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.

Employment type
Permanent

Work arrangement
No