At Mercy Corps, we understand the pivotal role of universal energy access in shaping a more sustainable future โ one defined by thriving economies, stable food and water supplies, and peaceful, effective governance. To realize this vision, we are addressing critical challenges at the intersection of energy access and climate-resilient development through our platform, Energy 4 Impact (E4I).
The Program
Our localized approach begins by building inclusive energy markets, and then leveraging them as a catalyst for sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. We offer multidisciplinary expertise, local know-how, and systems-centered approaches, coupled with global best practices in energy innovations, technologies, and business models. Having successfully implemented this model across Africa, positively impacting the lives of over 20 million individuals through enhanced energy access, we now aim to amplify our global influence. Our mission is to uncover innovative, transformative means of utilizing energy access to enhance the well-being of all people on our planet.
The Position
Reporting to E4Iโs Managing Director (MD), the Deputy Managing Director (DMD) will be a key member of the E4I Senior Management Team (SMT). Our energy work is built around three pillars: major regional energy programming which include business model and technology field trials and development of markets in different energy sector verticals; energy advisory support for small businesses and donors; and integrating energy into Mercy Corpsโ multi-sector programming.
The DMD will have overall responsibility for E4Iโs major regional programs and driving the growth of the E4I business. They will oversee the following areas: design, fundraising and implementation of the regional energy programs; development of a new strategy, operating model and organizational structure for growth; and technical quality assurance across all E4I energy programming.
Essential Responsibilities
VISION, STRATEGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Working with the E4I MD and E4I SMT, develop and champion a vision for growth of E4I globally.
- Lead the planning, development, and execution of the E4I energy strategy, including managing iterations of strategic vision documents.
- Develop recommendations for E4Iโs organizational restructuring and support operationalization of the new structures.
- With the E4I SMT, develop and operationalize new energy services and verticals that respond to sector needs in alignment with E4Iโs core capabilities to drive the global growth of the E4I platform.
- Support the effective functioning of the E4I SMT through clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, agenda setting, and reporting on organizational priorities.
- Lead planning and facilitation of an annual E4I strategy refresh.
- Conduct data-driven analysis to support and make recommendations on strategy and organizational performance.
- Present results to the MD and Mercy Corpsโ leadership teams.
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OPERATIONAL OVERSIGHT, TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
- Support the MD to oversee the daily operations of the E4I platform ensuring that E4I teams are performing and providing the services required to ensure E4I grants and contracts are effectively delivered.
- In collaboration with E4Iโs MD and SMT, create a framework to improve the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of E4Iโs energy programs and consulting services.
- Direct technical operations on select large, high-priority energy programs working with E4Iโs MD and SMT.
- Provide hands-on support to the Head of Advisory Services to ensure technical excellence and efficient performance of advisory teams.
- Ensure learnings are integrated to improve E4Iโs operations including in ongoing energy programs and in the design of new, large-scale programs and technical services.
- Provide support to teams at key program stages including program start-up, kick-off meetings, inception meeting check-ins, quality audits and spot checks, and end of program transitions.
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ORANIZATIONAL GROWTH
- With the respective department heads, define and execute growth strategies and fundraising plans for E4Iโs new energy services and verticals.
- Oversee fundraising efforts for select high priority major energy programs, working closely with the E4I MD, and the relevant Mercy Corps business development teams.
- Build and manage relationships with strategic global energy donors and partners.
- Provide technical leadership on proposals by setting the vision and strategy, driving program design, defining competitive partnerships, and negotiating partner scopes of work, informing budget development, and leading writing of technical proposal sections.
- Lead deal-closing for select high priority major energy programs and consulting services.
- Represent select energy programs at industry conferences and events as a presenter or participant.
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PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING
- Manage and mentor small team of energy program managers and professionals in Kenya and globally, helping them to deliver programs and grow their skills and experience.
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- Review E4Iโs staffing structures, prepare E4Iโs new personnel planning and job descriptions, and oversee recruitment and onboarding of new E4I team members.
- Be a champion for the mission, vision and values of E4I and Mercy Corps.
- Promote and encourage a transparent, collaborative and ethical work culture, with a focus on open feedback and professional development.
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Supervisory Responsibility
E4I Head of Advisory Services, Senior Energy Program Development Manager, E4I Program Managers
Accountability
Reports Directly To: Managing Director of E4I
Works Directly With: Those under supervisory responsibility, E4I SMT, Regional Program Teams, Regional and Country Directors, Technical Support Unit, International Finance, Business Development Teams (New Initiatives, Corporates and Foundations, Strategic Partnerships), Program Performance and Quality
Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders
Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
Minimum Qualifications & Transferable Skills
- Graduate or Postgraduate Degree in Business Management, Economics, Finance, International Development, Energy, Environment, Climate Change or other relevant subject.
- 15+ yearsโ experience in wide-ranging, cross-functional business areas
- Experience in an energy access context in Africa working at the nexus of program leadership, strategy, and operations.
- โHands-onโ experience in program development, strategic planning, and program implementation.
- Experience designing and delivering energy access portfolios in Africa in partnership with the private sector.
- Fundraising experience.
- Excellent leadership and motivational skills. Track record managing a diverse mix of professionals and different cultures
- Program and project conceptualization and design skills
- Excellent organization and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple programs and client engagements, meet deadlines and allocate resources and budgets effectively
- Ability to develop partnerships and strong and effective relationships with different stakeholders.
- Ability to mentor clients and help them develop solutions
- Ability to critique and develop financial models
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Effective public speaker or workshop facilitator
- Fluent English
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Success Factors
- Team player.
- High energy.
- Attention to detail and a focus on results.
- Ability to think outside the box, to see the big picture and connect the dots.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- A can-do and collaborative mindset.
- Willingness to travel internationally, sometimes at short notice.
- Passion for working in the development and impact sector.
- Close alignment with the mission and values of Mercy Corps.
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Living Conditions / Environmental Conditions
The position is based in Nairobi and it requires significant travel to support regional programs, which may include travel to insecure locations where freedom of movement is limited and areas where amenities are limited. Housing for this role is in individual housing and staff will have access to good medical services and the living situation is of a high standard.