OVERVIEW
The United States Government (USG) is committed to more participatory governance for a healthier Guinea by increasing utilization of quality health services and strengthening democratic governance and economic processes. The USG is also committed to promoting economic growth through Power Africa, a partnership among the USG, African governments, bilateral and multilateral development partners, and the private sector to double access toelectricity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Power Africa, launched by U.S. President Obama in 2013, is coordinated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). On 9 February 2016, Congress passed Electrify Africa 2015 Act authorizing Power Africa until 2020. Power Africa is represented by the Guinea/Sierra Leone Mission (USAID/Guinea) located in Conakry, Guinea. Power Africa works with host-governments, the private sector, and other development partners to expand electricity generation, access, investment, and trade in SSA. In August 2014, President Obama expanded Power Africa’s goals to include enabling 30,000 megawatts (MW) of new, cleaner power generation capacity and 60 million new home and business connections.
The Governments of Guinea and Sierra Leone have also established ambitious goals for new energy generation capacity (6,000 and 1,000 MW respectively). Although constrained by limited access to capital, slow development of regional trade, and domestic institutional and technical issues (i.e. governance, “line loss”, load shedding, etc.), the two countries have vast indigenous energy resources (predominantly hydro). In addition, significant political will has been expressed through unbundling the utilities sector, establishing regulatory commissions, and passing laws to promote rural electrification and financing for major projects that will contribute to Power Africa’s greater goals. As a result, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone seeks to significantly expand activities in the energy sector, noting that the Mission will be integral to the oversight, management, and implementation of activities over 5 years.
To lead this expansion process and accelerate power sector development in Guinea & Sierra Leone, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone will recruit an Energy and Transaction Specialist (the “Specialist”) to develop, scale-up and direct the design and implementation of the Mission’s energy program. Specifically, this will include working closely with Power Africa colleagues to advance critical power sector transactions and support regional integration efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA
Education (10 points): A Masters degree in a technical discipline related to energy and/or power, public policy or finance as related to energy and/or power systems, or other relevant field (electric engineering or petroleum engineering or chemical engineering or a combination of these) is required.
Prior Work Experience (40 points): Minimum of 5 years of experience in the energy/power sector with a focus on such issues as public policy reform and private sector investment (Independent Power Producers; Public-Private Partnerships) in generation, transmission, and distribution; or privatization, utility management and performance improvement (e.g., aggregate loss reduction; technological transformation; change management); infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion; or off-grid electrification. In addition, some understanding of the current status of the energy and power sectors in West Africa, as well as experience working in the region is highly preferred. Experience working with the Power Africa Initiative is required as well as experience working with WAPP, ECREEE and OMVG/OMVS is required
Knowledge (20 points): Knowledge in applied management and/or technical assistance in at least two (2) of the following:
i) Improving the operations of power generation, transmission and/or distribution agencies/utilities; integration of power from multiple sources to stabilize supplies;
ii) Improving and/or rationalizing financial operations of energy and/or power sectors including analysis/development of pricing policies and agreements, power supply and purchase agreements, taxation, concessions, tendering, leasing, and incentives for independent power producers’ (IPPs) investment in energy and/or power sectors;
iii) Improving the regulatory environment for private sector investment in the power sector, including tariff analysis and setting, regulatory procedures, and the development and operation of energy and /or power markets;
iv) Energy efficiency and demand-side management including engineering and/or administrative solutions for loss reduction across generation, transmission or distribution and in the application of appropriate codes in the design/construction/operation of energy-efficient structures; and
v) Communication and awareness of energy/power programs, garnering broad public support for energy efficiency, demand-side management, and regulation.
Skills & Abilities (20 points): The candidate must have exposure and familiarity in the energy/power sector, with experience in West Africa a decided advantage. The candidate must have a background in at least two of the following areas and this must be documented in the applicant’s CV:
i) public-private partnerships;
ii) production/power generation and distribution; power sector financial transactions;
iii) project development (including feasibility studies and project financing); and
iv) energy sector policy reform.
The Specialist must be capable of achieving capacity-building results and of managing energy programs (especially power sector reform) in difficult political environments requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders. The candidate must be able to build effective working relationships with seniorcountry officials, USG partners, donors, international financial institutions, and other sector counterparts. The position also requires the ability and willingness to travel between Guinea and Sierra Leone. The ability to produce quality work under pressure and to meet deadlines is crucial to successful performance in this position.
The position requires a solid understanding of policies, strategies, technology, and social components related to energy sector reform, utility management, rehabilitation and expansion of electricity infrastructure, and off-grid electrification. Experience in the restructuring, recapitalization, and privatization of state-owned utilities would be an asset.
Strong analytical and communication skills and problem-solving abilities are required.
The candidate must demonstrate the project management skills needed to effectively lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams in the design and execution of programs and projects.
Experience with USG policies and operational programs is preferred.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural setting are required.
Demonstrated positive and productive teaming abilities are absolutely critical. Candidates must have demonstrated ability to elevate and empower those around him/her. Experience working in teams is required. Candidates must be able to motivate team members and work toward positive outcomes, work as a member of a technical and office management team, and work independently.
Strong verbal and computer (word processing, spreadsheet, and database) skills are required, with proven ability to communicate quickly, succinctly, and tactfully in both speech and writing; ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior government officials and partners (USG and African) in a multi-cultural context; ability to produce concise, clear reports. Candidates will be required to submit writing samples
Language Proficiency (10 points): The incumbent must possess Level IV ability (fluency) in spoken French and written English, as well as an excellent ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents.
TOTAL = 100 points. Note: An applicant will not be considered if s/he does not meet the above requirements.
