Job Description
The Head of Programmes - Renewable Energy & Climate Technologies (REACT) is responsible for technical Programme development and overall management of AECF REACT across Africa. The Head of Programmes REACT provides the strategic vision and technical direction for the portfolio that promotes rural development and fosters more equitable and sustainable economic growth in Africa within the quickly evolving framework of the economic Programme. He/she consults regularly with the Director, donors and engages with senior government officials, other donors and international organizations. The role holder is also responsible for building and leading a team of portfolio and Programme Managers/Officers that will provide technical and relationship support to managing, monitoring and reporting REACT portfolio activities including performance assessments. As a leader of a team, the role holder must have excellent technical skill and subject matter expertise and serve as a coach to their team. They must ensure overall employee satisfaction and productivity, in order to deliver strategic and operational business excellence.
Key responsibilities
Leadership and Strategic Direction (10%)
- Develop and coordinate the overall AECF strategies and implementation approaches to achieve results for the renewable energy and climate technologies portfolio.
- Lead development of REACT Investment Portfolio, aligning it to the AECF strategy and continental sector priorities, development and growth agenda;
- Coordinates efforts and strategies with other departments, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, and international NGOs working in the sector;
- Design, develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures for operations within the renewable energy and climate technologies portfolio;
- Provide guidance and support to team members on portfolio leadership and relationship management.
- Support the review and implementation of AECF’s strategy and technical operations;
- Develop overall operating plans, management plans, work plans and budgets for the renewable energy and climate technologies (REACT) portfolio;
Relationship Management & Business Development (20%)
- Establishes and maintains productive working relationships and linkages with donors, and other development partner organizations, government departments, private sector partners etc. Establishes close links to sector leaders, international organizations, associations or businesses;
- Provide leadership for resource mobilization and guide teams towards achievement of resource mobilization targets;
- Capitalize on opportunities to demonstrate superior customer service during communication with investees, donors and other partners;
- Participate in meetings and events that create visibility and positive image of AECF;
- Lead AECF team in development of technical bids and proposals to prospective funders;
Sector leadership (40%)
- Provides technical expertise to assure alignment of the REACT portfolio with evolving sector development policies, government development objectives, other donor Programmes, and foreign policy priorities;
- Provide technical leadership for the marketing, application review and selection of REACT projects;
- Responsible for the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of REACT portfolio, including multiple contracts, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and host country contracts;
- Coordinate and manage effective competition design and implementation;
- Contribute to planning and achievement of quality growth of REACT portfolio;
- Develop effective strategies the enable recovery of outstanding repayable grants as due from portfolio investees;
- Provide periodic reports on REACT portfolio, information trends and other relevant information as requested.
- M&E Learning (10%)
- Contribute to development and review the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Learning strategy.
- Lead / coordinate the portfolio learning agenda in a manner that contribute to the wider learning agenda of AECF (in liaison with HQ M&E team), to further the reputation and capability positioning of the Fund, have a wider systemic impact on the relevant market systems in Africa, and promote relevant advocacy efforts.
- Ensure continuous improvement of the portfolio quality based on learning.
Team Management (20%)
- Guide teams in implementation of agreed strategy and programmes, including enhancing coherence at team level;
- Participate in recruitment and managing a high - performing team of Programme managers, officers and consultants;
- Responsible for the effective flow of communication within the REACT team, as part of the Investment Portfolio Management Team.
- Manage employee performance e.g. weekly/monthly continuous performance discussions and provision of feedback. Translate strategy into executable plans while motivating your team with clear direction by setting clear goals and KPIs;
- Emulate AECF Brand values through rewarding and voicing support for good behaviours as much as they reward technical competence;
- Engage their employees and manage diversity within the workplace by encouraging and personally participating in employee engagement activities.
Requirements
- Graduate/Masters qualification in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Sustainable Energy, Resource Economics, , or other relevant field of study.
- A minimum of ten (10) years of experience and recognized expertise in Renewable Energy, Climate Change, Climate financing and Renewable Energy Financing.
- Project Management certification (PMP or Prince 2) is desirable.
- Proven project management skills with the ability to work with a diverse group of clients.
- Proven experience working in the development sector, managing multiple donor/ funder engagements.
- Proven Leadership skills with the ability to grow a team to grow and deliver progressively
- A good understanding of rural and/or financial services markets in Africa.
- An understanding of the operations of donors and international development organizations.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills with the ability to prepare proposals, reports and concept papers to a high level of proficiency.
- Good interpersonal/people skills and ability to work in cross-cultural teams.
- Fluency in English is a requirement. Language skills in French will be an added advantage
If you believe, you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, please submit your application to aecfrecruitment@aecfafrica.org quoting in the subject line the ‘Head of Programmes – Renewable Energy & Climate Technologies (REACT) AECF/Portfolio/2022’ and attach a detailed CV, e-mail address and telephone contacts to be received on or before 20th July 2022. For more information on AECF, please visit www.aecfafrica.org. The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About the Organization
The AECF is a development institution that supports businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa. It provides concessional capital, technical assistance, and support to the wider enabling environment for emergent and scaling SMEs. Over the past 12 years, AECF has supported almost 400 businesses in more than 40 value chains and 26 countries in sub- Saharan Africa. In the renewable energy and adaptive climate change sector, AECF has supported businesses across solar home systems, mini and micro-grids, biogas, financial services, and adaptive climate change technologies. AECF focuses on agribusiness, renewable energy, and adaptive climate technology sectors while addressing the cross-cutting themes of gender, youth, and fragile contexts to reduce rural poverty, promote resilient communities, and create jobs.
AECF is currently expanding its Programmes in Africa and our new strategy is looking to unlock further and differently the power of the private sector to impact rural and marginalized communities. We are therefore seeking an individual willing to be part of this journey and push us to be bold in the setting and implementation of our strategic objectives.
AECF is headquartered in Nairobi with offices in Cote d’ Ivoire and Tanzania.
