SME Advisor Job in Kenya

SME Advisor
Reports to: Programme Manager – Moving Energy Initiative
Based in: Nairobi, Kenya
Energy 4 Impact supports businesses that provide energy access toff-grid communities in Africa. We believe that businesses can offer the best solutions tenergy poverty. We help them access capital, technology and operational advice sthey can become profitable and sustainable.

Expanding clean energy markets improves livelihoods and accelerates economic growth. We deliver demand-driven, practical, and customised support tSMEs, project developers, social enterprises, and micro-enterprises that provide renewable energy services toff-grid communities through high-quality business, financial and technical mentoring and advice.
The role will primarily work with clients in Kenya but may alsprovide remote support tprogramme partners operating in Jordan and Burkina Faso.
The clients will include businesses providing energy products and solutions such as small-scale assets for power generation and distribution, non-wood based fuels, solar home systems and solar charging services.
The role will alswork testablish financial mechanisms tprovide long term and sustainable funding tfuture interventions in the sector supporting energy access in displaced contexts.
In addition tthe private sector, the advisor will engage with a range of stakeholders including humanitarian organizations, local government, donors and displaced people timplement appropriate solutions, demonstrate new approaches on the ground and generate evidence that will create a paradigm shift in the way energy services are provided.

SME Advisor Job Responsibilities

o    Working with humanitarian organisations and the private sector to develop a pipeline of projects that could sustainably address current energy needs in humanitarian settings.
o    Working with project developers to refine the technical and financial scope of their proposals.
o    Leading the design of funding mechanisms for energy projects in humanitarian settings based on consultations between potential donors and project developers.
o    Managing the design of the fund structure, institutional arrangements, evaluation criteria, project specifications etc.
o    Conducting feasibility into businesses model and technical solutions that can address current energy challenges in camp settings including non-wood based fuel and infrastructure management contracts.
o    Conducting consultations with stakeholders to design the required support mechanisms and contracts.
o    Developing procurement processes and contracts that could be used for tendering energy services.
o    Coordinating the review and evaluation of project proposals and preparing the necessary documentation for disbursement of small grant awards.
o    Monitoring and evaluation of grants that have been awarded to project developers for low carbon energy projects and market development activities.
o    Provision of technical assistance during the implementation of the projects.
o    Supporting the design and implementation of market based interventions under the programme including proposed activities and partners for implementation.

o    Inputting into project documents, work plans and budgets.
o    Supporting the design of tools for use by humanitarian actors to improve energy data management and camp level planning of energy interventions.
o    Inputting into programme reports to communicate activities with partners and donors and toolkit disseminating findings from the programme.
o    Managing relationships and communication between MEI and the private sector to ensure their effective involvement and input throughout the programme.
o    Supporting monitoring and evaluation activities across the programme to ensure data and evidence on programme interventions are accurately captured.
o    Support in other programme management and operational activities as required. Requirements

Experience Required For The SME Advisor Job

o    5+ years’ experience in energy project development, operations, or financing; or experience in early-stage entrepreneurship
o    5+ years’ experience in management or strategic consulting or financial advisory;
o    Experience working in the energy sector in East Africa with a strong focus on private sector engagement and development;
o    Understanding of energy technologies for cooking and lighting and power generation applications;
o    Experience in project management, management of small scale grants and monitoring and evaluation of projects;
o    Experience working with rural and off-grid business models and technologies, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in Africa;
o    Experience in procurement and contracting for energy projects and services is a plus.

Attributes

o    Good team building and motivational skills with an ability to work with a diverse mix of professionals and deliver;
o    Very strong communication skills, both oral and written.
o    Ability to interact with a range of stakeholders at the private sector, NGOs and community level;
o    Ability to see the big picture and connect the dots;
o    A can-do and collaborative mindset – comfortable with the ambiguities and demands of a rapidly evolving and entrepreneurial environment with a team from diverse backgrounds;
o    Strong organizational skills with the ability to put frameworks and structures in place for effective implementation and monitoring of projects;
o    Passionate about working in the impact space.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, along with a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for this position to recruitment@energy4impact.org. Please use ‘Application for SME Advisor – Moving Energy Initiative’ followed by your full name in the email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The deadline for this position is midnight on 2nd December 2016. Energy 4 Impact is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.