Globeleq, a premier independent power producer committed to transforming the energy landscape across Africa, is inviting applications for the pivotal role of Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager for its landmark Menengai Geothermal Project in Kenya. With a mission to deliver clean, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions, Globeleq operates an expanding portfolio of power generation assets throughout the continent.
The Menengai Geothermal Project, a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant under construction, is a key milestone in Kenya’s energy journey. Positioned as the country’s second large-scale geothermal venture after Olkaria, the Menengai plant is expected to commence commercial operations by the end of 2025. Globeleq will assume full operational and maintenance responsibilities thereafter, overseeing a facility designed to harness Kenya’s rich geothermal resources and contribute significantly to its national grid.
In partnership with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) — which is supplying steam under a long-term agreement — and with electricity sales contracted to Kenya Power for a 25-year term, the Menengai project exemplifies Globeleq’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure. The HSS Manager will play a central role in ensuring that the project maintains rigorous safety, health, and security standards throughout its lifecycle.
Position Overview
- Job Title: Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager
- Department: Business Operations
- Location: Onsite, Kenya
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Reporting To: Plant Manager
- Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
- Recruitment Partner: Smart4Energy
- Contact Email for Queries: [email protected]
Main Purpose of the Role
The HSS Manager will be embedded in the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team and will lead all efforts related to the Health, Safety, Environmental, Social, and Security (HSESS) Management System. The primary goal is to ensure a compliant, safe, secure, and healthy working environment for all stakeholders — including employees, contractors, visitors, and local communities.
This role demands a dedicated and proactive leader who will drive the establishment, enforcement, and continuous improvement of HSS systems in accordance with Globeleq’s policies, national legislation, and international standards.
Detailed Job Description
1. Mobilisation Period – Pre-Commercial Operations
During the critical mobilisation period before the plant’s commercial operations commence, the HSS Manager will:
- Update and align the HSESS Integrated Management System (IMS) and baseline risk assessment with operational requirements.
- Secure the necessary approvals from internal and external stakeholders including Globeleq and project lenders.
- Develop and continually refine the HSESS Manual, plans, and procedures tailored to the O&M phase, collaborating closely with the Group HSS Manager, ESG Manager, and local O&M teams.
- Design and implement a site-specific security risk assessment and accompanying security strategy.
- Perform a comprehensive training needs analysis and create a corresponding training schedule.
- Ensure all relevant HSESS documentation is finalized and approved before power plant commissioning and the completion of the EPC Contract.
- Oversee the proper transfer of all critical documentation from the EPC Contractor, necessary for O&M and future decommissioning phases.
2. Operational and Maintenance Period – Post-Commercial Operation Date (COD)
Once the plant is operational, the HSS Manager will continue to safeguard operations by:
- Ensuring full compliance with Kenyan laws, Globeleq policies, and commitments to lenders and stakeholders.
- Managing a centralized documentation system for all key HSESS records including permits, audits, incident reports, and regulatory certifications.
- Building a robust HSESS governance structure at the plant level, linking with Globeleq’s broader corporate governance frameworks.
- Enforcing process safety measures, change management protocols, and monitoring interfaces with other functional teams.
- Leading ongoing risk assessments and ensuring mitigation strategies are active and effective.
- Auditing contractor companies for HSS compliance and issuing/revoking Contractor Safety Certificates (CSCs) as required.
- Advising O&M teams, contractors, and stakeholders on all HSS matters.
- Acting as the main liaison with GDC, Kenya Power, regulators, community leaders, and other external entities regarding HSS issues.
- Conducting frequent inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations with timely resolution of findings.
- Holding authority to halt unsafe operations or activities and initiating corrective measures with the Plant Manager.
- Supporting and coordinating audits conducted by stakeholders, including lenders and regulators.
- Overseeing the Permit to Work system and LOTO compliance for all on-site tasks.
- Creating and continuously testing an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, addressing fire safety, medical emergencies, chemical spills, and natural disasters.
- Establishing and monitoring HSS Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and reporting them internally and externally at specified intervals.
- Participating in regular HSS meetings with group-level managers and internal teams to drive continuous improvement.
- Managing the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) program and ensuring adequate availability and usage across the site.
- Assisting with the implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) and supporting community engagement initiatives.
- Launching awareness programs and safety campaigns to promote proactive risk prevention.
- Enforcing all plant-level HSS rules and policies consistently and professionally.
- Monitoring legislative changes and adapting internal systems accordingly.
- Forming and managing a review committee to evaluate the effectiveness of the IMS and recommend ongoing improvements.
Requirements, Skills and Attributes
Qualifications
- A tertiary qualification in Health and Safety or an engineering-related field, complemented by at least one year of NEBOSH Health & Safety certification.
- A NEBOSH Diploma in Health & Safety is preferred.
- Lead Auditor certification in ISO 45001 is advantageous.
- Valid certifications in First Aid and Fire Safety are desirable.
Experience
- At least 7 years’ experience managing HSS in operating power plants of comparable scale and complexity.
- In-depth knowledge of Kenyan HSS regulations and international standards.
- Experience with implementing and auditing HSS systems in power plant environments.
- Proven capability in evaluating safety documentation and designing emergency preparedness strategies.
Key Skills
- Strong leadership and sound decision-making capabilities.
- Proficient in English with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across multi-disciplinary and multicultural teams.
- Analytical and problem-solving prowess.
- Competence in basic safety data analysis.
- High attention to detail and excellent reporting acumen.
- Ability to work under pressure and independently.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications.
Competencies
- Comprehensive knowledge of ISO 45001 systems development and implementation.
- Proven track record in HSS management across the plant lifecycle — commissioning to decommissioning.
- Skilled in hazard identification and risk mitigation.
- Experience with Root Cause Analysis and incident investigation techniques.
- Development and delivery of HSS training at all organizational levels.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and government liaison capabilities.
- Ethical and practical decision-making.
- Familiarity with international frameworks such as the IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and World Bank EHS Guidelines.
- Awareness of labour requirements under IFC Performance Standard 2.
- Deep understanding of Kenyan labour and HSE laws, and compliance expectations of international financial institutions.
- Strong auditing and compliance oversight skills.
- Capacity to deliver results through remote collaboration and virtual teams.
- Outcome-driven with a collaborative approach.
- Balanced mindset between systems thinking and operational execution.
About Globeleq
Globeleq is at the forefront of Africa’s power development agenda. With numerous successful projects, deep industry experience, and the backing of solid investors and strategic partners, the company is uniquely positioned to expand energy access across the continent. Its approach emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and long-term viability, making it an employer of choice for professionals seeking to drive impactful change in the energy sector.
Globeleq’s operational portfolio spans multiple technologies — including geothermal, solar, wind, and gas — underlining its commitment to diversification and resilience. The Menengai Geothermal Project is a testament to Globeleq’s focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and strengthening Kenya’s energy future.
Application Instructions
To be considered for this position, please submit your application by June 27, 2025.
For any queries regarding the role, kindly contact the recruitment partner at: [email protected]
If you’re passionate about safety leadership, sustainability, and playing a transformative role in Kenya’s energy evolution, this opportunity at Globeleq is for you. Join a world-class team, impact lives through clean energy, and grow your career with a company that’s driving Africa’s future.
