Operations Manager, Northern Division

Job Description

VAN-PAWA Ltd is inviting sealed applications for the position of Operations Manager for Northern Division. The Operations Manager will be based on Malekula and will provide overall day-to-day technical and administration management and oversight to the `Northern division that aligns with VAN-PAWA’s strategic goals and ambitions. The role of the Operation Manager should complement and improve the overall performance of the Northern Division team and ensure that VAN-PAWA Ltd service provision aligns with good industrial practices and regulatory requirements and adheres to customer expectations.

The duties and roles of the Operations Manager encompasses staff supervision of both technical and administration on a daily basis ensuring core administration and technical responsibilities are duly performed, liaising with stakeholders in Malekula, implementing maintenance schedules and manage outages to improve reliability of

electricity services, monitoring plant operations ensuring maximum output from renewable source(s) is achieved, enforce public safety on the electricity network, implement strategic goals as directed by the VAN-PAWA Headquarter office and Board and managing technical field work.

Key responsibilities and skills of the Operations Manager are hereby provided below:

Key Responsibilities:

• Staff Management: Responsible for providing oversight, supervision and support to technical and administration staff ensuring that core responsibilities are executed effectively and efficiently.

• Power Generation: Oversee the operation of Malekula generation sources, ensuring they are running efficiently and effectively with priority allocated to available renewables sources.

• Transmission and Distribution: Manage the transmission and distribution networks to ensure public safety, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity services to customers.

• Maintenance and Repair: Coordinate maintenance and repair activities for power plant, transmission lines, and distribution equipment.

• Workforce Management: Supervise and manage a team of operations staff, including mechanics, admin officers and line workers.

• Emergency Response: Develop and implement emergency response plans to respond to power outages, natural disasters, or other disruptions as and when required.

• Administration: Ensure administrative staff deliver on their administrative roles.

• Customer Service: Ensure that customer service is provided in a timely and efficient manner, including resolving customer complaints and issues

Organisation Description

The Vanuatu National Power and Water Authority Limited (VAN-PAWA LTD) is a Utility Company, a subsidiary of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund and is the current concessionaire of the Generation and Distribution of electricity in Tanna and Malekula committed to providing customers with reliable, quality and sustainable energy solutions.

This vacancy notice is for the Northern Division, Operations Manager for the Malekula electricity grid

Selection Criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in electrical, mechanical engineering or Management.

• Minimum of 5 years’ Diesel Generator Technician/Operator experience or similar roles.

• Experience in management or leadership role, with responsibility for operations, maintenance, and/or capital projects.

• Proven track record of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing customer satisfaction.

• Experience with grid-connected renewable energy technologies

Competencies and skills

• Working knowledge of relevant engineering software programs applicable to electrical systems.

• Strong understanding of power plant systems, including cooling systems, turbines, generators, and controls

• Strong understanding and knowledge of operating renewable sources primarily hydro and solar power plants

• Ability to develop and interpret technical drawings, specifications, and calculations

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

• Excellent leadership skills and ability to manage a team

• Ability to work well in a team setting

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and reporting skills

• Strong analytical and system-diagnosing skills

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-tasking

• Demonstrate ethical and integrity attributes.

• Ability to build relationships with corporate partners and other relevant stakeholders.

How To Apply

Enquiry@vanpawa.com.vu