Energy Advisor - SNV Ghana

SNV is a not-for-profit international development organisation that applies practical know-how to make a lasting difference in the lives of people living in poverty. We use our extensive and long-term in-country presence to apply and adapt our top-notch expertise in agriculture, energy and WASH to local contexts. SNV has an annual turnover of €130 million, over 1,250 staff in more than 25 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are proud to be a not-for-profit organisation that uses project financing to implement our mission. This requires us to work efficiently and to invest in operational excellence.SNV currently aims more explicitly for systems change during project preparation and implementation – by strengthening institutions and kick-starting markets that help many more to escape poverty beyond our projects. We continue to position ourselves as a premium organisation, with decentralised management. Our Global Support Unit (70 staff) backstops our teams around the world.For more information on SNV, visit our website: www.snv.org

Job Description

SNV currently seeks a full-time Energy Advisor for the GrEEn project. S/he has the responsibility of the facilitating the identification, development and implementation of business cases for renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions in selected sectors and in two focal regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and contribute to market scans, value chain and energy assessments in the two focal regions: Ashanti and Western region;
• Support SMEs, start-up entrepreneurs and service providers to develop the business cases;
• Support Skills Development advisor in the design and implementation of training and coaching programs on green business (particularly focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy) management for female and youth entrepreneurs;
• Support Business Development & Market Linkages advisors and Incubation/acceleration specialist in identification, testing and upscaling of green business models (particularly focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy)
• Support Business Development & Market Linkages advisors and incubation/acceleration specialist in investment mobilisation
• Support in implementation of a business plan competition, as well as a challenge fund and Green Investment forum;
• Monitor and report the performance of the business cases as per the set milestones;
• Provide inputs to the project’s overall M&E system (e.g. data collection and analysis as needed; knowledge management)
• Support platforms to promote, advise and jointly agree on energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, policy recommendations and climate smart investments.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree plus 5 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree plus 8 years of experience in a relevant discipline, such as: Energy, Renewable Energy, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Agribusiness, or Business Administration;
• At least 3 years of experience in energy service delivery, preferably with experience in market development for renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions;
• Ability and demonstrated experience of designing  and appraising business cases;
• Understanding of market systems development;
• Experience in female and youth entrepreneurship and employment promotion programs;
• Strong agribusiness relationship management experience and focus with the ability to stimulate trust and confidence with clients and investors including managing various stakeholders;
• Understanding of Ghanaian energy sector, national and international trends related to green energy and green business;
• Excellent in organising, negotiation, influencing and advisory/coaching skills
• Flexible approach to take on additional responsibilities as assigned/delegated;
• Willingness to travel to all project locations;
• Excellent communication (written and oral), reporting and presentation skills.