly written and oral reports to the Board and other Stakeholders

·         Ensure the preparation, update and reconciliation of development and operational budgets

·         Ensure appropriate resource allocation and limited financial exposure for the Project Sponsors

·         Ensure systems and structures are in place for the effective management of environmental and social activities with a specific focus on community relationships and the biodiversity action plan.

·         Identify, monitor and manage risks and report results

·         Demonstrate integrity and ethical leadership

·         Ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements

·         Coordinate with Company insurance advisor to place and maintain the required insurance

Qualifications:

·         Leadership experience

·         Solid experience in managing large energy or power projects

·         Solid experience in managing project finance/PPP transactions

·         Prior experience in Africa or in Emerging Markets

·         Proven record of negotiation with multiple stakeholders

·         Proven ability to plan, organize and prioritize effectively

·         Proven ability to perform in a management capacity, excellent written and oral communications skills, and a thorough knowledge of industry practices required

·         Must be able to multitask in a fast paced, multi-cultural environment

Desirable Experience Required:

·         Engineering and/or Business Management degree required with a minimum 15 - 18 years demonstrated experience delivering large power projects

·         Demonstrated experience in large full cycle wind projects is highly valuable especially in the Kenyan or the wider East Africa renewables market

·         Experience with organizations involved in the development of power plants

·         Strong experience in managing government and utility relationships

·         Strong EPC experience dealing with IPP projects, managing all construction activities to ensure work schedules, budget, specifications, including quality, safety and environmental standards are adhered to.

Salary and Benefits:

·         Commensurate with experience and market.