Energy Specialist

The Africa Region is committed to working with Africans and development partners to achieve fast progress toward growth and poverty alleviation. Improved performance of the energy sector and access to modern energy/electrification are central to accomplishment of these objectives.
The Africa Energy Program is growing rapidly, covering reforms (sector and corporate governance, energy security and the environment, regional energy trade, public-private partnerships, energy efficiency, etc.) and investment support in power generation, power and gas transmission and distribution, rural energy services, renewable energy development, low-carbon and climate friendly initiatives. The current portfolio comprises over 50 projects with a value of over US$8.5 billion. New lending is approximately US$1 billion per annum, with a growing share of renewable energy and regional activities.

The Africa energy sector grouping consists of two Units (AFTG1 for East and Southern Africa and AFTG2 for West and Central Africa). Each of the two units is managed by a Sector Manager. Each SM also is responsible for two cross-cutting themes: (AFTG1 for PPPs and Energy Sector Reforms, and renewable energy, and AFTG2 for Hydropower, and Energy Access. Leadership for themes ensures a consolidated approach to the issue at hand in the region. The two units together have over 60 staff with over 20 in various field locations, and more than half of the operational and advisory activities are managed /led by field-based staff. AFTG1/2 cooperates with bilateral and multilateral partners in its business and AAA activities.

The World Bank is an active partner in the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative that aims to bring the world closer to that goal by increasing access to electricity and clean household fuels and expanding the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. As part of the World Bank Group’s commitment to mobilize its knowledge and policy expertise to increase the impact of its financing of energy projects, the Africa energy sector grouping is in the process of obtaining special Technical Assistance (TA) resources under ESMAP to support selected African countries to develop and implement access and related energy programs. The TA program will provide customized and focused technical assistance that will enhance Mozambique policy and institutional frameworks and lead to investment proposals for the achievement of the universal energy access goal. Mozambique is one of the focal countries for SE4All technical assistance support.

AFTG1 seeks an energy specialist to be based in Maputo, Mozambique to coordinate Sustainable Energy for All TA activities and support task managers to integrate SE4All activities into the Bank’s strategic, advisory, and operational work. The selected candidate will be engaged as a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) at GF level and will report primarily to the Washington-based Sector Manager, with a second reporting line to the Maputo based Mozambique Country Director. The contract will be for an initial duration of two years.

Duties

• Lead the WB’s SE4All technical assistance in Mozambique, including fully developing the work program, preparing an implementation plan and delivering the planned results
• Proactively lead collaboration with Government, energy agencies, other development partners, NGOs and private sector on the SE4All process, including reaching out to new groups not involved to date
• As part of a team, support countries with the necessary knowledge and capacity to develop national energy access plans and strategies leading to an investment prospectus. In particular, Mozambique has a large hydropower potential, which has to be developed to meet national demand by households, industrial customers and exports to neighboring countries
• Identify and contract external experts to advise on stocktaking exercises (including on donor and other non-governmental activities), detailed mapping of the energy demand, investment plans, and assessment of policy and regulatory reforms necessary to foster a conducive environment for public and private sector involvement in energy infrastructure investments and energy services delivery, in line with SE4All goals
• Produce regular briefings on discussions and activities, or developments in the SE4All program in Mozambique so as to anticipate issues and alert actions needed by the Bank
• As necessary manage the procurement process for consultant(s) or consulting firm(s) for activities related to the ESMAP funded SE4ALL Technical Assistance Program in Mozambique
• Actively participate in implementation of World Bank Group supported energy programs/projects in Mozambique with the aim to enhance quality and pro-poor focus and accelerate implementation. As part of a team, to prepare, appraise, negotiate and supervise energy projects in the context of SE4All goals
• Contribute to analytical and advisory work, develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, support policy dialogue and keep abreast of developments in the energy sector of the respective countries of responsibilities

Requisites

• At least 5 years work experience in the energy sector. Experience in areas relevant to SE4All will be particularly relevant (for example, energy sector technologies, hydropower, energy access, energy efficiency /DSM, renewable energy, and utility management & reform)
• Experience in design and implementation of energy sector policy, reforms and regulation would be a strong plus
• Additional high-level work experience in other public or private sector roles will be highly valuable
• Hands-on project management experience, an ability to efficiently manage a large number of activities simultaneously, a flair for problem-solving and an ability to self-navigate through complex bureaucratic environments
• Strong interpersonal skills, including written and oral communication skills, and demonstrated
• Direct experience of World Bank (or equivalent) operational, procurement and contract management procedures will be a distinct advantage
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is essential; and in Portuguese is highly desirable
• Computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email and Communications Technologies) are necessary

Notes

Candidates must apply via the website, through the link available on the right side of this page.