Consultant: International climate solutions (Africa focused)

We are working hard to accelerate transformative climate solutions for a more just world. We are now seeking an experienced consultant who will deepen our understanding of how organisations, enterprises and leaders in Africa are innovating in energy access to help build a more equal, low-carbon society.   

Based in Nairobi or Kampala, working from your own premises. Occasional travel to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and the UK will be required, although we seek to minimise carbon emissions associated with our work as much as possible.   

Duration: 12 months contract, four to five days per week.

Consultancy fee: commensurate with experience, invoiceable monthly in arrears.

This consultant will: 

• With the support of the Head of International Programmes, manage the delivery of complex humanitarian energy projects – including Ashden’s deliverables in the FCDO-funded Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access (THEA) programme – and coordinate/implement a suite of interventions to support the development of refugee-led energy solutions.  
• Engage in stakeholder conversations to understand barriers to humanitarian energy, and strengthen partnerships, particularly with Global Platform for Action (GPA) and Global Refugee-led Network (GRN), to grow the humanitarian energy programme.  
• Discover exciting climate solutions and carry out detailed assessment work for Ashden Awards – the critical appraisal of the impact and work of organisations. 
• Build new partnerships, and convene networks of people, including those with lived experience of the issues, and organisations to bring their energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking to increase access to sustainable energy.  
• Be a confident communicator and deploy the expertise of those networks to drive bold policy change.  
• Use insights and knowledge gained through organisations and networks to raise the profile of the 2023 Ashden Awards winners and alumni in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• Contribute to fundraising proposals for the delivery of programmes and develop a pipeline of opportunities with potential funders. 

Skills required: 

Essential: 

• Knowledge of and experience in international development, energy access and/or humanitarian sectors.   
• Project management skills. 
• Experience in multi-stakeholder collaboration and managing complex projects with people in different geographies. 
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.  
• Flexible and willing to work outside office hours to overlap with team in the UK, as required.    
• Confident networker with strong networks in East Africa.  
• Able to travel internationally.  

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of enterprise financing and support, microfinance and inclusive investment in the energy access sector desirable 
• Good research and analytical skills and the ability to synthesise complex information into clear concept notes and briefs.   
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to get things done.   
• Experience using Document Management and CRM.  
• Fluency in Swahili, French or Spanish. 

To apply please send a CV and a cover letter demonstrating that you have the skills we are looking for to Anita Henderson anita.henderson@ashden.org  

Deadline to apply is 15 November 2023