Senior Energy Specialist

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Energy Specialist to join our team in Nairobi, Kenya. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated professional to make a meaningful impact in the field of energy development.

The Senior Energy Specialist will serve as the country coordinator and Task Team Leader for World Bank's Somalia portfolio of projects. Key responsibilities include leading the work on power sector reform, supporting the development of a well-regulated and efficient Energy Services Industry, and implementing plans to expand access to affordable, reliable energy for all.

The selected candidate will participate in overseeing implementation of energy operations with the aim to enhance quality and accelerate implementation, play an active role in Bank's policy dialogue with the authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders on strategic energy issues and implementation of ongoing energy sector reforms.

The ideal candidate will possess technical breadth in energy policy, private sector distribution utilities, electricity access, and have documented experience operating in Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) settings. Experience developing and implementing national electricity access programs, leading and/or playing key roles in policy dialogue with clients and stakeholders, including private sector, is also desired.

• Lead or co-lead energy sector strategy development and policy dialogue.
• Lead the development of new lending, preparation and supervision of investment operations in the energy sector with the aim to enhance quality, efficiency and pro-poor focus and accelerate implementation.
• Lead the preparation of analytical and advisory reports and studies on utility reform, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, climate change, energy efficiency, and potentially other regional energy programs, as well as inputs to report management.
• Support the AFE regional energy programs, particularly the Ethiopia-Somalia Interconnector and other potential regional projects under the EAPP.

The selected candidate will be expected to lead teams, provide guidance and mentoring to junior staff on operational, policy dialogue, and analytical activities. 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 are essential.

• Master's degree in engineering, energy planning/economics, business administration, or equivalent areas relevant for energy sector development;
• At least 8 years of combined relevant 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 relevant development programs and projects;
• Demonstrates proven understanding of energy policies, technologies or strategies, private sector participation, utility reform, and institutional development needed to support development and for the success of project and analytical work;
• Experience developing and implementing national electricity access programs;
• Experience leading and/or playing key roles in policy dialogue with clients and stakeholders, including private sector;
• Experience working on/with World Bank or other International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in 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);
• Demonstrated experience of working across institutional boundaries;
• An excellent track record in carrying out high-quality and timely analytical reports and activities would be advantageous;
• Experience working with large global teams, to produce high-quality results and outputs with minimal supervision is required;
• High level of motivation, 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 in English, able to communicate complex issues in simple terms and to engage in evidence-based dialogue with clients;
• Demonstrates strong understanding and able to translate technical analyses into policies, operations, and/or research of at least one of relevant thematic business lines such as Energy Access; Economics, Markets & Institution; Energy Efficiency; Renewable Energy; Energy Finance; Hydropower; Power Systems & Technologies;

We offer comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life, and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce.