This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role in launching and shaping a major international energy player’s presence in one of the world’s most exciting frontier markets.

As Deputy Country Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of a high-impact country entry, helping to establish and grow operations from the ground up. You’ll play a pivotal role in driving safe, compliant exploration activity while building trusted relationships with government, partners and local communities.

If you're motivated by creating value in complex environments, leading high-performing teams, and influencing strategy at the highest level—this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.


The Opportunity

You will act as a senior in-country leader, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organisation’s operations and reputation within Namibia. This includes:

• Leading safe, compliant and efficient exploration activities
• Driving country strategy, performance and long-term value creation
• Acting as a key liaison with government bodies and strategic partners
• Managing risk across operational, political and commercial dimensions
• Building a strong in-country operating model and team culture

This role combines strategic leadership, operational oversight and external engagement at a senior level.


Key Responsibilities

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and industry-leading standards
• Ensure full compliance with local regulations and internal governance frameworks
• Oversee crisis readiness, security planning and business continuity

Strategy & Growth

• Support and deliver the country strategy, aligned to global business objectives
• Drive investment planning across exploration and development phases
• Manage country-level risks and ensure transparent reporting

External Affairs & Stakeholder Management

• Represent the organisation to government, regulators and national stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with JV partners and local entities
• Lead community engagement and local content initiatives

Leadership & Culture

• Establish a high-performing, accountable and values-driven team
• Lead through complexity, including crisis and high-pressure situations
• Foster a culture of integrity, inclusion and continuous improvement

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience

• 15 years’ experience in the upstream oil & gas sector
• Proven leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder environments
• Experience in new country entry, start-ups or joint venture environments
• Strong track record in safety leadership and operational excellence
• Senior-level stakeholder engagement (government, regulators, partners)
• Commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and investment decisions

Key Strengths

• Exceptional leadership and influencing skills
• Strong cultural awareness and ability to operate globally
• Sound judgement in high-pressure and ambiguous situations
• Deep commitment to ethics, governance and compliance

Desirable

• Prior country leadership experience
• Experience in Africa or other frontier markets
• Exposure to national oil companies or similar stakeholders

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.