Sr. Energy Specialist (sr. Project Officer I)

Job Summary:

The Senior Project Officer I- Senior Energy Specialist will lead and oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of mini-grid projects within Ethiopia under the DREAM initiative. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep expertise in renewable energy, mini-grid development, and sector regulation, as well as strong coordination skills to facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, private sector partners, development partners, and local communities. The Senior Energy Specialist will also contribute to policy and regulatory development, capacity building, and innovative project facilitation to ensure the sustainability and scalability of mini-grid solutions aligned with Ethiopia’s national energy and water access goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management & Monitoring:

• Oversee the execution of mini-grid pilot projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with Consultants developer and other stakeholders to facilitate licensing, technical qualifications, and operational reporting.
• Monitor project performance, compile progress reports, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.

Establishment of Innovation Lab:

• Facilitate the creation and operational setup of the Innovation Lab to support pilot activities, data collection, and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to foster an environment of innovation and continuous learning.

Policy & Regulatory Development:

• Lead the review and refinement of mini-grid policies and regulations in alignment with national objectives and pilot learnings.
• Facilitate engagement with regulatory authorities such as the Ethiopian Petroleum and
• Energy Authority (PEA) and regional/local governments to streamline licensing and compliance processes.
• Provide expert advice on regulatory bottlenecks and propose practical solutions for policy reforms conducive to private sector participation.

Technical and Sectoral Expertise:

• Provide technical guidance on renewable energy systems, mini-grid design, and integration with water and agriculture sectors.
• Support the development of standards and best practices for mini-grid deployment, operation, and maintenance.
• Assist in establishing the Innovation Lab to foster innovative solutions and pilot new models for renewable energy integration in agriculture and water supply.

Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Organize training workshops, seminars, and capacity-building activities for government officials, private sector developers, and community representatives.
• Foster strong collaboration among ministries (Water & Energy, Agriculture, Water Resources), development partners, private sector actors, and local communities.
• Act as a liaison between the MIC, Consultant and developer Consulting, project partners, and stakeholders to facilitate information sharing and coordination.

Data Collection & Assessment:

• Lead efforts in establishing data collection systems for project monitoring, impact assessment, and policy formulation.
• Analyze project data to evaluate socio-economic impact, financial viability, and operational performance.
• Use insights from data to inform policy recommendations and future project scaling strategies.
• Cross-Sectoral Collaboration & Innovation:
• Promote integrated approaches linking energy, water, and agriculture sectors, emphasizing the nexus approach.
• Support the establishment of the Innovation Lab for testing innovative mini-grid solutions, water delivery systems, and agricultural productivity tools.
• Facilitate collaboration among government agencies, private sector, development
• partners, and community stakeholders to ensure project success and sustainability.

Required Qualification, Competencies and Experience:

• At least master’s degree in electrical/electrical Power/Energy/Mechanical Engineering,
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in renewable energy, electricity, mini-grid development, or related sectors, with a focus on project management and policy advisory.
• Proven expertise in energy sector regulation, licensing, and policy formulation, preferably within Ethiopia or similar contexts.
• Strong understanding of water-energy nexus, agricultural productivity enhancement, and rural development.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, private sector, and development partners.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex projects.

Core Skills:

• Renewable energy technologies and mini-grid design
• Sector policy development and regulatory frameworks
• Project management and monitoring
• Stakeholder coordination and facilitation
• Data analysis and impact assessment
• Innovation capacity building
• Cross-sectoral integration and collaboration