Transmission Systems Advisor

Application Deadline:
12 September 2025

Department:
Energy

Location:
South Africa

Description
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

Client:
The Client is a renewable energy company developing and financing sustainable power projects in emerging markets, specialising in the transition from fossil fuel-based generation to renewable energy. They are delivering a first-of-a-kind coal-to-clean transition project in Morocco, replacing an operational coal plant with renewable generation and grid upgrades. This will create a commercially viable pathway for the plant owner and national utility while advancing Morocco's decarbonisation and energy security goals.

Project:
The Client is seeking a Transmission Systems Advisor to provide senior advisory input on Morocco's medium- and high-voltage network, focusing on the grid upgrades needed to integrate large-scale renewable energy from the repurposed coal plant site. The expert will assess substations, transmission lines, and interconnection requirements, and collaborate with the engineering team, Carbon Trust, the plant owner, other experts, utilities, and government stakeholders to scope technical needs, identify investment requirements, and support the development of a financing strategy. This is a part-time role with a minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of 75 days over 6 months focused on pre-feasibility scoping, technical advisory, and alignment with investment planning.

The ideal candidate is a senior transmission systems professional with deep knowledge of Morocco's grid and extensive experience in planning, operating, and upgrading large-scale generation integration. They have proven expertise in substations, transmission lines, and interconnection standards, and excel at pre-feasibility–level advisory work that aligns technical requirements with commercial and financing strategies. Confident in engaging with utilities, regulators, and international partners, they deliver clear, actionable recommendations for one of Morocco's first coal-to-clean transition projects.

Role and Responsibilities
Role:
Transmission Systems Advisor - Coal-to-Clean Transition
Direct Report:
Project Manager
Candidates Required:
1
**Key Deliverables:

Transmission System Assessment**

• Conduct assessment of Morocco's medium- and high-voltage transmission infrastructure related to the project site.
• Evaluate grid capacity, reliability, and connection options for integrating renewable generation.
• Identify technical constraints, bottlenecks, and risks to integration.

Upgrade Scoping & Technical Advisory

• Recommend upgrade, expansion, or reinforcement options with technical specifications at a feasibility level.
• Advise on design choices that align with system performance requirements and long-term operational resilience.
• Provide input into cost estimates, timelines, and implementation phasing for grid improvements.
• (At a later stage) Prepare and review single line diagrams of the plants and make sure they are well designed and aligned with the Grid code and with the needs of the project.

Stakeholder & Financing Alignment

• Collaborate with utilities, government stakeholders, and technical partners to ensure technical solutions align with commercial and investment models.
• Support preparation of technical annexes for feasibility studies, funding proposals, and regulatory submissions.
• Integrate technical requirements into the overall project development and financing strategy.

Requirements
Experience Required:

• Minimum 8 years in electrical transmission system design, planning, operation, or maintenance.
• In-depth knowledge of Morocco's grid infrastructure, operational requirements, and regulatory environment.
• Proven experience in transmission planning and grid integration for large-scale generation projects.
• Experience in making Static and dynamic Grid Studies in Morocco or elsewhere integrating renewable generation
• Assessment of Harmonics in case it is needed
• Experience with HV/MV systems, substations, and grid code compliance.
• Preference for candidates who have designed, installed, operated, and/or maintained transmission systems in Morocco.

Technical Requirements:

• Engineering Degree in Electrical or power engineering or similar.
• Strong understanding of interconnection standards and regulatory requirements in Morocco.
• Basic understanding of how renewables work and how they can impact the Grid
• General knowledge of major transmission systems, capacity, and their utilization levels is an advantage.
• Proficiency in transmission network modeling, load flow, stability, and contingency analysis is an advantage.
• Familiarity with grid simulation software (e.g., PSSE, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP) is an advantage.

Other Skills:

• Able to operate independently in an advisory capacity and engage senior technical and policy stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a practical approach to balancing technical and commercial priorities.
• Skilled communicator, capable of presenting complex technical issues clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Comfortable working in a consulting/advisory capacity on a part-time basis.

**Working Arrangement

Location:**
Casablanca, Morocco or nearby (on-site presence preferred; flexible on-location days as per project phase).

Language/Nationality:
Must be legally eligible to work in Morocco. Moroccan nationals preferred; fluency in French and English required; Arabic an advantage

Travel:
Occasional travel within Morocco for stakeholder engagement and site visits

**Terms of agreement:

Start Date:**
September 2025 (subject to final MOU signing).

Contracting Period:
A minimum of 30 days up to a maximum of 75 days over 6 months; workload will vary by project phase.