Productive Use Specialist | Pretoria, South Africa | 2024

Chemonics seeks a Productive Use Specialist for the Power Africa Empower Southern Africa (ESA) Program funded by USAID. ESA is a 5-year regional program that covers South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros and Sao Tome and Principe. The primary purpose of ESA is to increase the availability of, access to, and use of affordable, reliable, sustainable and clean energy in Southern Africa in order to reach measurable development outcomes. Measurable development outcomes include economic growth, reducing poverty, improving livelihoods, and increasing inclusive access to electricity-enabled services in such areas as health, education, sanitation, and food security. This position will be based in Pretoria, South Africa. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people and communities around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop strategies to promote productive use of electricity in ESA countries, aligning with project goals and regional development objectives
• Collaborate with local communities, businesses, governmental bodies, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders to identify opportunities for productive use and ensure buy-in for initiatives
• Conduct thorough assessments to understand the specific needs, industries, and potential economic activities where enhanced power access can create significant impact
• Design, manage, and implement programs that facilitate the integration of electricity into various productive sectors, such as agriculture, small-scale industries, education, and healthcare
• Provide training, workshops, and educational programs to empower local entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities in utilizing electricity for economic growth
• Coordinate the efforts of the various actors involved in facilitating productive use of electricity, including electricity Service Providers, financial entities, NGOs, suppliers of quality equipment, etc.
• Advocate for policies that support and incentivize productive use of electricity, working closely with government bodies and policymakers
• Supervise short-term consultants
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Objective 1: Access to Energy Lead

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, economics, sustainability, energy policy, or a related field, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum eight years of experience implementing activities to promote productive use of energy
• Familiarity promoting gender equality and social inclusion in the energy sector
• Prior experience with managing a team of subject matter experts across multiple countries
• Familiarity with design and implementation of capacity building programs in the electricity sector
• Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, and leadership skills, including the ability to manage high-level relationships
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility and integrity
• Relevant computer skills (Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English with command of either French or Portuguese a plus