Background
Energy 4 Impact is a non-profit company that seeks to alleviate poverty in Sub Saharan Africa through accelerated access to energy. Supported by a head office in London, about 90 of our 100 staff are based in our regional offices in Kenya (our regional HQ), Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Senegal.
We deliver demand-driven, practical, and customised advice to project developers, SMEs, social enterprises, and micro-enterprises that provide renewable energy services to off-grid communities. We work with companies employing a range of business models and technologies, including green mini-grids, solar lighting, distributed solar home systems, clean cook-stoves, biomass-based fuels and ancillary services such as metering and PAYG.
Some of our clients are just starting up or in pilot phase, while others are in scale-up or growth phase. Our ultimate goal is to increase the likelihood that they mature into sustainable, profitable commercial enterprises and play a meaningful role in electrifying the 1.3 billion people currently without power.
We are currently managing four separate technical assistance programmes for green mini-grid developers in Sub Saharan Africa. These programs are funded by multilateral donors such as the African Development Bank, IFC, World Bank and SIDA (Sweden). Other major donors to Energy 4 Impact include DFID (UK), US Aid, and the EU.
We have operated in Africa for the past 11 years, and have worked with over 40 clients in the mini-grid sector, including micro-utilities and project developers using solar, hydro, biomass and renewable-diesel hybrid technologies. We have a 100-strong roster of active energy SME clients, about thirty of which are active in mini-grid and small IPP electrification models.
Since its creation in 2006, Energy 4 Impact has supported over 3000 businesses and those businesses have created over 9,000 jobs, raised $111 million and enabled 14.8 million people to get access to energy. For more information about Energy 4 Impact, please see our website https://www.energy4impact.org/
Role
The successful candidate will be a key member of our Nairobi-based Advisory Services team, which includes professionals from a range of private sector backgrounds, including entrepreneurship, engineering, infrastructure project development, banking and investment, micro-finance, management consulting, and law.
We provide advice on all stages of the mini-grid project development cycle including business model development, site selection, feasibility study support, regulatory approval, community engagement, demand assessment, cooperation with anchor customers, development of partnerships, investor facilitation and negotiation, detailed system design, equipment procurement, construction, commissioning, and the operation and management of mini-grid systems and mini-grid utilities respectively. We advise and support developers on the process of raising private capital and have significant experience in supporting the growth of productive use associated with mini-grids.
Responsibilities
• Provide mini-grid project developers with technical, financial and business advice.
• Advise mini-grid developers on site identification, demand assessment, technical design, engineering matters and other early stage project development work.
• Support mini-grid project developers on financial modelling and capital raising (grant, equity, debt) for both early and later stage projects.
• Conduct advisory engagements (which span strategy consulting, investment readiness, partnership facilitation, project development support, and “customized projects”) with mini-grids developers, renewable energy SMEs & social enterprises.
• Help to develop Energy 4 Impact’s internal processes and knowledge of technologies, business models, regulatory issues, financing process, etc.
Requirements
• Experience:
o 5-10 years of experience in the Renewable Energy sector, with at least 2 years of experience in the mini-grids sector
o Experience working with rural and off-grid business models and technologies, and an understanding of unique challenges faced by businesses operating in Africa and/or other developing countries
o Direct experience of working with green mini-grid project developers and understanding of the challenges that they face
• Attributes:
o Strong technical skills related to green mini-grids
o Good financial modelling skills
o Understanding of the mini-grid space (various business models/productive power/regulatory etc.)
o Team player and strong motivational skills
o Strong oral and written communication skills
o Good intercultural skills and awareness
o Ability to see the big picture and connect the dots
o A can-do and collaborative mindset – comfortable with the ambiguities and demands of a rapidly evolving and entrepreneurial environment
o Passion for working in the impact space
o Attention to detail and a focus on results.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please send your CV, along with a cover letter to Recruitment@energy4impact.org . Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.