A remote-location GM for a provincial hydro project
Hydro Project General Manager - Enga Provincial Government | Papua New Guinea
THE CHALLENGE
A Provincial Government embarking on aspirational energy solutions for their people, starting with reliable and efficient power supply to their hospital and educational institutions around the main township, with subsequent projects to distribute power for domestic consumption. With everything at approved concept stage, they now needed the right person to work in a remote location with very limited amenities. The client had no in-house technical expert and no in-house corporate support, and there were challenges pinning down the key decision makers within the Provincial Government and the state power utility to progress the recruitment process.
The main challenge was the remote location, a significant consideration for candidates in terms of relocation, lifestyle adjustment and long-term commitment. The niche requirement for hydro project experience further narrowed the talent pool, particularly at General Manager level. We were also focused on identifying a candidate who is not only technically and operationally capable, but genuinely motivated to take on a leadership role with a strong growth mandate, with the ability to build and develop the business, lead teams effectively, and drive performance in a complex operating environment.
WHY THE CLIENT CHOSE US
Enga Provincial Government engaged Peopleconnexion due to our strong network, extensive database and global reach of talent. In addition, our deep-rooted relationships and established presence in Papua New Guinea enable us to effectively understand local challenges, timelines and the visa process requirements.
OUR APPROACH
We conducted a global search across our extensive database, supported by our strong LinkedIn network and international connections. These conversations allowed us to effectively showcase the strategic importance of the role, the scale of the hydro project, and the long-term potential within the organisation, which in turn helped generate meaningful interest from candidates aligned with both the technical requirements and broader business growth objectives.
THE OUTCOME
Suitable candidates were identified, with the position advancing to offer stage. The client was very pleased with the support we provided throughout the process and with our proactive, consultative approach. (At the time of writing, the client was still to finalise KPIs and the offer.)
THE HUMAN SIDE
The candidate met with government officials to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in the hydro project, including key considerations around local land access, stakeholder engagement and community impact. This provided valuable context around the scale of the project and the sensitivities involved in its delivery. He also took the opportunity to speak with expatriates working at the university and hospital, which helped him build a more well-rounded view of life in Wabag, offering practical insights into living conditions, community dynamics and the support structures available for professionals working in the region. Given the nature of the public sector processes and the technical and capacity gaps of the client for such projects, we did our best to maintain communication throughout.
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