The Africa energy sector grouping consists of four Units across two regions of East and Southern Africa and newly created VPU of West and Central Africa. The position is based at World Bank HQ in Washington DC supporting the West and Central East Africa unit (IAWE4). The Bank is engaged in all aspects of the electricity sector – generation, transmission, distribution, rural electrification and off-grid– through development policy financing, program for results, investment financing support, technical assistance and guarantee operations. Assisting the government with policy reforms to attract investments in generation and renewable energy along with the promotion of the regional energy trade, undertaking sector reforms on tariffs and regulations, analytical work on energy subsidies, modernizing the electricity network for the needs of a modern economy and increasing energy access are among the key areas of the Bank’s deepening engagement in the sector.
The World Bank access focused portfolio in Africa includes support includes efforts to support countries to achieve SDG7 and Develop policy, strategy and implementation modalities to accelerate access expansion and develop new and improved financing and implementation methods building on the Africa Region Energy LEAP program.
Duties And Accountabilities:
IAWE4 seeks a Senior Energy Specialist based in Washington DC to support the Africa Energy unit’s work in energy access and clean energy transition initiatives in West and Central Africa as well as supporting instruments to address financial viability issues related to expanding access to electricity and clean energy transition. The Senior Energy Specialist will specifically work with country teams of Energy GP engagement in Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana CMUs with particular focus on Ghana, Sierra Leone and Liberia on energy subsidies, sector reforms, electricity generation, transmission and distribution projects, Renewable Energy, public-private partnership (PPP) projects and technical assistance.
The responsibilities of the selected candidate will include:
Supporting teams on strategic energy issues and implementation of the sub-region’s energy access goal and enable clean energy transition through adoption of renewable energy including implementation of RESPITE program;
Lead the dialogue on Sierra Leone and Liberia in Presidential roundtables and donor coordination platforms for developing enabling framework of national electrification programs including least cost planning, optimal spatial prioritization of grid and off grid solutions using GIS tools, regulatory policies and financial framework for financing of accelerated electrification with clear linkages to jobs and sustainable growth;
Enable regulations, policies and competitive framework for promotion of renewable energy through leveraging private sector engagement;
Lead teams in developing knowledge products and operational instruments to support Bank clients and advise relevant task teams;
Lead or coordinate business development and policy dialogue in selected countries in Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone on energy access, sector reforms, and clean energy transition including through design and implementation of PforRs and IPFs;
Support analytical and advisory services focusing on enhancement of private sector participation in energy access and renewable energy (particularly access to electricity through decentralized schemes as well as pre-electrification options);
Work with IFC and MIGA for a WBG collaboration and donor coordination on potential PPP opportunities for energy access and clean energy transition;
This requisition is open to WBG staff as well as external candidates.
Selection Criteria:
Master's degree in energy planning/economics or equivalent areas relevant for energy/extractives sector development;
At least 8 years of combined experience in the World Bank, other international institutions and/or companies, government agencies, and/or power sector utilities with demonstrated track record of successful engagement with complex projects;
Demonstrates solid understanding of energy/extractives policies, technologies or strategies, Private sector participation, and institutional development needed to support development and for the success of project and analytic work.
An excellent track record in carrying out high quality and timely analytical reports and activities would be advantageous;
Experience of analysis and advice on regulatory reform, economic analysis of sector reform impacts (subsidies etc.) and cost of service.
Experience leading and/or playing key roles in policy dialogue with clients and stakeholders.
Experience working on World Bank or other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) lending and non-lending operations is desirable;
Demonstrates active listening skills and the ability to influence the audience (such as counterparts in government, international partner organizations, academia, and Bank colleagues, senior staff and managers).
Experience working with large global teams, with an ability to produce high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision is required;
High level of excitement, ability to work independently, taking initiative, and flexibility in quickly adjusting to changing work program requirements;
Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to build strong partnerships with clients, different stakeholders and colleagues across units and departmental boundaries in a multi-cultural environment with virtual teams located in different countries;
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms and to engage in evidence-based dialogue with clients. and
Demonstrates strong knowledge of at least one of relevant thematic business lines such as Energy Access; Economics, Markets & Institution; Oil & Gas; Mining; Energy Efficiency; Renewable Energy; Energy Finance; Hydropower; Power Systems & Technologies.
Translates technical analyses into policies, operations and/or research as they relate to any of the following thematic business lines: Energy Access; Economics, Markets & Institution; Oil & Gas; Mining; Energy Efficiency; Renewable Energy; Energy Finance; Hydropower; Power Systems & Technologies.
