Globeleq is a leading independent power producer with an expanding presence across Africa. The company develops, owns, and operates power plants that utilize diverse technologies to generate reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy. With a mission to contribute to Africa’s long-term energy security and development, Globeleq continues to invest in innovative solutions that drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
One of the company’s major ongoing projects is the Menengai Geothermal Project in Kenya. This development is a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant forming part of the first phase of the Menengai geothermal complex. Once completed, it will mark Kenya’s second large-scale geothermal project after the Olkaria geothermal fields. Commercial operation is expected by the end of 2025, after which Globeleq will be responsible for its full operation and maintenance.
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC), a Kenyan state-owned entity, will supply steam to the project under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA). The power generated from the plant will be sold to Kenya Power under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), providing clean, affordable, and reliable baseload electricity to Kenya’s national grid. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Kenya’s energy diversification efforts and to further monetize the country’s geothermal resources.
As part of the project’s operational preparation, Globeleq is recruiting a qualified professional to join its team as a Shift Operator. The role will be based on-site at the Menengai Geothermal Project in Kenya and will report directly to the Shift Engineer.
Position: Shift Operator
Department: Business Operations
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Menengai, Kenya
Workplace Type: Onsite
Reporting To: Shift Engineer
Main Purpose of the Role
The Shift Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the geothermal power plant during assigned shifts. This position involves continuous monitoring of plant performance, operation of equipment, control room activities, first-level maintenance, and strict adherence to health, safety, environmental, and social sustainability (HSESS) protocols. The operator will work closely with the Shift Engineer to maintain high plant availability, performance, and safety standards.
Key Result Areas
The responsibilities of the Shift Operator are divided into two distinct phases of the project:
1. Mobilisation Period (Pre-Commercial Operation Date)
During the mobilisation and commissioning phase, the Shift Operator will:
- Support commissioning activities and plant mobilisation tasks.
- Actively participate in simulation and operational readiness exercises.
- Review, contribute to, and assess operations and maintenance (O&M) manuals, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) recommendations, and standard operating procedures.
- Assist in populating the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), such as SAP, with initial maintenance data and annual planning inputs.
- Maintain accurate plant records and prepare mobilisation status reports.
- Participate in cataloguing Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor punch list items and track the resolution of outstanding issues.
- Engage in both classroom and hands-on contractor-led training programs, as well as pre-commissioning exercises.
- Support the implementation and use of the Permit-To-Work (PTW) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety systems.
2. Operation and Maintenance Period (Post-Commercial Operation Date)
Once the plant is operational, the Shift Operator’s duties will include:
a) Transmission of Instructions
- At the beginning of each shift, receive, transmit, and justify operational instructions.
- Review logbook entries from previous shifts and clarify unresolved issues before commencing operations.
b) Power Plant Monitoring
- Conduct routine observation rounds within the plant as scheduled or when requested.
- Record operational parameters, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal values, into the mobile register.
- Analyse recorded trends, identify potential malfunctions, and report findings to the Shift Engineer.
- Anticipate equipment deviations and implement preventive measures.
- Operate and monitor plant systems and auxiliary equipment, including fire protection mechanisms.
- Perform equipment start-ups, shutdowns, and continuous operations.
- Regularly test fire protection systems and report abnormalities.
- Issue intervention requests for equipment anomalies, submitting them for approval through the Shift Engineer.
- Monitor water quality to ensure compliance with operational standards.
- Contribute to updates of existing procedures, draft new operational guidelines, and suggest continuous improvements.
c) Control Room Operations
- Monitor plant performance parameters via the Distributed Control System (DCS).
- Alert the Shift Engineer to anomalies or disturbances and propose corrective measures.
- Implement corrective actions in response to alarms or emergency conditions.
- Carry out machine load changes upon the dispatcher’s request.
- Conduct systematic control room surveys.
- Complete the LOTO instruction book under supervision.
d) First-Level Maintenance
- Perform first-level maintenance tasks such as lubrication, filter changes, and minor equipment repairs as directed by the Shift Engineer.
- Participate in cross-functional training with the maintenance team during scheduled preventive maintenance or equipment overhauls.
- Assist in both preventive and corrective maintenance activities under the supervision of the Maintenance Manager or delegated authority.
e) Reporting and Control
- Provide regular reports to the Shift Engineer detailing operational results, deviations, and challenges encountered.
- Escalate matters requiring higher-level decisions and seek guidance as needed.
- Draw attention to operational issues that may impact plant performance or safety.
- Participate in two annual performance reviews with the Shift Engineer to assess progress and competencies.
f) Compliance and HSESS
- Comply with all HSESS policies, procedures, and protocols, including PTW and LOTO requirements.
- Ensure operational activities align with internal controls and established procedures.
- Promote safe working practices within the plant environment.
- Participate in HSESS investigations, incident reviews, and audits to reinforce safety culture.
Requirements, Skills, and Attributes
The Shift Operator role requires a combination of technical knowledge, operational experience, and strong safety awareness.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation/Control Engineering, or equivalent.
Experience:
- Minimum of three years’ experience in power plant operations, preferably within geothermal or steam turbine-based facilities.
- Prior experience in operation or shift-based engineering roles is advantageous.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong understanding of power plant operations, electrical systems, instrumentation, and control systems.
- Ability to read and interpret process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics, and human-machine interface (HMI) systems.
- Proficiency in mobile data collection tools and ERP/CMMS systems.
- Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to detect abnormal operating conditions.
- Knowledge of water chemistry as it relates to power plant operations.
- Excellent record-keeping and reporting capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Strong commitment to safety and adherence to HSE best practices.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
About Globeleq
Globeleq has been at the forefront of power generation across Africa for many years. The company develops, owns, and operates power plants that utilise a range of technologies, from renewable sources like wind and solar to traditional thermal solutions. Supported by strong shareholders and long-term partnerships with governments, technology providers, and financiers, Globeleq is well-positioned to continue delivering energy solutions that enable sustainable development throughout the continent.
The Menengai Geothermal Project represents a key milestone in Globeleq’s East African operations, underlining its commitment to investing in clean, renewable energy while ensuring long-term operational excellence.
Application Process
Globeleq has partnered with Smart4Energy for this recruitment. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply before the stated deadline.
For any queries regarding the application, candidates may reach out via email to: [email protected]
Application Deadline: September 11, 2025
