The 25 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars celebrates the exceptional achievements of women who are shaping the future of the African energy sector. Among these trailblazers is Pauline Murari, Contracts Manager at SLB: Angola, Central and East Africa. The African Energy Chamber spoke with Murari about her experience and outlook for the industry.
Could you provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
My initial foray into the sector involved working with hydro-power projects during a pivotal period of Uganda’s development of hydroelectric power. Supporting developers, financiers and regulators on over ten hydro-power projects in Uganda and across the border was a defining moment in my career; it reinforced my commitment to addressing energy poverty across Africa.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with several esteemed organizations, including the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and SLB. At UNOC, I reached a significant milestone by contributing to the achievement of the FID. My dedication and support were particularly recognized based on my role in supporting UNOC and the Government of Uganda as part of the negotiation teams for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and various upstream projects.
Currently, as SLB’s Regional Contracts Counsel/Manager, I am proud to be part of a global team dedicated to driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. This role is crucial in ensuring that African countries embarking on oil and gas projects have reliable partners. My contributions to these developments continue to fuel my dream of alleviating energy poverty across Africa.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
I’ve encountered several challenges in the energy sector. Firstly, early in my career, I found the sheer complexity of the energy sector daunting, especially when dealing with multi-faceted projects like hydro-power initiatives. I navigated this challenge by dedicating myself to continuous learning and seeking mentorship from colleagues and experts in the energy space.
Secondly, balancing multiple stakeholders’ needs was quite challenging. Working on large-scale energy projects often involves juggling the interests and expectations of various stakeholders (including developers, financiers, and regulators) across the sector. I addressed this challenge by reinforcing my communication and negotiation skills and leveraging every opportunity to identify stakeholders’ interests that would later inform my approach to meeting their expectations and finding common ground. As a female in a male-dominated industry, I have encountered instances of gender bias, especially being held to different standards from my male counterparts. I have navigated this challenge by proving my capabilities, demonstrating expertise and consistently delivering high-quality work and results.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
I would advise young females in the energy sector to advocate for yourself, be confident in your abilities and advocate for your achievements. Don’t hesitate to highlight your contributions and seek recognition for your work. Set clear career goals and communicate them to your supervisors and mentors. Secondly, pursue continuous learning. The energy sector is complex and constantly evolving; being open to learning will help you overcome enormous difficulties. Some of the strategies and mindsets that have been helpful in my career in the energy sector include seeking mentorship and building a network. Please build strong professional networks, seek mentors, join relevant associations, and engage with peers and leaders to multiply connections and opportunities. This will serve as your base for guidance, support, and valuable insights. Lastly, I have learned that career growth is not achieved in an individualistic bubble. One must foster a collaborative approach, especially, in a sector, where projects involve multidisciplinary teams.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
A big part of my day involves planning and prioritization because a lot of work is time-sensitive and inefficiencies may have a major impact on our performance. Accordingly, I start my day by looking at my calendar and confirming my meetings and schedule for the day. I usually reserve the mornings to focus on individual tasks which require high attention such as contract reviews, drafting, and preparations for negotiations, while mid-mornings to mid-afternoons are for collaboration.
Despite not sitting in the same location, I spend a huge part of my day collaborating with my team and other stakeholders (including management, sales and operations teams). I am usually accessible throughout the day for consultations and legal advice. Late afternoons are often used for administrative tasks such as system updates, approvals, and documentation and finishing up urgent tasks.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
Top of the list of changes I hope to see is a greater focus on energy equity and access. I aim to advocate for and support projects that focus on expanding energy access and promoting equity. Secondly, having held roles in both public and private sectors, I would like to see closer collaboration and innovation across the board. I believe increased collaboration across public and private sectors and between different industries will drive innovation and accelerate progress in the energy sector to benefit all.
I envision actively contributing to the development and implementation of forward-thinking strategies. Playing a role in fostering much needed collaboration by facilitating partnerships, negotiating joint ventures, and addressing legal and regulatory challenges associated with collaborative projects. I also look forward to supporting on regulatory frameworks that support infrastructure development in underserved areas and collaborating with organizations dedicated to energy equity.
