On-Grid Specialist - Nairobi, Kenya - RTI International

Description

RTI International is a nonprofit organization headquartered in the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina that provides research and technical services.

Summary

The Kenya On-Grid Specialist will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will manage on-grid activities for the program in Kenya.

Reporting to the East Africa/Kenya Regional Lead, this position will work with USAID, government institutions, energy sector entities, private sector, development partners and other relevant stakeholders.

The Kenya On-Grid Specialist is expected to provide energy sector technical support and serve as coordinator and champion for on-grid project activities being led by other divisions in tandem with project objectives.

Responsibilities

Support energy sector entities and decision-makers to advance their energy strategic and economic growth goals in on-grid power development.

Provide support to utilities as they densify their grid connections and facilitate faster, cheaper utility connections.
Support planning of clean generation and transmission expansion in line with national goals.

Provide or facilitate provision of technical assistance to utilities on a wide range of subjects including technical and commercial loss reduction, planning and/or financial modelling, climate resilience and PPAs amongst others.

Track and monitor power transaction developments towards financial close and commissioning.

Build, establish, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Kenyan energy sector and with power development entities throughout Kenya.

Support development and implementation of enabling policies, regulations, fair and robust regulatory processes working with the Energy Regulator.
Provide regular updates to EECA leadership and USAID on the progress of projects and initiatives. This will involve preparing weekly reports, quarterly reports, and ad hoc reports as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience, master's degree and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the power sector with a focus on planning, utility performance, turnaround, and improvement, PPAs or sector regulation.

Strong conceptualization and execution skills.
Demonstrated strong connections with the Kenya government energy sector institutions.
Proficient writing and communication skills in English.