Associate, Solar Financing Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, primarily in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its mission is to save lives and reduce the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI works closely with governments and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. Over the years, CHAI has expanded its focus beyond HIV to include infectious diseases such as COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and hepatitis, as well as non-communicable diseases like cancer and diabetes. The organization operates in 40 countries and is committed to maximizing sustainable impact at scale, ensuring that governments lead solutions, and sharing learnings globally. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, promoting fairness and respect in the workplace, and encourages applications from historically disadvantaged groups.

Job Overview:
The Associate will play a critical role in supporting the implementation of CHAI’s Solar Financing Programme in South Africa. This position involves working closely with the Programme Manager and other team members to provide technical, analytical, and coordination support for solar power and energy efficiency initiatives across the public health sector. The Associate will focus on financial modelling, data analysis, portfolio assessments, and procurement scenario evaluation, which are essential for informed decision-making regarding sustainable energy investments. Additionally, the Associate will contribute to programme management activities, including progress tracking, reporting, and documentation, ensuring smooth implementation and timely delivery of results. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including Departments of Health, donors, private sector stakeholders, and technical partners, to support effective project design and strengthen institutional capacity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining financial models to estimate capital expenditures (CapEx) and operating expenses (OpEx) for solar electrification and energy efficiency projects. The Associate will collaborate with industry stakeholders to gather market data and pricing insights, collect and analyze energy and financial data, assist in structuring public-private partnerships (PPP), and prepare detailed presentations and reports for government and donors. Additional responsibilities include supporting the roll-out of energy efficiency projects, managing donor grants, participating in sector webinars, and providing administrative support to ensure smooth programme operations. The Associate will also assist with auditing shared savings programmes and support the establishment of digital platforms for ongoing monitoring of installed energy systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Public Management/Administration, Engineering, or a related field. A minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in consulting, finance, energy, development, or related sectors is required. Demonstrated experience working with government or multi-stakeholder environments on complex projects is essential, along with proven quantitative and analytical skills, particularly in financial modelling and data analysis using Excel. Strong project management experience is necessary, as well as excellent written communication skills for preparing clear, evidence-based reports and presentations. Prior exposure to renewable energy, procurement, or energy management systems is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Finance, Public Management/Administration, or Engineering is required for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of financial modelling and energy efficiency projects.

Experience:
The position requires 3–5 years of professional experience in sectors related to consulting, finance, energy, or development. Candidates should have experience working in government or multi-stakeholder environments, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects effectively. Strong project management skills are essential, as the Associate will need to handle multiple workstreams and meet deadlines.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the need for clear communication with various stakeholders. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in South Africa and involves a commitment to advancing sustainable, government-led solutions in the health sector. The Associate will be expected to travel as required, with estimated travel between 25-50%. CHAI promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.