West Africa Manager – Renewable Energy & Development
Blackbird Project Co
Banjul, The Gambia (full-time, on-site, with regional travel)
6-month fixed term contract (with possibility of renewal or conversion to long term)
Job Highlight
You will get to help scale an enterprise with the potential to impact thousands of people in need, build capacity in an organization, and, if the right fit, be rewarded for your efforts in project equity.
In The Gambia
Blackbird Project Co (BPC) is entering a strategic partnership with The Gambia’s most established renewable energy company. Since 1998 this firm has impacted over 400,000 villagers and worked on projects with an array of clients, from UNDP to the World Bank. Our goal is to scale by building out these relationships in the push to electrify sub-Saharan Africa.
Primary Objectives:
The main focus of this position is to solidify the renewable energy partnership in The Gambia, build revenue streams, and scale. We see the partnership in The Gambia as an opportunity to provide a successful market-based approach to Renewable Energy in West Africa. Key initial goals include:
· Rapidly assess and expand revenue streams with Gambian renewable energy company.
· Build Gambian venture into an IPP (Independent Power Producer).
· Lead portfolio execution for initial priority projects (PAYG rollouts, microgrids, borehole rehabilitation).
· Build partnerships with donors, private sector, and government stakeholders to establish funding pipelines.
· Establish operational systems and a growth plan for the partnership’s expansion phase.
· Manage Gambian Country Specialist (a Gambian national with strong relationships) to facilitate relationships, meetings, and processes.
Role & Company Operational Overview:
More broadly the West Africa Manager will maintain an understanding of Blackbird Project Co’s complete portfolio of projects in Africa, with the primary focus being the strategic partnership in The Gambia. Broadly, the goal of this position is to solidify revenue streams to make Blackbird profitable, and thus sustainable.
Qualifications & Experience
· 5+ years of experience in Africa project, portfolio, or country management roles, within renewable energy, infrastructure or development finance would be ideal.
· Bachelor’s Degree required, master’s degree a plus.
· Experience or interest in market-based solutions to economic development.
· Experience in international development, international business, business administration, entrepreneurship, hydrology, WASH, or renewable energy field.
· Experience building & managing relationships, especially with grant funding entities.
· Relationships with donors and foundations focused on renewable energy in Africa a plus.
· Experience working autonomously to lead effective projects.
· Experience in West Africa a plus.
· Experience with Results Based Funding Models, PAYG (pay as you go) projects, or other market-based financing projects a plus.
· Ability to craft winning grants and proposals in conjunction with the Managing Director.
· Additional skills in marketing a plus.
· Knowledge of renewable energy grants or movements like ECOWAS ROGEAP or Mission 300 by The World Bank are a plus.
· These are ideal qualifications. We are always willing to consider uniquely experienced, highly motivated individuals!
Competencies & Attributes
· Entrepreneurial spirit
· Attention to detail
· Resourcefulness and Adaptability
· Passionate about solving the world’s pressing issues
Duration, Structure, & Pay:
· 6-month fixed-term contract (possibility of renewal or conversion to long-term).
· Salary of $5,000 per month.
· $2,000 round trip flight stipend (for mobilization and demobilization from contract).
· 2 weeks paid time off in the first 6 months.
· Lodging will be provided for the first 4 weeks of contract.
· If successful, equity will be offered to the right candidate after initial 6-month fixed-term contract.
· Ideal start date would be early-mid September.
Blackbird Project Co Values
Always try to maintain perspective. We are here to impact the world positively with the human element at the forefront of our minds.
We strive for sustainability through market-based approaches.
We aim to empower people through dignified work and capacity building.
Application Process
Submit a Cover Letter and a Resume/CV to bpc@blackbird-co.com. For your CL, help us get to know your motivations, interest in market-based development, and why you would be the right fit. Thank you for taking the time to consider this position!
Blackbird Project Co. (BPC) was founded in 2022 as a social enterprise focused on leveraging the power of the private sector to pull people out of poverty and drive meaningful change. In February of 2022 Blackbird started a construction workshop and a tree farm as a livelihoods project in the West-Nile Region of Uganda. The Uganda project has constructed schools for the Ministry of Education and fabricated doors and windows for a variety of clients in the area while training young people from the area. Currently, the organization is working through market entry into Gambia, optimizing the Uganda operation, and building our footprint in South Africa.
Blackbird is a mission-driven management consulting firm with experience in disaster response, renewable energy, vocational training, and livelihoods positioning itself to scale renewable energy solutions in West Africa.
