About the job

Energy and Security Group (ESG) is searching for qualified Productive Use of Energy Lead for an anticipated USAID agriculture finance and productive use of energy project in Uganda (Project) captioned Strategic Investment Activity (SIA). The purpose of the 5 year Project is to facilitate development-related transactions and engagements to catalyze varying forms of investment capital to improve the performance of a wide breadth of agricultural value chain actors. We are looking for a candidate to lead the delivery of Objective 3--increased productive use of energy in the agriculture and health sectors. The ideal candidate will bring collaborative and creative approaches to engage closely and effectively with host country government representatives to advance commercial investments in energy. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience as a Team Leader or similar role leading a significant USAID energy sector finance project. The candidate must be comfortable coordinating with various stakeholders at various levels of government and energy sector entities, as well as other donor agencies active in energy finance activities in Uganda.

Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of Objective 3--increased productive use of energy in the agriculture and health sectors, including related technical, administrative, financial, and operational activities of that Objective.
• Facilitate introductions between energy sector entrepreneurs and companies and private investors.
• Manage Kampala based technical staff responsible for implementing the Objective to ensure the quality and timely completion of all programmatic deliverables, the achievement of results, and compliance with contract  requirements.
• Responsible for preparation and delivery of the Objective’s reporting deliverables, such as annual and quarterly reports, annual workplans, budgets, and other deliverables required per the contract with USAID as to the Objective.
• Share results and contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning with project leadership, ESG, and USAID.

Desirable Qualifications

• Extensive experience in energy sector commercial investments as Team Leader, Project Manager, etc. of large-scale USAID and other donor funded programs.
• Master’s degree in finance, economics, business, engineering, law, international relations, or other related area from an accredited college or university and 10 plus years of experience and expertise in energy sector activities including delivering energy sector finance projects regarding commercial investments in those projects.
• Experience in the productive use of energy including the implementation of extra measures to overcome barriers, such as gaps in entrepreneurship skills or access to financing to start up a business.
• Experience promoting productive use of energy in rural areas.
• Experience working with mini-grid developers and off-grid solar companies on productive use of energy.
• Practical experience working with a range of program partners, including government agencies (USG and host country), donors, regulatory bodies, utilities, the private sector, NGOs, civil society, and consumers.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent oral and written communications skills and interpersonal skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa is required; experience living or working in Uganda is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to relocate to Uganda (Kampala) during the period of Project implementation.

ESG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrates diversity in our work force. ESG does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.