Substation Engineer – Namibia

Aninver Development Partners SL (www.aninver.com) is looking for a Substation Engineer for a consultancy assignment financed by City of Windhoek in Namibia.

Aninver Development Partners is preparing a proposal for an electrical infrastructure initiative in Namibia financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project focuses on addressing growing energy demands, reducing network losses, and improving public safety through reliable infrastructure in peri-urban and informal settlements. The assignment encompasses comprehensive feasibility studies, grid reinforcement and expansion, replacement of aging main transformers, and the re-evaluation of municipal streetlighting systems.

To support this key energy sector mandate, we are seeking a qualified Substation Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team of consultants. The expert will play a pivotal role in assessing, planning, and designing critical substation infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that all technical solutions meet international standards, local regulatory frameworks, and AfDB environmental and social safeguard policies throughout the project lifecycle.

Aninver is preparing a proposal for this assignment. The selected expert will be part of the proposed team; the engagement is conditional on the contract being awarded to Aninver. The full Terms of Reference for the position are shared with shortlisted candidates.

Objectives of the assignment

• Assess existing legacy substation assets and operating conditions through field inspections and technical evaluations.
• Design robust substation upgrades and capacity enhancements meeting rigorous safety and technical codes.
• Formulate precise technical specifications and requirements for the replacement of main 66/11 kV transformers.
• Contribute to bankable feasibility studies and implementation-ready designs for electrical grid reinforcement.
• Ensure full integration of engineering designs with economic, financial, and environmental safeguard analyses.

Scope of work

• Conduct field inspections, walkover surveys, and initial data collection during inception missions to evaluate existing substation infrastructure.
• Perform technical assessments for grid reinforcement, network expansion, and rehabilitation of electrical assets in peri-urban areas.
• Evaluate the condition of main 66/11 kV transformers and formulate technical specifications for their replacement.
• Design substation upgrades and expansions considering specific local terrain conditions.
• Assess civil works and structural requirements for substations and associated buildings, incorporating geotechnical considerations.
• Prepare detailed technical specifications, bills of quantities, and complete bidding documents for tendering substation works.
• Assist the client through bidding processes, tender evaluations, and contractor negotiations during project preparation.

Your role as Substation Engineer

• Lead the substation engineering components of the feasibility studies and detailed design phases.
• Execute condition assessments and technical evaluations of existing 66 kV or above substation assets.
• Develop detailed engineering designs, layout plans, and schematics for substation upgrades and capacity expansions.
• Formulate exact technical specifications, technical schedules, and bills of quantities for substation equipment and transformer replacements.
• Collaborate closely with power system, civil, and distribution engineers to ensure seamless grid integration.
• Contribute to environmental and social impact assessments as they pertain to substation construction and rehabilitation works.
• Support the procurement process by reviewing tender documents and evaluating contractor bids for substation packages.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or relevant fields
• At least 10 years of relevant experience
• Experience in substation of 66kV or above design and operations
• Specific experience of working on at least one substation design project of similar nature and in similar terrain conditions

Desirable

• Previous professional experience working on electrical infrastructure projects in Southern Africa.
• Familiarity with African Development Bank (AfDB) procurement guidelines and safeguard policies.

An experienced Substation Engineer with a strong background in 66 kV or above substation design, complex transformer replacements, and infrastructure projects executed in challenging terrain conditions.

Assignment details

• Location: Namibia
• Financed by: City of Windhoek
• Contract: individual consultancy (conditional on award)

About Aninver Development Partners

Aninver is an international development consulting firm headquartered in Spain. It supports governments, development banks, UN agencies and bilateral donors with feasibility studies, technical assistance, evaluations and capacity building across Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and Asia-Pacific, working with a network of international and national experts.

Why apply

• Join a multidisciplinary team on a City of Windhoek-financed project in Namibia.
• Individual consultancy: flexible, output-based engagement with an experienced proposal team.
• Your CV stays in Aninver's expert network for future assignments that match your profile.

How to apply

Sign in (or create a free account) and upload your CV in English. Add your LinkedIn profile, indicative daily rate and availability to speed up the assessment. Aninver will contact the shortlisted candidates.

Frequently asked questions

Is the position confirmed? The engagement depends on the contract being awarded to Aninver. Shortlisted experts are included in the proposal with their consent.

Can I apply if I am not based in the country? Yes, unless the requirements say otherwise; relevant regional experience is an asset.

What happens with my CV? It is used to assess your fit for this and future positions and is not shared with third parties without your consent.