Utilities and Energy Business Models Expert

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Position Title: Utilities and Energy Business Models Expert
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization established with the mission to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Operating in over 40 countries, Mercy Corps partners with local communities to implement bold solutions that address the root causes of poverty and hardship. The organization is committed to reducing poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa through initiatives like Energy 4 Impact, which focuses on expanding access to clean energy and supporting the growth of small and micro businesses that provide renewable energy solutions.

Job Overview:
The Utilities and Energy Business Models Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the development of innovative business models and strategies for utilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in East Africa. This position involves working closely with the Kenyan national utility, KPLC, to design and implement pilot programs aimed at stimulating electricity demand in underserved communities. The consultant will leverage their expertise in energy access, business model development, and stakeholder engagement to analyze existing utility operations, assess customer needs, and forge partnerships that enhance service delivery. The role also includes evaluating grant applications for the Powering Renewable Energy Opportunities (PREO) program, which aims to catalyze the growth of productive use of energy enterprises across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: conducting interviews and desk research to understand KPLC's organizational structure and strategy; analyzing the effectiveness of previous demand stimulation initiatives; developing a partnerships framework for KPLC; scoring grant applications for the PREO program; drafting investment memos and presenting them to the investment committee; managing projects awarded by PREO; and contributing to knowledge management and technical assistance activities. The consultant will also be expected to deliver key reports and plans, including stakeholder engagement strategies and pilot implementation plans, while ensuring that all activities align with the program's objectives and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5-10 years of experience in relevant technical fields, particularly in electricity business models, productive use of energy, and demand stimulation initiatives. Direct experience working with utilities and energy service providers in Africa is highly desirable. Strong analytical skills, project management capabilities, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in fields such as energy management, business administration, engineering, or a related discipline is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in energy policy, finance, or project management would be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of direct experience in implementing electricity business models and demand stimulation projects, particularly in partnership with utilities. Experience in managing projects related to energy access and working with small and medium enterprises in the energy sector is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of local languages spoken in Kenya or other East African countries would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to require up to 38 days of effort for the KPLC project from February to June 2025, and up to 60 days for the PREO project from February 2025 to January 202

• The consultant will report to Chris Browne, Head of Learning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management, and will collaborate closely with various teams within Mercy Corps.