Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Energy 4 Impact - Mercy Corps (E4I-MC) is an organization dedicated to increasing access to energy and promoting productive use of energy (PUE) for impoverished and vulnerable communities across Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), Asia, and other developing markets. The organization collaborates with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and end users to foster business growth, test innovative business models and technologies, and secure new capital. E4I-MC is committed to empowering communities through sustainable energy solutions, enhancing economic opportunities, and improving quality of life. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on regions where energy access is critical for development and poverty alleviation. With a mission to drive impactful change, E4I-MC has established itself as a leader in the energy access sector, leveraging partnerships and expertise to create lasting benefits for communities in need.

Job Overview:
The Consultant position at Energy 4 Impact involves providing advisory services on various renewable energy initiatives, including Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO), Kenya Cold Chain Accelerator (K-CCA), and Energy Catalyst (ECAP). The Consultant will play a crucial role in supporting enterprises by offering technical assistance, conducting market analyses, and developing business strategies. The role requires a deep understanding of the energy sector, particularly in relation to renewable energy technologies and their application in developing markets. The Consultant will be expected to engage with SMEs to enhance their operational efficiency, financial readiness, and market presence. This position is integral to the organization's mission of facilitating energy access and promoting sustainable business practices in vulnerable communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a wide range of activities aimed at supporting SMEs in the energy sector. Key duties include providing enterprise-focused technical assistance, conducting market analysis, and offering business strategy and planning support. The Consultant will also be involved in supply chain design, last-mile distribution optimization, and operations enhancement. Financial modeling, unit-economics analysis, and preparation for investment readiness are critical components of the role. Additionally, the Consultant will assist in capital-raising efforts, including investor engagement and pitch preparation. The role involves advising on sales, marketing, and business development strategies to improve customer acquisition and revenue growth. The Consultant will also support technology and product development, ensuring that enterprises can effectively design, test, and assess their offerings. Furthermore, the Consultant will guide companies in generating robust impact evidence through field-trial design and KPI definition, conduct market diagnostics, and analyze technology performance and customer impact. Deliverables will include public reports, market analysis packs, and financial modeling toolkits, among others.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Consultant position must possess a graduate or postgraduate degree in relevant fields such as Business Management, Economics, Finance, International Development, Energy, Environment, Climate Change, or Engineering. A strong understanding of the off-grid market and impact investing sectors, particularly within an African context, is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to manage multiple client engagements effectively and meet deadlines. A robust network within the energy access space, including connections with SMEs, investors, and donors, is highly desirable. The Consultant should also possess strong analytical skills, the ability to critique and develop financial models, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Fluency in English is mandatory, and personal qualities such as being a team player, high energy, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a graduate or postgraduate degree in fields such as Business Management, Economics, Finance, International Development, Energy, Environment, Climate Change, or Engineering. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of the energy sector and the challenges faced by SMEs in developing markets. Candidates should have a solid grasp of business principles, financial analysis, and the technical aspects of energy solutions to effectively support enterprises in their growth and development.

Experience:
The Consultant should have at least 5 years of experience working in fast-paced entrepreneurial environments, with a focus on early-stage business building and capital raising. Experience in sectors such as agriculture, electrification, clean cooking, and last-mile distribution is highly relevant. Candidates with backgrounds in electric engineering, technical system design, and business modeling will find their skills particularly applicable. The role requires a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by local businesses in the energy sector, as well as experience in supporting monitoring and evaluation frameworks and key performance indicators (KPIs).

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. While English is the primary language of communication, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions served by Energy 4 Impact may be considered an asset, enhancing the Consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The Consultant position is set to run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 202

• The role is designed to be flexible, allowing for remote work arrangements. The Consultant will report directly to the Head of Programs at Energy 4 Impact and will collaborate closely with the Director of Programs and Advisory, as well as the finance and communication teams. This position offers an opportunity to engage in meaningful work within the development and impact sector, contributing to the organization's mission of enhancing energy access and supporting vulnerable communities.