Globeleq, a premier independent power producer, is spearheading energy transformation across Africa with a growing portfolio of renewable and thermal power projects. As part of its dedication to sustainable development, Globeleq is currently constructing the Menengai Geothermal Project, a 35 MW greenfield geothermal power plant situated in the Menengai Crater in Kenya. This venture is a significant milestone in the nation’s renewable energy sector and represents Kenya’s second large-scale geothermal development after Olkaria.
Once operational by the end of 2025, the Menengai plant will play a pivotal role in contributing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the national grid. The project is being implemented under a 25-year Project Implementation and Steam Supply Agreement (PISSA) with the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), a state-owned enterprise responsible for steam provision. Electricity generated will be sold to Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Globeleq will oversee the plant’s construction, operation, and maintenance (O&M), leading the long-term strategy for reliable power delivery and operational excellence. As part of this critical mandate, Globeleq seeks a highly qualified and experienced Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager to join its O&M team at Menengai.
This recruitment process is being managed in partnership with Smart4Energy. For any queries, applicants may reach out to the recruitment team via email at [email protected].
Position: Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager
Department: Business Operations
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Kenya
Workplace Type: Onsite
Reporting To: Plant Manager
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
Main Purpose of the Role
The Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) Manager will be a cornerstone in developing, maintaining, and enhancing a comprehensive Health, Safety, Environment, Social, and Security (HSESS) Management System tailored for the Menengai Geothermal Plant. The successful candidate will ensure that all operational phases, from pre-commissioning to full-scale operations, adhere to Globeleq’s HSESS requirements, Kenyan regulations, stakeholder expectations, and global best practices.
This role requires close coordination with internal departments such as ESG and the Group HSS Manager, as well as external stakeholders including GDC, KPLC, regulatory bodies, contractors, and local communities. The HSS Manager is charged with embedding a culture of proactive safety, ethical risk management, and operational integrity.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Commercial Operations (Mobilisation Phase)
- Maintain and update the HSESS Integrated Management System (IMS) and plant baseline risk assessment to meet operational needs and obtain necessary approvals.
- Develop the HSESS Manual, implementation plans, and standard operating procedures in alignment with Globeleq and stakeholder expectations.
- Formulate and execute a comprehensive security risk assessment and security management plan for the site.
- Develop a site-specific training needs assessment and implement a training plan covering HSESS topics.
- Ensure full documentation of HSESS protocols and procedures ahead of power plant commissioning, including those mandated by the EPC Contract.
- Coordinate with the EPC Contractor for the proper handover of documents and records relevant to commissioning, operations, and eventual decommissioning.
2. Operational and Maintenance Phase (Post-Commercial Operations Date)
- Ensure full compliance with Kenyan HSESS regulations and Globeleq’s corporate standards.
- Establish systematic documentation and records management for all HSESS components including permits, licenses, audits, and incident logs.
- Integrate with Globeleq’s broader governance structures and establish site-specific HSESS governance frameworks.
- Monitor corrective and preventive actions through a centralized tracker, ensuring timely and effective closures.
- Oversee process safety and manage procedural changes in coordination with functional teams.
- Continuously update and manage a live baseline risk assessment to monitor hazards and control measures.
- Conduct contractor safety certificate audits and enforce strict entry protocols for contractors, including revocation of access for non-compliance.
- Provide expert consultation to the O&M team and other stakeholders on health, safety, and security.
- Act as a primary liaison with external stakeholders such as GDC, Kenya Power, regulators, and community representatives.
- Lead incident investigations, safety audits, site inspections, and risk assessments with full accountability for action closure.
- Exercise authority to halt unsafe operations and collaborate with relevant plant personnel for resolution and preventive strategy implementation.
- Prepare the site for internal and external audits from stakeholders including shareholders, lenders, and government bodies.
- Manage and review the Permit to Work (PTW) and Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) systems to ensure safe execution of tasks.
- Create and maintain a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) with well-structured drill schedules.
- Establish key HSESS performance indicators, monitor their progress, and provide routine reports.
- Promote a safety-first culture by conducting awareness campaigns, community engagement, and stakeholder consultations.
- Implement and maintain a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) programme tailored to plant needs.
- Enforce safety requirements and support plant leadership in addressing non-compliance.
- Stay up to date on legislative changes, industry best practices, and emerging HSESS technologies for continual improvement.
- Form a management review committee to regularly assess and refine the effectiveness of the HSESS Integrated Management System.
Required Experience and Skills
Education and Certifications:
- Tertiary qualification in Health and Safety or Engineering, with a minimum of one-year NEBOSH Health & Safety Certificate.
- NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety preferred.
- ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification (advantageous).
- Valid First Aid and Fire Safety certifications (advantageous).
Professional Experience:
- At least 7 years of HSS management experience in an operating power plant of similar scale and complexity.
- Proven knowledge of Kenyan health and safety legislation and international HSE standards.
- Strong track record in managing HSS compliance in high-risk industrial environments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, evaluate, and implement emergency preparedness and safety systems.
Technical and Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and decisive problem-solving ability.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with fluency in English.
- Ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and work cross-functionally.
- High level of analytical skill, attention to detail, and robust reporting ability.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and safety data analysis tools.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and autonomously.
Core Competencies and Attributes:
- In-depth knowledge of H&S management systems (ISO 45001).
- Strong understanding of safety protocols in power plant commissioning and O&M.
- Expertise in risk assessment, hazard identification, and root cause analysis.
- Ability to develop and deliver safety training at various organizational levels.
- Ethical leadership and ability to liaise with government and industry regulators.
- Strong working knowledge of international environmental and social standards including IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and World Bank EHS Guidelines.
- Understanding of IFC PS2 labor conditions and compliance implications.
- Strong compliance, audit, and documentation skills.
- Competence in remote team collaboration and virtual deliverable tracking.
- Outcome-oriented, proactive, and collaborative work ethic.
About Globeleq
Globeleq is committed to powering Africa’s future through reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. With operational and development assets across the continent, the company draws on a wealth of international experience and robust strategic partnerships. Backed by strong shareholders and a commitment to community and environmental stewardship, Globeleq continues to shape the future of power generation in Africa.
How to Apply
If you meet the above criteria and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to a transformative geothermal project in Kenya, we encourage you to apply by reaching out to the recruitment partner at:
[email protected]
Application Deadline: June 27, 2025
Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
