Senior Energy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a global partnership of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development. Established in 1944, it has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in more than 120 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on providing funding and knowledge to developing countries, helping them tackle their most pressing development challenges. The World Bank is particularly active in the Eastern and Southern Africa region, which encompasses 26 countries and is home to about half a billion people. The organization aims to deliver strong development outcomes and improve the quality of life for the populations in these regions.

Job Overview:
The Senior Energy Specialist position at the World Bank involves a critical role in supporting energy projects in Madagascar and potentially in Comoros. The selected candidate will co-lead the design and implementation of ongoing and future energy initiatives, particularly those aligned with the Mission 300 initiative, which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 203

• This role requires a deep understanding of energy sector dynamics, including policy reforms, public-private partnerships, and the promotion of renewable energy sources. The specialist will engage in policy dialogue with government authorities and stakeholders, oversee project implementation, and ensure that energy operations meet quality standards and accelerate execution. The position also involves analytical and advisory work related to energy sector projects, requiring collaboration with various organizations to maximize the impact of the World Bank's programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise, prepare, appraise, and negotiate energy projects in Madagascar and potentially in Comoros, including sector/policy reform programs, public-private partnerships in power generation, grid network strengthening, and electricity access enhancement projects.
• Actively participate in overseeing implementation of energy operations to enhance quality and accelerate execution.
• Play an active role in policy dialogue with government authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders on strategic energy issues and ongoing sector reforms.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of all operations and activities (including those not directly managed) to identify and help resolve project-specific or systemic challenges.
• Support and/or manage analytical and advisory work related to energy sector projects across the Indian Ocean region, and forge partnerships with relevant organizations to maximize impact of Bank-supported programs.
• Lead teams and provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff on operational work, policy dialogue, and analytical activities.
• Draft and provide timely contributions to project documents, project implementation and project completion reports.
• Support the preparation, completion and follow-up of official missions including the drafting of aide memoires and official correspondence.
• Draft and provide timely inputs to sector briefings and policy notes.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, economics, finance, or a related field; and at least 8 years of experience in the World Bank, other international institutions, power sector utilities, government agencies, or private sector companies, with a proven track record on complex projects.
• Strong experience in planning, designing, and implementing power infrastructure projects including renewable energy generation, transmission and distribution, and on-grid/off-grid electrification; hands-on experience with power sector utilities is a distinct advantage.
• Experience working on World Bank lending and non-lending operations is highly desirable; familiarity with the Malagasy energy sector and the ongoing sector reform process is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large global teams and produce high-quality results with minimal supervision; strong analytical capabilities including power sector analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis or power flow modeling is advantageous.
• Strong experience working with external clients and stakeholders at all seniority levels, with the ability to engage in effective policy and operational dialogue.
• High level of motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently and adapt flexibly to changing work program requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in English and French essential; working knowledge of Malagasy is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in engineering, economics, finance, or a related field. This advanced educational background is essential to understand the complexities of energy projects and the economic implications of energy policies and infrastructure development.

Experience:
Candidates must have at least 8 years of relevant experience in the energy sector, particularly in roles related to project management, policy reform, and public-private partnerships. Experience within the World Bank or similar international institutions is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the Malagasy energy sector and its ongoing reforms.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages used in communication and documentation. A working knowledge of Malagasy is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of 3 years. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.