Energy Program Manager
Description
About Mercy Corps Energy 4
Impact
Energy 4 Impact is Mercy
Corps’ energy access platform, working to improve the lives of millions across
the poorest and most fragile regions of the world through access to clean
energy. Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and
every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds,
perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
The Position
The program manager will
be a senior member of the Mercy Corps – Energy 4 Impact programs and advisory
team and will oversee the planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and
reporting of specific projects for which he/she is responsible. He/she will
also provide energy engineering advice to country programs and consultancy
services to our SME clients, including solar PV system companies, mini-grid
developers and productive use businesses.
Essential Responsibilities
Team Management
- Provide
technical and managerial support to team members towards project delivery
and professional development.
- Be
a champion for the mission, vision and values of Mercy Corps.
- Promote
and encourage a transparent, cohesive and ethical work culture.
Program Management
- Manage
the implementation of project activities according to the objectives,
indicators, work plan and approved budget including, staffing, budgeting
and internal/external reporting
- Ensure
regular and proper project documentation and reporting according to donor
and Mercy Corps standards, rules & regulations
- Develop
and manage relationships with key stakeholders including local partners,
county governments, private sector firms, NGOs, financial institutions,
potential donors and other institutional and research partners
Technical Support
- Provide
technical support to team members and ensure compliance with Mercy Corps
policies and procedures
- Provide
technical advice to early and later stage SMEs, including stand-alone
solar appliance suppliers, mini-grid developers, solar home system
companies and others.
Supervisory Responsibility
Responsible for
supervising project teams on assigned projects
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Global Head of
Advisory
Works Directly With: Regional Heads of Programs,
Senior Management Team members, Analysts, Suppliers and Sub-contractors
Accountability to
Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members
are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our
program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to
international standards guiding international relief and development work. We
are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design,
monitoring and evaluation of our field projects
Minimum Qualification
& Transferable Skills
- Bachelor’s
Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Business, Economics,
Finance, or related degree. MA/S is advantageous.
- At
least 5 – 7 years’ experience implementing donor funded projects
- Experience
working with small businesses and/or energy SMEs and/or an understanding
of renewable energy technologies and business models
- Experience
in project development, financing, operation and maintenance of
distributed solar energy systems
- Excellent
organisation and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple
programmes and client engagements, meet deadlines and allocate resources
effectively
- Strong
financial management skills with proven experience managing large budgets.
- Strong
skills in developing accurate and timely reports to donors.
- High
level of interpersonal skills and comfortable collaborating with senior
level colleagues, SMEs, public agencies, and other stakeholders. Track
record managing a diverse mix of professionals and different cultures.
- Superior
communication skills, both verbal and written, and good oral presentation
skills.
- Ability
to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key
stakeholders; proven ability to develop partnerships and effective
relationships with industry stakeholders including SMEs, investors,
donors, and other stakeholders.
Success Factors
Attention to detail,
ability to multitask, persuade and influence staff and stakeholders, program
management and people management experience
Living Conditions /
Environmental Conditions
The position is based in
Nairobi, Kenya and requires significant travel to project sites
Ongoing Learning
In support of our belief
that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the
communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time
to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth
and development
How to Apply
Applications will be
reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Mercy Corps does not
charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.