Location: Johannesburg strong preference. London will be considered

Job Status: Permanent

Interview Date:  ASAP

Start Date: Q1 - Q2 2014

Open To: All Nationalities

Job Overview: A newly established Africa-focused E&P Company seeks a suitable professional to fill the role of Head of Exploration. The role includes creating the Company's technical department from scratch, leading exploration work from pre-drilling activity to field development planning, and driving business development and expansion. Applicants are invited with a very strong, preferably Africa-specific, geological exploration background; the business and technical acumen to evaluate and develop new assets; and the personal attributes to manage various stakeholders in an entrepreneurial, leanly staffed environment. This is an exciting opportunity working with players who have an excellent track record of business success and the drive and commitment for large business building. The Head of Exploration will be considered as a third Founder-Partner in the venture and will be allocated material equity in the Company, with very significant wealth creation potential.

Company:

The Company aims to be a Pan-African E&P business focused on onshore, highly sought-after acreage in and around rift systems. It has undertaken initial business and G&G analysis in 10+ countries and has determined to focus on the top 5-6 where the opportunities seem most compelling. Various assets have been identified as key opportunities in: Nigeria (proven reserves), Chad, Niger, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania. Exploration licenses have been applied for in some, and discussions with stakeholders are in progress in others. The next key step is a $150 million Fundraising in the private market, which commenced in September 2013. The new Head of Exploration professional will not be required to commit to the Company prior to such Fundraising being completed, which is envisaged to be by Q2 2014. However, the Company would like to engage with candidates in Q4 2013 in order for there to be sufficient time to obtain mutual comfort.

The Company's founders have excellent African private equity and business development track records, which involves having completed very successful deals in the oil and oil services space. Based on a successful Fundraising, they are convinced that their planed approach to the upstream sector will create a multi-billion dollar business, and the candidate will have an exciting opportunity to be involved from the very beginning and reap the benefits thereof.

Responsibilities: Working closely with and reporting to the CEO. The role encompasses multiple functions:

• Build and lead the in-house technical team: G&G, Engineering, Technology, Drilling, Business Development, etc. It is envisaged that the team will remain very lean and most technical work will be outsourced. World-class selection and management of best-in-class contractors is required.
• Lead exploration work: from pre-drilling activity to field development planning. Substantial field-visit travel will be required.
• Drive business development and expansion: review potential assets and farm-in opportunities, lead technical due diligence assignments, manage multiple stakeholders: local authorities, oil companies, partners, suppliers, etc. Travel widely across the regions of interest.
• Work closely with the CEO in developing business strategies for all new ventures.
• Provide direction for the development and maintenance of standards for operating efficiency and solid EHS systems with comprehensive, specific and measurable goals. Assure that processes, procedures and policies are followed as per agreed guidelines and regulations.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and opportunities, especially in relation to opportunities across Africa.

This is an exciting and challenging role for an experienced explorationist with a strong appreciation of safeguarding shareholders' expectations and focusing on return on investment through systematic and careful work. The role offers a great deal of autonomy.

The position is envisaged for Johannesburg where the two Founder-Partners reside, but the Company is open to the role being based in London.

Preferences: The successful candidate will have:

• Degree in Geology/Geophysics essential
• 15+ years in oil/gas exploration essential
• 5+ years in senior management exploration (preferably at corporate/board level) role essential.
• Proven oil and gas finds essential.
• Previous experience working on African rift systems - highly desirable.
• World-class competencies in seismic interpretation, drilling, work-overs, cutting edge G&G techniques - essential
• Proven experience of managing stakeholder relationships - highly desirable
• Strategic: able to assess the big picture, define the opportunities and assist in developing and implementing strategic plans - essential
• Financial/commercial acumen: ability to devise budgets and E&P economic models, structure tenders, etc. - essential
• Strong project management skills: attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, etc. - essential
• Strong leadership skills: ability to drive, lead and influence - essential
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills: ability to converse and build trusting relationships at all levels within the Company, joint venture partners, banks and financial institutions, government officials and licensing authorities, etc. - essential

Package: Base salary of US $300,000, and annual performance bonuses. The main wealth creation element of compensation will be meaningful equity participation.