Senior Energy Researcher

The Senior Energy Researcher will be a thought leader responsible for generating high-impact research on the technical and techno-political dynamics shaping the energy sector in South Africa and globally. This individual will create and disseminate knowledge to inform the organisation’s decision-making, guide engineering and investment teams, and foster a culture of continuous learning across the organisation. Research outputs will address critical technical, political, and macro-economic issues, equipping the executive committee (Exco) and board with actionable insights for strategic decision-making.

Job Responsibilities

Research Development and Delivery

• Conduct advanced research on technical and techno-political issues in the energy sector, both in South Africa and internationally.
• Analyse global and local trends in energy policy, technology development, and market dynamics to identify opportunities and risks for the organisation.
• Generate actionable insights on macro-economic factors affecting energy investments, operations, and development.

Knowledge Management and Dissemination

• Drive a knowledge-driven culture by ensuring teams have access to the latest research, trends, and industry developments.
• Prepare high-quality reports, white papers, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Organize workshops, seminars, and briefings to share knowledge and insights across the organisation.

Support for Strategic Decision-Making

• Provide research-driven guidance to the Exco and board on the strategic trajectory of the energy sector.
• Develop position papers on critical issues, including energy policy, market regulation, and industry innovation.
• Assess the socio-political and economic implications of key industry developments and offer strategic recommendations.

Collaboration with Internal Teams

• Work closely with engineering teams to align technical developments with global trends and best practices.
• Collaborate with project development and investment teams to evaluate the feasibility and impact of new opportunities.
• Support operations teams with insights into optimizing power plant performance in the context of evolving technologies and market dynamics.

Thought Leadership

• Represent Pele Energy Group in industry forums, conferences, and policy discussions to establish the organisation as a leader in energy research and innovation.
• Publish articles, reports, and papers that showcase the organisation’s expertise in the energy sector.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• A Master’s or PhD in Energy Studies, Engineering, Economics, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in energy research, with a strong understanding of both technical and techno-political issues in the sector.
• Deep knowledge of South Africa’s energy policies, macro-economic factors, and global energy trends.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality research reports and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Experience working in or collaborating with energy-related industries, such as renewable energy, utilities, or energy policy organisations.

Competencies

• Research Expertise: Strong ability to design and conduct complex research, analyse data, and present findings effectively.
• Energy Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of technical aspects (e.g., renewable technologies, grid systems) and techno-political factors (e.g., policy, regulation).
• Macro-Economic Understanding: Ability to assess the economic implications of energy sector developments and provide strategic advice.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences, including executives and board members.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect research insights to organisational goals and broader energy sector dynamics.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape the research agenda of a leading renewable energy company.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment focused on advancing South Africa’s energy transition.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional growth opportunities in energy research and leadership.

Applications Deadline 6 February 2025.