On-Grid Specialist (Kenya)

Position Description

• The Kenya On-Grid Specialist will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will manage on-grid activities for the program in Kenya. Reporting to the East Africa/Kenya Regional Lead, this position will work with USAID, government institutions, energy sector entities, private sector, development partners and other relevant stakeholders. The Kenya On-Grid Specialist is expected to provide energy sector technical support and serve as coordinator and champion for on-grid project activities being led by other divisions in tandem with project objectives.

Responsibilities

• Support energy sector entities and decision-makers to advance their energy strategic and economic growth goals in on-grid power development.
• Provide support to utilities as they densify their grid connections and facilitate faster, cheaper utility connections.
• Support planning of clean generation and transmission expansion in line with national goals.
• Provide or facilitate provision of technical assistance to utilities on a wide range of subjects including technical and commercial loss reduction, planning and/or financial modelling, climate resilience and PPAs amongst others.
• Track and monitor power transaction developments towards financial close and commissioning.
• Build, establish, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Kenyan energy sector and with power development entities throughout Kenya.
• Support development and implementation of enabling policies, regulations, fair and robust regulatory processes working with the Energy Regulator.
• Provide regular updates to EECA leadership and USAID on the progress of projects and initiatives. This will involve preparing weekly reports, quarterly reports, and ad hoc reports as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, master’s degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the power sector with a focus on planning, utility performance, turnaround, and improvement, PPAs or sector regulation.
• Strong conceptualization and execution skills.
• Demonstrated strong connections with the Kenya government energy sector institutions.
• Proficient writing and communication skills in English.
• Must be able to work in Kenya.