Chief Operating Officer (COO)

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Job Description

Solomon Islands Electricity Authority (SIEA) trading as Solomon Power is a state-owned enterprise established under the Electricity Act 1969 and governed by the State-Owned Enterprises Act 2007 and the associated regulations. Solomon Power owns, maintains, and operates the country’s national electricity grid. Solomon Power generates, transmits, distributes and sells electricity in the Solomon Islands.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive leader responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of Solomon Power. This role ensures the effective execution of its strategic objectives and serves as a key driver of operational excellence, organizational efficiency, and sustainable growth across all divisions, departments, and units within Solomon Power. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO provides visionary leadership across core operational areas, with emphasis on the Technical Divisions—including Engineering (Generation, SCADA, Transmission & Distribution, Outstation, Regulatory), Capital Works, Special Projects & Planning, and Customer Services. The position role is accountable for translating the company's strategic direction into measurable operational outcomes, ensuring alignment and achievement of organizational goals. The COO plays a pivotal role in shaping Solomon Power’s strategic future by establishing a robust foundation for sustainable, resilient, and efficient power systems that benefit both its customers and the broader Solomon Islands community.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Operational Leadership and Strategic Direction
Lead and coordinate cross-divisional efforts to achieve operational excellence and organizational efficiency. Lead and coordinate cross-divisional teams to deliver on Solomon Power’s mission. Support the CEO and Board in developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic and corporate plans. Provide visionary leadership to technical divisions, ensuring operational excellence.
2. Strategic Execution and Performance Monitoring ensured
Effectively translate Solomon Power’s strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes and ensure alignment across all divisions and departments. Translate strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes, ensuring performance targets are met or exceeded. Oversee operational planning, performance tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives within technical divisions and support units. Timely operational planning processes with critical divisions, Capital Works, Special Projects & Planning, and Customer Services. Monitor division performance against strategic objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs). Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and service quality.
3. Operational budgeting and financial management ensured
Managing and monitoring of capital and operational budgets in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure fiscal discipline and long-term sustainability of Solomon Power Timely collaboration with the CFO to develop, manage, and monitor operational and capital budgets. Ensure financial discipline and resource allocation supports Solomon Power long-term organizational resilience.
4. Stakeholder Engagement
Establish and maintain strategic relationships with government ministries, agencies, donor partners, contractors, and community groups. Cultivate and sustain strategic relationships with government agencies, donors, contractors, and community stakeholders to support organizational goals. Assist the board and CEO in developing and executing long-term Strategic and Corporate strategies, including capital/infrastructure investments and renewable energy transition initiatives.
5. Capital and Operational Project Oversight and Strategic Initiatives Monitored
Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of capital projects and infrastructure investments. Support renewable energy transition initiatives and other strategic growth projects.
6. Risk and Business Continuity Management
In collaboration with responsible officer, identify and mitigate operational risks, by ensuring to plan the business continuity and resilience strategies/plans across all Divisional/Departments. Operational risks identified across divisions and risk mitigation measures implemented. Develop and oversee operational business continuity and resilience strategies and plans.
7. Governance, Safety, and Compliance
Champion adherence to governance standards, safety protocols, and compliance requirements. Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and ethical conduct within all operational activities.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Resource Management	Deliver results through the efficient and effective allocation and use of supplies , equipment and people.
Systems and Procedures	Develop and/or apply procedures to assist the organisation achieve its goals.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Customer
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
People
Leadership	Utilise a leadership position to influence people and events and to increase performance.
Learning	Develop the competencies of self and others to enhance performance.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Economics, Degree in Electrical Engineering or Business or Commerce
Desirable
Master's Degree	Business Administration, Economics, Engineering

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Have at least minimum of 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive or operational management role.
2. Have work experiences in the electricity, infrastructure, or other relevant utility sector/industry
3. Have track record of successfully managing large-scale capital projects and infrastructure programs.
4. Experience working in a state-owned enterprise (SOE) or public utility environment is highly desirable
5. Demonstrated experience leading organizational change, restructuring, or transformation programs
6. Prior exposure to working in a Pacific Island or a developing country context is an advantage
7. Deep knowledge and understanding of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution operations
8. Good understanding of electricity sector policy, regulation, and governance frameworks
9. Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards and obligations relevant to the electricity sector
10. Understanding of corporate governance, board reporting, and accountability frameworks
11. Awareness of renewable energy trends and energy transition strategies relevant to the Pacific region

Requirements

Language Proficiency
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
Professional Associations
Membership of appropriate Professional Institution
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
First Aid Certificate
Police Clearance
Medical Clearance

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Chief Executive Officer
General Managers
Chief Engineer
Deputy Chief Engineer
Engineering Department
External
International funding agencies
Development partners
Government Ministries
Solomon Islands Government

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Innovative	Devises new and creative ways to do things comes up with original ideas.
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Interpersonal Styles
Forthright	Speaks out frankly without hesitation, showing a direct manner.
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Challenger	Queries, tests information/beliefs and provokes thought.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Holistic thinker	Considers issues/situations as a whole rather than analysing or dissecting the parts.
Reflective	Takes a thoughtful and deliberative approach.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.

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