Chemonics International seeks technical experts with energy sector experience working on sector policy and regulations in Southern Africa for the anticipated USAID-funded Empower Southern Africa (ESA) opportunity. The purpose of the program, a new Power Africa project, is to increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity in Southern Africa and will connect more users to electricity on the grid and beyond the grid; support cleaner electricity generation delivered by the grid and accelerate distributed renewable energy; and work with Southern African governments to improve the enabling environment for energy sector investment and innovation.

The potential objectives of the activity are to:

1. End energy poverty by increasing access to affordable, reliable energy which can support increased economic activity and improved living standards.
2. Increase the supply of electricity in Southern African countries through clean energy solutions.
3. Remove constraints to investment in Southern African energy sectors and to increase innovation.

Specifically, Chemonics seeks expressions of interest from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

•    Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Sector regulations.

•    Energy Sector policy reform.

•    Renewable energy policy reform.

•    Energy Efficiency policy.

•    Cross-border power trade and interconnections

•    Ministry experience.

•    Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

•    Policy and enabling environment development for on-grid and off-grid development.

Energy Sector Policy and Regulatory Experts will support the development and implementation of initiatives to support reforms in the energy sector, increasing the transparency of sector administration, enhancing the quality of public communications on energy sector issues, and mobilizing public support for regulatory and other reforms across Southern Africa (Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia).

Key Responsibilities:

• Liaise with private sector and public sector officials in energy sector.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations regarding infrastructure development projects.
• Advise on cross border power trade activities and engagement with the regional power pool.
• Facilitate adoption of improved foundational energy sector laws and regulations in alignment with countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans
• Support negotiations and signing of power purchase agreements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge utilities, IPPs, and public sector stakeholders across Southern Africa in the energy industry.
• Minimum five years’ experience implementing energy programs. Sub-Saharan Africa work experience is preferred.
• Excellent analytical abilities, written and oral communications skills.
• Fluency in English or local languages required depending on work location.
• Demonstrated ability to promptly address ad hoc requests.

Application Instructions:

Please apply by using this link. Applications must be submitted by December 24, 2022. Early applications encouraged. No telephone inquiries, please.

EEO Statement:

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

COVID-19 Recruitment Information:

Chemonics International is monitoring COVID-19 activity around the world. The health and wellbeing of our staff is of the utmost importance to us, and we continue to hire for all open roles with interviewing and on-boarding done virtually.