Project Director – Energy (Power Plants)

At Azizi Developments, we are not only one of Dubai’s leading and most progressive real estate developers, but also a values-driven organization led by a visionary Chairman whose philanthropic leadership continues to shape communities across the region. With a growing multibillion-dollar portfolio and a strong commitment to innovation and regional development, Azizi is expanding into the energy sector as part of its long-term diversification strategy.

Azizi Energy, wholly owned by Azizi Group based in Dubai, is an independent energy producer developing and investing in energy infrastructure projects. We concentrate in worldwide markets with special attention to maintain energy supply security in Afghanistan by investing at least in 10,000 MW installed power capacity together with accompanying coal & gas production and transmission/distribution assets. We are seeking talented professionals to join our team and contribute to the transformation of Afghanistan’s energy sector.

Azizi Energy is seeking an experienced and strategic Project Director to oversee the successful delivery of large-scale power plant projects across Afghanistan and other regional locations. The Project Director will provide high-level leadership, strategic oversight, and direction for all phases of project execution, including planning, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover. This role requires a strong on-site presence, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and the ability to navigate complex, high-risk environments while driving project success and aligning with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Project Leadership & Oversight

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for utility-scale power plant projects (solar, thermal, or hybrid).
• Oversee multiple project sites, ensuring alignment with Azizi Energy’s goals, timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Drive end-to-end project execution, from feasibility and planning through to commissioning and handover.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Serve as the senior on-site representative for Azizi Energy, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, EPC contractors, investors, and local communities.
• Negotiate with regulatory bodies, local authorities, and international partners to ensure compliance with legal, environmental, and community requirements.
• Represent Azizi Energy in high-level meetings and forums to promote project objectives and secure necessary approvals.

3. Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and financial accountability across all project phases.
• Oversee project schedules, milestones, and performance metrics, implementing corrective actions to address deviations.
• Ensure quality assurance, compliance with technical specifications, and adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.

4. Risk Management & Strategic Decision-Making

• Identify, assess, and mitigate high-level project risks, including geopolitical, logistical, and operational challenges.
• Provide strategic solutions to complex issues, escalating critical matters to the Chairman/CEO when necessary.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports to senior leadership, including progress updates, risk analyses, and KPI performance.

5. Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary project teams, including project managers, engineers, and subcontractors, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development of site-based teams to ensure capacity for project delivery.
• Enforce Azizi Energy’s HSE policies and promote a safety-first culture across all project sites.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience may be considered).
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent senior-level project management certification is highly preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in senior project management or director-level roles within construction or power generation projects, with at least 7 years in utility-scale energy projects.
• Proven track record of delivering complex projects in emerging or post-conflict markets, preferably in the energy sector.
• Deep expertise in EPC contracts, project financing, risk management, and HSE regulations.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Dari, Pashto, or other regional languages is a strong advantage.
• Willingness to work on-site in remote or challenging locations and travel extensively as required.