About Ignite Access:

Ignite Access is an Abu Dhabi-based leader in distributed renewable energy solutions, dedicated to providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to underserved communities across Africa. Ignite is now operating across 12 countries and serving over 15 million people. Through innovative technology, scalable business models, and impact-driven financing, Ignite Access is transforming lives, fostering economic growth, and driving the continent’s clean energy transition.

Job Purpose:

The Civil Engineer is responsible for designing and supervising civil works associated with solar mini-grid construction, including fencing, masonry or prefab structures, PV array racking foundations, and any stormwater features. She or he will also participate in pegging, excavation, and pole erection as required. The role ensures that these works are executed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with engineering standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Generation Unit (GU) site design and layout.
• Manage GU site preparation including debushing and leveling when necessary.
• Oversee construction of fencing and concrete or driven pile foundations for the PV arrays.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantity for any required civil works.
• Supervise trenching for PV array home run wiring and ensure proper backfilling.
• When necessary, conduct pegging and hole excavation for the Distribution Network.
• Liaise with contractors and monitor labor activities to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Verify material quantities and quality including concrete blocks, cement, aggregates, sand, water, roofing sheets, etc.
• Address defects and enforce corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop work plans, schedules, and resource requirements for civil activities.
• Enforce adherence to safety procedures and PPE usage on-site.
• Participate in site risk assessments and safety briefings.
• Identify and report hazards or unsafe practices.
• Coordinate with electrical teams to align civil and electrical timelines.
• Monitor environmental impact including storm water pollution, waste management, land restoration after works completion.
• Prepare weekly reports, prefinal inspection reports, and final reports.
• Report delays, risks, and technical challenges to management.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
• Registered or eligible for registration with a relevant engineering body.
• Minimum three years of experience in rural or remote construction.
• Proven experience in supervising construction teams and contractors.
• Experience in solar minigrids or rural electrification is an added advantage.
• Experience with Geographical Information Systems (Google Earth and QGIS) is an added advantage.

Languages:

• Excellent oral and written English required.
• Proficiency in at least one local Zambian language; language from NW Province is an added advantage.

Ignite Access is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. All applications are screened based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without any regard to origin, age, name, sexual identity, orientation or preference, religion, marital status, health, disability, political opinions, union involvement or citizenship. Our differences are our strengths!

• Manage Generation Unit (GU) site design and layout.
• Manage GU site preparation including debushing and leveling when necessary.
• Oversee construction of fencing and concrete or driven pile foundations for the PV arrays.
• Prepare drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantity for any required civil works.
• Supervise trenching for PV array home run wiring and ensure proper backfilling.
• When necessary, conduct pegging and hole excavation for the Distribution Network.
• Liaise with contractors and monitor labor activities to ensure adherence to specifications.
• Verify material quantities and quality including concrete blocks, cement, aggregates, sand, water, roofing sheets, etc.
• Address defects and enforce corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop work plans, schedules, and resource requirements for civil activities.
• Enforce adherence to safety procedures and PPE usage on-site.
• Participate in site risk assessments and safety briefings.
• Identify and report hazards or unsafe practices.
• Coordinate with electrical teams to align civil and electrical timelines.
• Monitor environmental impact including storm water pollution, waste management, land restoration after works completion.
• Prepare weekly reports, prefinal inspection reports, and final reports.
• Report delays, risks, and technical challenges to management.

• Supervising construction teams and contractors
• Experience in solar minigrids or rural electrification
• Experience with Geographical Information Systems (Google Earth and QGIS)
• Proficiency in at least one local Zambian language

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
• Registered or eligible for registration with a relevant engineering body.
• Minimum three years of experience in rural or remote construction.
• Proven experience in supervising construction teams and contractors.
• Experience in solar minigrids or rural electrification is an added advantage.
• Experience with Geographical Information Systems (Google Earth and QGIS) is an added advantage.
• Excellent oral and written English required.
• Proficiency in at least one local Zambian language; language from NW Province is an added advantage.