Cost engineer - SOCAR Green | Vakansiya

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Cost Engineer is responsible for delivering comprehensive cost control, budget management, and financial monitoring services across renewable energy projects (solar PV, wind, energy storage, and hybrid systems) within the Project Delivery Department. The role ensures that accurate cost estimates, budgets, forecasts, and cost performance reports are produced at all project phases to enable informed decision-making and protect project financial integrity. The Cost Engineer works closely with the Planning Manager, Project Manager, procurement team, and contractors to maintain cost discipline throughout the project lifecycle. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Cost Estimating & Budgeting Prepare detailed cost estimates at all project phases: conceptual, feasibility, definitive (Class 1–5) for renewable energy projects including solar PV farms, wind farms, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and associated infrastructure. Develop and maintain the project Control Budget by breaking down the Project Sanction Budget across the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS). Validate contractor and vendor cost proposals against benchmarks, historical data, and market rates for renewable energy equipment (modules, inverters, turbines, transformers, cables, civil works). Coordinate with engineering and procurement teams to incorporate scope definition into estimate basis and assumptions. Prepare Owner's Cost estimates to independently validate EPC contractor lump-sum and reimbursable proposals. Cost Control & Monitoring Maintain project cost control systems: track commitments, expenditures, accruals, and forecasts against the control budget on a monthly basis. Monitor and report Cost Performance Index (CPI), Cost Variance (CV), Estimate at Completion (EAC), and Estimate to Complete (ETC) using Earned Value Management (EVM) methodology. Produce monthly Cost Reports and executive-level cost dashboards with clear variance analysis and explanations. Track and manage contingency drawdowns, management reserve, and undistributed budgets throughout the project lifecycle. Conduct cost trend analysis to identify emerging cost risks and opportunities at the earliest possible stage. Forecasting & Cash Flow Develop and maintain monthly cost-to-complete (CTC) forecasts and project cash flow projections aligned with the master schedule. Prepare S-curve analyses for budget, committed cost, actual cost, and forecast for presentation to project and senior management. Coordinate with finance and treasury teams to align project cash flow requirements with corporate funding plans. Support lender and investor reporting requirements by providing accurate cost and draw-down forecasts. Change Management & Claims Administer the project change management process: evaluate, price, and track all potential changes, variations, and contract amendments. Prepare Cost Impact Analyses for scope changes, design variations, and unforeseen conditions in coordination with project and engineering teams. Support commercial and contracts teams in the preparation, review, and negotiation of contractor claims and dispute resolution. Maintain the change order log and ensure all approved changes are reflected in updated control budgets and forecasts. Procurement & Contract Cost Support Assist procurement teams with cost input during tendering: develop bid tabulations, evaluate contractor bids, and recommend awards based on cost analysis. Review and certify contractor progress payment applications, invoices, and milestone payment claims against physical progress and contractual entitlement. Monitor subcontractor and vendor cost performance; flag deviations from contracted rates and quantities. Maintain cost records for reimbursable contracts: verify timesheets, equipment utilisation records, and material costs. Risk & Opportunity Management Identify, quantify, and report project cost risks and opportunities; maintain the cost risk register in alignment with the project risk manager. Conduct quantitative cost risk analysis (Monte Carlo simulation) to determine P50/P80 cost outturn projections. Develop and track cost mitigation actions to protect project budget and contingency. Reporting & Stakeholder Communication Prepare and issue weekly cost reports, monthly cost control reports, and milestone cost summaries for internal and external stakeholders. Participate in project review meetings, cost review meetings, and management progress reviews, presenting cost performance clearly and concisely. Coordinate with the Lender's Engineer / Owner's Engineer / Independent Certifier for cost-related reporting and certification. Maintain cost control documentation, files, and audit trails in accordance with project and company procedures. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Finance, or a related technical discipline. (Required) Master's degree in Project Management, Engineering Management, or Quantity Surveying. (Preferred) Professional certifications: MRICS (Chartered Quantity Surveyor), AACE CCP / CEP (Certified Cost Professional / Cost Estimating Professional), PMP, or equivalent. (Preferred) Work Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of cost engineering / cost control experience on large-scale capital projects. Minimum 3 years in the renewable energy sector (solar PV, wind, BESS, or hybrid projects )preferred. Demonstrated experience on EPC / EPCM projects with a total installed cost of AZN 30M+. Experience with multi-currency project cost management for international renewable energy projects is an advantage. Exposure to lender reporting, project finance structures, and financial close processes in the energy sector is desirable. Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Primavera P6 or MS Project for integration of cost and schedule (Earned Value). Advanced proficiency in MS Excel for cost modelling, variance analysis, and dashboard development. Proficiency in cost management software: Oracle Unifier, SAP, PRISM, Ecosys, or equivalent PMIS tools. Solid knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and application on capital projects. Experience with quantitative cost risk analysis  Working knowledge of renewable energy project cost drivers: equipment supply, civil & structural, electrical infrastructure, grid connection, and O&M. Familiarity with FIDIC contract conditions, NEC contracts, and lump-sum / reimbursable contract structures. Proficiency in MS Office suite (PowerPoint, Word) and project reporting tools. COMPETENCIES & BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES Core Competency Description Analytical Thinking Ability to interpret complex cost data, identify trends, and derive actionable insights to support project decision-making. Attention to Detail High level of accuracy in cost modelling, budget tracking, invoice verification, and financial reporting. Communication Clear presentation of cost information and financial risk to technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels. Integrity Maintaining objectivity and transparency in cost reporting, forecasting, and claims assessment. Problem Solving Proactive identification of cost deviations and development of corrective actions and mitigation strategies. Collaboration Effective teamwork with engineering, procurement, construction, finance, and commercial teams. Resilience Ability to work under pressure during peak project phases while maintaining quality of cost control outputs. Adaptability Flexibility to respond to scope changes, market fluctuations, and evolving project requirements. WORKING CONDITIONS Primarily office-based with periodic travel to renewable energy project construction sites. Exposure to outdoor construction environments during site visits; compliance with project HSE requirements is mandatory. May be required to work extended hours during budget submissions, financial close milestones, or audit periods. Availability for virtual collaboration across time zones for international project assignments. Interested candidates can send their cv to the e-mail address in the Apply for job button. e-amail:  hr@socar-green.az