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Energy Specialist - World Bank - Nairobi

The Energy & Extractives Global Practice of the World Bank Group is made up of more than 300 professionals, a lending program in the order of US$7 billion a year, an active portfolio of some $30 billion, and a rich program of Advisory and Analytical Work. The Energy side of the practice focuses on providing affordable, reliable and sustainable energy to meet the needs of fast growing economies and to ensure universal access to modern energy services for people in client countries. The Extractives side of the Global Practice focuses on strengthening policy and institutional frameworks to promote transparent and equitable growth of the extractives sectors and leverage extractives-related infrastructure for public benefit. Both parts of the Global Practice place a strong emphasis on private sector resource mobilization.
The Africa Energy Program is growing rapidly, covering reforms (sector and corporate governance, energy security and the environment, regional energy trade, public-private partnerships, energy efficiency, etc.) and investment support in power generation, power and gas transmission and distribution, rural energy services, renewable energy development, low-carbon and climate friendly initiatives.  The current portfolio comprises about 50 projects with a value of over US$10 billion.  New lending is approximately US$1.5 billion per annum, with a growing share of renewable energy and regional activities.  The Bank’s Africa Energy Program uses a variety of instruments, including investment lending, guarantees for public private partnerships, and development policy lending. In addition the team manages a strong knowledge agenda to inform the policy dialogue in the sector.
The Africa energy sector grouping consists of two Units (one for East and Southern Africa and one for West and Central Africa). Each of the two units is managed by a Practice Manager. The two units together have over 70 staff with over 25 in various field locations, and more than half of the operational and advisory activities are managed /led by field-based staff. 
The East and Southern Africa Unit seeks an Energy Specialist to support our energy program in Kenya and Tanzania, in particular ongoing and prospective activities related to grid and off-grid rural and urban electrification (including the Lighting Africa program), and rehabilitation of electricity infrastructure

Duties and Accountabilities:
• Support identification, preparation and implementation of new and ongoing WBG project portfolio related to grid strengthening and rehabilitation, on-grid and off-grid rural electrification, and  their integration into the World Bank’s country programs;
• As a member of project teams to participate in activities related to project preparation, appraisal, negotiations and supervision, and provision of inputs to the unit´s program development and strategic planning;
• Develop and maintain close relationships with local public and private stakeholders, support policy dialogue and keep abreast of developments in the energy sector of a rapidly growing number of pilot countries;
• Actively participate in World Bank-supported energy country programs in the region with the aim to enhance quality accelerated implementation;
• Serve as a focal point for different stakeholders associated with modern grid and off-grid solutions (manufacturers, distributors, retailers, public sector, etc.) in the sub-region related to market intelligence, quality assurance, business development services, access to finance, and public sector solutions;
• Contribute to analytical and advisory work, develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, support policy dialogue and keep abreast with developments in the energy sector of the respective countries of responsibilities;
• Support Lighting Africa activities in the sub-region, including hands on technical support to task teams that are designing or supervising access projects that include off-grid solar solutions.

Desired Skills and Experience

(i) Master’s degree in engineering, energy and environmental management, renewable energy, economics, finance or related fields;
(ii) at least 5 years of combined experience in in energy and environment, including research and development at international and national levels, projects design, planning, implementation, administration/management, monitoring and evaluation. Specific experience in renewable energy, rural electrification, including off-grid business models and technical solutions is desirable;
(iii) at least one year of experience working with utilities in the region on grid strengthening projects and capacity building;
(iii)  relevant experience with World Bank operations, other international institutions/companies and/or government in energy with demonstrated track record in preparing analytical pieces on energy;
(iv) deep knowledge on access issues, both grid and off-grid, and hands-on experience on technical and procurement issues in Sub-Sahara Africa;
(v) Experience support the off-grid solar industry in east Africa, including support to catalyzing sustainable markets for electricity service delivery via this technology;
(vi) a track record of team work and ability to produce high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision;
(vii) a track record of good external client relations skills at all levels of seniority;
(viii) High level of energy, initiative and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements;
(ix) Excellent oral and written communication skills, in particular ability to effectively dialogue with and relate to clients and stakeholders; and,
(x) proficiency in English is essential; French is desirable.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in race, gender, nationality, culture, and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

For further details and to apply, please go to www.worldbank.org/careers and under “current job openings” seek vacancy number 151064. Deadline for applications June 15, 2015.