Power Systems Expert

Power Systems Expert

Department: Technical

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Head of Technical, Reforms and Economics

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 
Our client is an international development organisation supporting a national government in establishing a central coordination unit responsible for steering major energy-sector programs. The unit plays a central role in planning and coordinating investments, strengthening network performance, and guiding the expansion and optimisation of transmission and distribution infrastructure aligned with electrification and renewable energy goals. 

The client is seeking a Power Systems Expert to provide specialised technical expertise in the planning, design, and optimisation of national transmission and distribution systems. The role includes assessing grid infrastructure, developing integrated network expansion plans, supporting renewable energy integration, analysing system reliability, and advising on grid-related regulatory and operational reforms. 

The expert will work closely with government institutions, utilities, and development partners to ensure that national network planning aligns with sector priorities, least-cost principles, and long-term energy access objectives. 

Role and Responsibilities
Role: Power Systems Expert
Direct Report: Head of Technical, Reforms and Economics
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables: 

• Economic Infrastructure Analysis & Planning
  • Assess the current state of the national electrical grid and identify needs for reinforcement, extension, densification, and rehabilitation. 
  • Coordinate the translation of programme targets into an integrated HT/MT/BT development plan consistent with the national least-cost master plan and utilities' investment plans. 
  • Participate in the development of regional interconnection and renewable-energy integration strategies. 
• Network Optimisation & Reliability
  • Analyse the capacity, reliability, and resilience of existing infrastructure and, in coordination with relevant agencies, propose prioritised actions and investments to improve reliability and operational efficiency. 
  • Assess risks related to interruptions and propose appropriate mitigation measures. 
  • Provide grid-related inputs to regulatory reforms, including grid code updates, connection rules, ancillary services, and the technical structuring of PPAs, connection agreements, and related contracts.
• Technical Support for Energy Projects
  • Provide technical support for the design and implementation of infrastructure projects under the programme and ensure validation of associated grid-impact studies. 
  • Participate in identifying investment needs and preparing technical files for lenders and investors. 
  • Advise on the adoption of innovative and sustainable technologies relevant to network modernisation. 
• Coordination, Reporting & Communication
  • Collaborate with public and private stakeholders to harmonise interventions on the transmission and distribution network. 
  • Prepare technical reports, memos, and recommendations for leadership and coordination bodies. 
  • Support dissemination of technical analyses to sector stakeholders and development partners. 
  • Participate in coordination meetings and provide technical input as required. 
• Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer
  • Participate in training and skills-transfer workshops for sector personnel. 
  • Support the transfer of methodologies, modelling approaches, and technical tools to internal teams. 
  • Contribute to the development of technical documentation, manuals, and guidance materials. 

Key outputs:

• Inception Report 
• Integrated HT/MT/BT development plan recommendations 
• Network reliability and capacity analysis report 
• Technical recommendations for renewable energy integration and system optimisation 
• Technical briefs, memos, and presentations 
• Completion Report 

Requirements Experience Required:

• Minimum 8 years' experience in the design, planning, or operation of power transmission and/or distribution networks. 
  
• Power System Planning & Network Design – Experience in planning and designing transmission and distribution networks, including reinforcement, expansion, densification, rehabilitation, and least-cost electrification planning. 
  
• Renewable Energy Integration & Grid Optimisation – Experience integrating renewable energy into grid systems, assessing system reliability and power quality, and advising on technologies and solutions to modernise infrastructure. 
  
• Network Simulation & Modelling – Proficiency with power-system simulation tools (e.g., PSS/E, DIgSILENT, ETAP) and experience conducting load-flow, short-circuit, contingency, stability, and reliability studies. 
  
• Electrification Planning & Access Strategies – Ability to work with electrification master plans and align MV/LV build-out, densification, last-mile connections, and on-grid/mini-grid interfaces with national access targets. 
  
• Sector Reform & Technical Advisory – Experience working with utilities, regulators, or technical partners to link grid requirements with policy reforms, regulatory frameworks, and investment planning

Technical Requirements:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrotechnology, or related field. 
• Strong proficiency with network simulation and modelling software (PSS/E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP). 
• Expertise in least-cost power-system planning, grid studies, and optimisation methodologies. 
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports and recommendations

Other Skills:

• Strong analytical and diagnostic capability 
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly 
• Excellent coordination and stakeholder-engagement skills 
• High attention to detail and documentation discipline 
• Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams 
• Familiarity with the Togolese and West African energy-sector contexts or similar environments. 
• French language skills an advantage but not mandatory

Working Arrangement
Location: Lomé, Togo (or any other location agreed in advance)
Travel: Limited

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: January 2026 
Contracting Period: 12 months, with potential extension  Includes a 3-month initial evaluation period 

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