Consultant for PREO Program

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. Established with a mission to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and end-users, E4I-MC collaborates with these entities to foster business growth, explore innovative business models and technologies, and secure new capital. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on enhancing energy access and sustainability through various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for the PREO program will play a crucial role in providing advisory services, portfolio-level support, team training, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) assistance, and communications support. The primary objective is to assist in the successful delivery of the PREO program, which aims to catalyze the growth of PUE enterprises in SSA and Asia. This involves advising on the development of the E4I growth strategy for catalyzing finance, as well as contributing to the technical design of concept notes and proposals. The Consultant will work closely with the Program Director and Head of Programs to ensure that the program objectives are met effectively and efficiently. The role requires a proactive approach to building relationships with PREO grantees and gathering robust M&E data to inform program decisions and improvements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: developing a pipeline of PUE innovators eligible for PREO grants, coordinating the due diligence process for potential grantees, preparing investment memos for the PREO Investment Committee, and supporting the MC-E4I team in managing relationships with PREO grantees. Additionally, the Consultant will help develop and maintain a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) methodology for the PREO program, ensuring quality data collection and reporting. Conducting reviews with grantees to monitor project implementation and capturing data on impact indicators will also be part of the responsibilities. The Consultant will support the origination and delivery of technical assistance assignments for PUE SMEs, which may include feasibility studies and market strategies. Furthermore, the Consultant will assist in drafting public reports and communication materials, ensuring effective outreach and engagement with stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in energy access, particularly in the African context, with at least 7 years of relevant experience. This includes experience in supporting energy donor programs, designing regranting programs, and helping early-stage innovators enhance their investment readiness. Proven experience in working with rural and off-grid business models in Africa and other developing markets is essential. The ideal candidate should also have a track record of mobilizing funding and cultivating partnerships for energy access initiatives, as well as experience in training teams to support entrepreneurs effectively.

Educational Background:
A graduate or postgraduate degree in Business Management, Economics, Finance, International Development, Energy, Environment, Climate Change, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of energy access and the challenges faced by SMEs in developing markets.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of experience in relevant fields, particularly in energy access and development. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments and possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by local businesses in the energy sector. Experience in designing and implementing programs that support early-stage innovators is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, as the Consultant will be required to produce high-quality reports and engage with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly those relevant to the regions in which the organization operates.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this consultancy is from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with regular deliverables expected throughout the year. The Consultant is anticipated to work approximately 10-15 days per month. This position is designed for a full-time commitment, and the Consultant will report directly to the Head of Programs at Energy 4 Impact. The role may involve international travel, and candidates should be prepared to engage with diverse teams in a multicultural environment. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment.