Contracts Associate

About NOA

Established in 2022, NOA (an acronym for Net Zero Africa) is a fully integrated energy company that generates, procures, aggregates and delivers clean, competitively priced electricity to commercial and industrial businesses across South Africa. We hold a trading licence from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, approved on 31 January 2025, and we exist to REpower the African economy — helping our customers reach their net-zero goals while securing long-term energy savings.

Backed by $245 million in equity capital from Old Mutual’s African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), we have a significant site pipeline and 1.5 GW of generation capacity under construction, sourced from NOA owned wind, solar PV and battery storage sites alongside trusted independent power producers. That energy is wheeled through the national grid to customers in commercial and industrial sectors.

Energy is the foundation of everything we depend on — without reliable power, there are no new jobs, no growing industries, no advancing healthcare or education. South Africa is at a once-in-a-generation moment in its energy journey, one that demands both boldness and clarity. That's exactly what we bring: we step up where others hesitate, absorb the complexity of a young and uncertain market, and turn it into simple, credible solutions our customers and partners can trust.

What truly sets us apart is The NOA Way, our intentionally crafted culture and roadmap for excellence. We aren't just a utility; we are a tight, high-functioning team of all-in problem solvers who lean into complexity to find original solutions. We speak simply and truthfully, act big and step forward to own the changes our nation needs.

Our impact is immense: we are here to solve the immediate energy crisis, fuel the growth of the South African economy, and build a legacy of impact that lasts for generations. We are building a phenomenal team to do something magnificent together, and we make sure to savour the journey along the way.

About the role

The Contracts Associate plays a key role in enabling the performance, scalability and commercial effectiveness of NOA’s Trading function.

Reporting to the Trading Operations – Contracts Manager, this role operates across contract operations, project delivery and trading support. It requires a commercially minded operator who can take ownership of processes, drive execution and contribute to the continuous improvement of how Trading operates.

This is a delivery-focused role with meaningful exposure to contracts, commercial operations and strategic initiatives.

Key accountabilities

Contract Operations & Commercial Delivery (70%)

• Work alongside the Customer Engagement Manager and lead with CUOSA and ESA amendments, coordination and execution
• Contribute to the commercial operation of contracts, ensuring alignment between contractual obligations and operational delivery
• Support the Contracts Manager in the execution and ongoing management of generator and customer contracts
• Apply legal and commercial judgment to contract-related activities
• Maintain robust contract management, documentation and control processes

Contract Process Improvement & Automation (30%)

• Own and drive improvements in contract workflows, including ESA and CUOSA processes
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and efficiency, leveraging technology and AI tools
• Standardise templates, processes and documentation across the Trading function
• Strengthen the scalability, accuracy and efficiency of contract operations
• Drive continuous improvement of systems, processes and ways of working to enable scale and accuracy

Measures of success

• Contractual Amendments with 3rd parties improving turnaround times
• Deliver high-quality contract and operational outputs with accuracy and consistency
• Improve efficiency and scalability of Trading processes
• Enable effective coordination across contracts, projects and stakeholders
• Contribute meaningfully to strategic and commercial outcomes within Trading

Role requirements

Qualifications

• Degree in Law (LLB), Commerce, Engineering or a related field

Experience

• Experience with stakeholder management, especially with Eskom or similar
• 3–5 years’ experience in a commercial, legal, trading or operational environment
• Experience in contract management, commercial operations or project delivery
• Experience in the energy or infrastructure sector is advantageous

Who we are looking for

Behavioural competencies

• Ownership & Initiative
• Commercial Judgement
• Structured Thinking & Problem Solving
• Adaptability & Resilience
• Strong Communication (written and verbal)
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Technical & functional competencies

• Strong understanding of contract structures and commercial frameworks
• Ability to translate contractual requirements into operational execution
• Strong project coordination and stakeholder management capability
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint essential)
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes and implement efficient ways of working
• Interest in technology-enabled solutions and automation

Why join NOA?

A Once-in-a-Career Mission

Joining NOA is an invitation to be part of a growing team at the very forefront of the South African renewable energy industry. We are a dynamic, mission-driven organisation with strong financial backing and a deep commitment to unlocking a just energy transition for our nation. This is a unique moment in history—a chance to shape a new industry from its inception.

The NOA Way: Culture by Design

We don't leave our culture to chance; we have intentionally crafted a roadmap called The NOA Way to ensure our business is a remarkable place that houses your highest aspirations. We are "all-in" problem solvers who think big and move with speed to make a significant impact. We value "Performance Connections," the belief that through genuine collaboration, we can achieve results far greater than the sum of our individual parts.

Investment in Your Evolution

We provide a world-class environment designed to help you thrive in a demanding sector:

• The Powerkit: Every new team member participates in a day-long offsite "experience" in Cape Town to master the skills needed to excel within the NOA system.
• Continuous Growth: You will benefit from a constant feedback loop through our "RAP" (Review, Analyse, Plan) cadence, alongside coaching resources and "lunch and learns" to own your career path.
• Supportive Wellbeing: We promote true work-life integration with flexible hours, hybrid work-from-home options, and wellness initiatives specifically designed to "refuel your tank".

Competitive Reward & Equity

We recognise and reward exceptional performance with a framework that allows you to participate in our collective success:

• Market-Leading Compensation: We offer a competitive salary tailored to your experience level.
• Incentives for Impact: You will be eligible for a performance-related short-term incentive (STI) bonus.
• Ownership Culture: We offer meaningful equity investment exposure through our staff share scheme, ensuring you are truly invested in the future we are building.