Program Specialist – Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE), WRI Africa

Program Specialist â Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE), WRI Africa

Data Analysis & Technical Research Nairobi, Kenya

About the Program:

WRI Africa -- WRI has been working in Africa for more than 30 years, supporting local partners and Africa governments to advance forest protection, landscape restoration and sustainable cities. In recent years, we appointed our first vice president for Africa, established a regional hub in Addis Ababa, and created a region-wide strategy. Our vision for Africa is an inclusive transformation so Africaâs people and landscapes flourish. WRI Africa generates actionable knowledge across three strategic pillars: vital landscapes, thriving and resilient cities, and institutional and economic transformation. WRIâs Energy Program is made up of over 90 experts, spread across 9 WRI offices. The programme collaborates with policymakers, cities, companies, utilities, regulators, and development institutions to secure a clean energy future for everyone. Our commitment under the new strategy (2023 â 2027) is to contribute to the transformation of the energy systems through four main interventions: Decarbonizing Energy Consumption, securing Clean Energy Supply, Delivering Energy Access for Equitable Development, as well as Minerals, Materials & Land (exploratory). Our energy work in Africa is focused on stimulating demand for electricity consumption in the development field (particularly in the agriculture/livelihoods and health sectors), as well as supporting national and sub-national governments to develop integrated and inclusive energy plans. We also collaborate with key stakeholders in supporting national governments to develop clean energy transition pathways that are informed by data and analysis. We work with development partners to identify practical solutions to help unlock domestic and international finance at scale, to accelerate realization of just energy transition and access for all.

Job Highlight:

You will report toAfrica Lead for Energy Access Work.

As the Programme Specialist â Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE), you will be part of the Energy Access for Equitable Development team. You will collaborate with other experts within the program to refine current PURE strategy, and lead in its execution. You will work closely with other experts to undertake research and analysis aimed at informing development of viable and scalable finance and business models for investment in PURE interventions. You will lead engagements with key stakeholders in PURE space, with the main aim of influencing policies and strategies, as well as regulatory interventions necessary for scaling interventions in the sector. You will be supported by various teams from across the institute, including other technical experts from WRI Africaâs energy program, colleagues from our finance center, as well as other relevant programs and teams.

What will you do:

Execution of the Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) portfolio - (50%)

Lead in the development of research and analysis aimed at identifying barriers to scaling Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) In close collaboration with the energy access finance team, undertake qualitative research, including economic analysis to better understand and inform designing of PURE interventions Lead in quantitative modelling for developing viable and scalable business and finance models for investing in PURE sector Facilitate consultations with key stakeholders including mini-grid operators, energy entrepreneurs/investors, renewable energy authorities and philanthropies to conduct analysis on optimal pathway for delivering PURE Support sub-national governments from select Sub-Saharan African countries to integrate PURE in their development strategies Work with policy makers and planners from strategic ministries and government agencies to identify policy and regulatory interventions needed to accelerate investment in PURE sector Contribute to the identification and nurturing of opportunities for cross-programmatic collaboration in driving research on complex, but strategic nexus topics Co-develop knowledge products with other teams across the energy program and other teams (e.g., reports, issue briefs, working papers, and technical notes) on energy access

Communication & Engagement - (30%):

Scope out relevant stakeholders working in the PURE sector, build and maintain collaborations with them Facilitate strategic consultations with key stakeholders to explore avenues for accelerating investments in PURE at scale Represent WRI in strategic spaces and engagement fora to present the instituteâs work on PURE and broader energy access work in SSA Work with the Africa Lead â Energy Access, as well as Africa & global communication staff to contribute to sustenance of a compelling and consistent message from our work as a key strategy for impact Develop/Co-develop blogs, training materials and other knowledge products (e.g., reports, issue briefs, working papers, and technical notes) on PUREx`

Fundraising - (20%):

Contribute to development of funding proposals to expand the growing WRIâs work in the PURE space Engage with strategic partners including foundations, and other funding institutions to position this body of work for potential financing and alliance building

What will you need:

Education: Bachelorâs degree in energy economics, sustainable energy, public policy, energy systems, or related field, demonstrating significant mastery of analytical methods Experience: You have 7+ years of relevant research and analytics experience in a high-caliber environment specifically in the energy field, and with a focus on African country contexts Subject matter expertise, preferably in the productive use sector, with a track record of working with key stakeholders in the region, as well as at the global stage. Knowledge and understanding of clean energy technologies and systems, energy (access) policy, as well as good understanding of challenges and opportunities. Demonstrable experience in conducting stakeholder consultations and other forms of participatory engagement Experience in conducting and publishing research on energy access and/or productive use of renewable energy, with a compelling narrative based on quantitative and qualitative data Confident writing concise, well-structured documents (in both report and presentation formats) conveying clear but subtle messages Demonstrated ability to work well in multi-disciplinary teams, manage multiple priorities, and work under tight deadlines Excellent oral and written communication skills, presenting complex information in a clear and concise manner. Detail-oriented, organized, and independent thinker Experience working with international organizations. Languages: Full fluency in English required and second language preferred Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary:Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:Please submit a resume with cover letterby the dateof December 6,2023. Youmustapply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

A competitive salary Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission drivenorganizationwith access to varied learning and training opportunities. A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours. Generous leave days that increase with tenure

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global researchorganizationthat turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the worldâs greatest environment and international development challenges and improve peopleâs lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRIâs mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earthâs environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to ourorganizationaland programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply.Recognizingour strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

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