About Company
Société Nationale d’Électricité (SNEL) is the national electricity company of the Democratic Republic of Congo, holding the crucial mandate for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the entire nation. With a pivotal mission to power national development and foster economic growth, SNEL operates an extensive network of hydroelectric and thermal power plants, ensuring essential energy security. Headquartered in Kinshasa, our presence extends significantly to provincial capitals, including a robust and vital operation in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province. SNEL is deeply committed to delivering reliable, sustainable, and accessible energy solutions to millions of Congolese citizens, industries, and businesses. Our dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly to maintain, modernize, and expand our energy infrastructure, thereby contributing directly to the socio-economic fabric and progress of the DRC. Joining SNEL means becoming an integral part of a national legacy, playing a direct role in nation-building, and actively powering the future of an entire country through your expertise and commitment.
Job Description
This role as a Power Plant Operator is absolutely crucial to the continuous, safe, and efficient operation of our power generation facilities located in Lubumbashi, Haut-Katanga Province. As an integral and highly valued member of our operational team, you will be directly responsible for the meticulous monitoring, precise control, and proactive maintenance of the various complex systems and critical equipment within the power plant. Your primary objective will be to ensure optimal performance, maximum efficiency, and unwavering adherence to stringent safety protocols and environmental regulations at all times. Your technical expertise and vigilance will directly contribute to the stable and uninterrupted supply of electricity to homes, businesses, and essential industries throughout the entire region, thereby underpinning the economic vitality of Lubumbashi and the wider Haut-Katanga Province.
Key aspects of this role include performing thorough routine inspections, accurately diagnosing any operational issues or abnormalities, responding promptly and effectively to alarms and emergencies, and executing corrective actions with utmost precision and urgency. This demanding position requires a keen eye for detail, a profound understanding of complex mechanical, electrical, and control systems, and an unwavering commitment to operational excellence and stringent safety standards. You will operate within a dynamic and often high-pressure environment, where maintaining seamless power generation is paramount to upholding SNEL’s commitment to reliable energy delivery. If you are a dedicated and highly skilled professional with a deep passion for energy production, a strong technical background, and a desire to make a tangible and significant impact on national development, we sincerely invite you to join our forward-thinking team and contribute to a brighter future for the DRC.
Key Responsibilities
- Operate and continuously monitor power plant equipment and complex systems, including turbines, generators, boilers, and all auxiliary machinery, from a central control room or local control panels.
- Perform routine and preventative inspections, essential tests, and minor maintenance activities on plant equipment, proactively identifying and accurately reporting any malfunctions, anomalies, or potential hazards.
- Adjust operational controls meticulously to regulate the flow of electricity, fuel, water, and other critical materials to optimize plant output, efficiency, and safety.
- Respond promptly and effectively to all alarms, operational emergencies, and system failures, executing emergency shutdown procedures and coordinating seamlessly with maintenance and engineering teams for timely repairs.
- Maintain accurate, detailed operational logs, comprehensive reports, and essential documentation, detailing plant performance, incidents, maintenance activities, and safety observations.
- Ensure strict and unwavering compliance with all established safety protocols, environmental regulations, and operational procedures to safeguard personnel, equipment, and the environment.
- Conduct regular and thorough checks on all safety equipment and actively promote and ensure a safe working environment for all personnel within the plant.
- Collaborate effectively with engineering, maintenance, and other operational teams to troubleshoot complex issues, implement operational improvements, and enhance overall plant reliability.
- Actively participate in mandatory training programs and commit to continuous professional development to stay updated with industry best practices, new technologies, and evolving operational standards.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (at least 3 years) in operating power generation equipment (e.g., thermal, hydro, diesel) in an industrial setting.
- Strong foundational understanding of mechanical, electrical, and control systems directly relevant to power plant operations.
- Ability to accurately read and interpret complex technical manuals, blueprints, electrical schematics, and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make critical, informed decisions rapidly under pressure.
- Demonstrated unwavering commitment to adhering to strict safety procedures and environmental regulations.
- Proficiency in French (written and spoken) is essential for communication in the workplace.
- Basic computer literacy for operational logging, data entry, and report generation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Formal certification in power plant operations or completion of relevant vocational training programs.
- Prior experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
- Comprehensive knowledge of local energy regulations and specific operational standards within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Bilingualism (French and English) is considered a significant asset.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Generous paid time off, including annual leave and national holidays.
- Significant opportunities for professional development, ongoing training, and clear career advancement paths within a leading national utility.
- Robust retirement savings plan to ensure long-term financial security.
- Housing assistance or allowances (where applicable and in line with company policy).
- Access to a range of employee wellness programs and support services.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the specified qualifications are strongly encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) along with a compelling cover letter. Please ensure your application clearly and thoroughly outlines your relevant experience, technical skills, and qualifications, demonstrating your suitability for this critical and impactful role at SNEL.