CHIEF OF PARTY, POWER AFRICA

Job Description

International Resources Group (IRG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Engility Corporation, seeks a CHIEF of PARTY (COP) for an anticipated USAID-funded Power Africa initiative based in Nairobi, Kenya.  The COP will support USAID and its implementing partners to work with an initial set of Power Africa host countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  These countries have set ambitious goals in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, and have committed to make the utility and energy sector reforms to pave the way for investment and growth.  The initiative will also partner with Uganda, Mozambique, and the South Sudan on responsible oil and gas resources management.  The goal of Power Africa is to remove the power constraints to economic growth and spur trade and investment, while mitigating long-term greenhouse gas emissions trajectories.  Power Africa will serve as a catalyst that will spark a transformation in Africa’s energy and power sectors.  The immediate outcome will be increased supply of and access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for millions of Africans and the enhanced responsible and transparent management of energy resources. 

Power Africa will be led by the Energy and Trade Initiative Coordinator whose office will be co-located with the East Africa Regional USAID Mission in Nairobi, Kenya.  The Coordinator Office will be responsible for managing and directing the Power Africa Initiative.  The Coordinator’s Office will work with USAID bilateral and regional missions to develop and oversee annual initiative work plans.  The Coordinator Office will work with the White House staff, the USG Interagency Transactions Group in Washington, and other USG agencies to coordinate Power Africa activities and assure synergies between the various USG entities working on energy issues in sub-Saharan Africa.  The Coordinator’s Office will also work with other bilateral and unilateral donors and non-government organizations to leverage all significant, feasible resources to further Power Africa goals. 

In support of Power Africa, USAID has identified a number of interventions designed to (i) facilitate the development and financial close of power generation, transmission, and distribution transactions, and (ii) support the adoption and implementation of policy, regulatory, and enabling environment reforms in support of greater private sector engagement and investment in the energy and power sector in sub-Saharan Africa.  The Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party will be the overall managers of the interventions.  Responsibilities and qualifications are expected to include, but not be limited to the following:

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership in the following areas;
  • Institutional and administrative support to USAID’s Power Africa Coordinator’s Office, including providing broad technical, logistical, and administrative support, as well as to track, manage, and publicize results
  • Late stage transaction support, including technical advisory, legal, financial, fiscal, analytical, and policy assistance designed to facilitate financial close of private sector power projects
  • Early stage project support, as well as regulatory and institutional strengthening
• Track and coordinate with implementers and stakeholders
• Organize and provide logistical support for meetings, conferences, and training programs
• Coordinate with other USAID implementing partners, including for the Delivery Units
• Provide communications and outreach support highlighting results
• Form partnerships with institutions for transfer of lessons learned, best practices, and technical information to provide sustainability
• Provide technical and advisory services to support project monitoring and evaluation

Qualifications:

• Minimum 15 years of experience implementing energy programs in the areas of: supporting national/regional energy planning, clean energy policies; government engagement with international donors and organizations; and full project cycle experience with clean energy projects
• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in energy-related engineering, policy, business, finance, economics, or related field
• Experience in building the capacity of regional, national, and local institutions, and private sector organizations
• Proven leadership and management of high profile, international donor-funded programs with experience in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting
• Evidence of excellent intercultural communication skills and proven experience in facilitating dialogue, coordination, and collaboration among the energy industry, financial sector, donors, and government
• Ability to establish solid working relationships with high-level/senior national and local government officials, the private sector and civil society
• Former Chief of Party position held on a USAID program, or equivalent Team Leader on another donor funded program
• Strong analytical and writing skills and proficiency with Microsoft  Office  (e.g., Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Prior work experience in the Sub-Saharan African energy sector and understanding of clean and renewable energy best practices in the African context preferred

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply online at: https://careers-engility.icims.com/jobs/4032/chief-of-party%2c-power-africa/jobhttps://careers-engility.icims.com/jobs/4032/chief-of-party%2c-power-africa/job

This is a contingent position based on funding from the customer.