Job Description
The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is inviting applications from experienced and visionary professionals for the position of Manager-Geothermal Resource Centre. This senior leadership opportunity is suited to an accomplished engineering manager with a proven ability to drive innovation, coordinate multidisciplinary technical programs, and strengthen strategic partnerships that support sustainable geothermal development.
Reporting to the General Manager – Business Development, the successful candidate will lead the Geothermal Resource Centre in advancing research, consultancy services, knowledge management, engineering excellence, and institutional collaboration. The role plays a significant part in positioning the organization as a regional center of excellence by promoting innovative technologies, supporting technical capacity development, and delivering value-added consultancy solutions for both local and international stakeholders.
The successful manager will provide strategic leadership in developing departmental objectives that align with the company's long-term business priorities while ensuring efficient execution of operational plans, financial accountability, and continuous organizational improvement. The position requires the ability to oversee technical research initiatives, manage external consultancy assignments, coordinate partnerships with universities, research institutions, development agencies, and industry stakeholders, and champion initiatives that strengthen geothermal expertise across the sector.
The role also involves guiding departmental budgeting, monitoring resource utilization, safeguarding organizational assets, and implementing effective governance practices that enhance accountability and operational efficiency. The successful candidate will foster a high-performance culture through staff coaching, talent development, succession planning, and performance management while encouraging innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
As the departmental leader, the Manager – Geothermal Resource Centre will ensure compliance with corporate policies, engineering standards, occupational health and safety requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks. The position further requires strong stakeholder engagement skills to build sustainable relationships with consultants, funding agencies, government institutions, development partners, and industry experts while identifying new opportunities for revenue generation through specialized consultancy and technical advisory services.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Kenya's renewable energy transformation by leading initiatives that expand geothermal knowledge, improve engineering solutions, accelerate technology adoption, and support long-term sustainable development through research, innovation, and strategic collaboration.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement departmental strategic objectives that directly support the organization's corporate vision and business priorities.
- Lead the planning, coordination, execution, and continuous improvement of all activities undertaken by the Geothermal Resource Centre.
- Establish research priorities that address emerging geothermal engineering, exploration, drilling, production, and operational challenges.
- Promote innovation by identifying modern technologies, technical solutions, and best industry practices that improve project performance.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering research programs with local, regional, and international institutions.
- Build sustainable partnerships with universities, research organizations, development agencies, government institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
- Oversee consultancy assignments while ensuring timely delivery of high-quality technical services that generate organizational revenue.
- Manage contractual, commercial, and administrative matters relating to external consultants and professional service providers.
- Represent the department during technical forums, stakeholder engagements, conferences, workshops, and strategic industry meetings.
- Provide expert technical advice to senior management on research, innovation, consultancy, and engineering development initiatives.
- Guide preparation of departmental budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure responsible utilization of approved financial resources.
- Supervise acquisition, maintenance, utilization, and safeguarding of departmental equipment, technology platforms, software, and other organizational assets.
- Establish measurable departmental performance indicators and regularly evaluate progress against approved work plans.
- Lead, mentor, coach, and develop departmental employees while promoting knowledge sharing, accountability, and continuous professional development.
- Foster an inclusive workplace culture that encourages collaboration, creativity, integrity, and high performance.
- Strengthen knowledge management systems through effective documentation, record keeping, and information governance.
- Implement comprehensive departmental risk management strategies to minimize operational, technical, financial, and compliance risks.
- Ensure adherence to occupational health, environmental protection, and workplace safety standards including proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Monitor compliance with engineering regulations, corporate governance requirements, and applicable statutory obligations.
- Prepare management reports, strategic recommendations, and performance updates for executive leadership.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen the Geothermal Resource Centre's regional and international reputation as a centre of technical excellence.
- Support organizational initiatives that enhance geothermal capacity building, technology transfer, innovation, and sustainable energy development.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service quality, stakeholder satisfaction, and long-term institutional growth.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Master's Degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized institution.
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Mining Engineering, Energy Engineering, Geothermal Engineering, Drilling Technology, or an equivalent engineering qualification from a recognized institution.
- Registered Professional with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB), or an equivalent recognized professional
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application before the closing date. Applications should include an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), a professionally written cover letter, copies of academic and professional certificates, evidence of registration with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Kenya Engineering Technology Registration Board (KETRB), or an equivalent professional body, and proof of completion of a recognized management course. Applicants shortlisted for further consideration will be required to present valid clearance certificates in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya, including a Kenya Revenue Authority Tax Compliance Certificate, Directorate of Criminal Investigations Certificate of Good Conduct, Higher Education Loans Board Compliance Certificate where applicable, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Self-Declaration Form, and a Credit Reference Bureau Clearance Certificate or Credit Report. Only candidates who meet all the stated requirements will be considered. GDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, fairness, inclusion, and merit-based recruitment. Female candidates, persons living with disabilities, and qualified applicants from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.