Lead Africa’s Clean Energy Future: Energy Director, WRI Africa

📍 Location: Nairobi (Kenya), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), or Kigali (Rwanda)
⏳ Deadline: 18 August 2026

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Energy Director for WRI Africa . This is a rare opportunity to shape the trajectory of Africa’s energy transition and lead a program driving equitable, sustainable energy access across the continent.

Existing work authorization in the country of application is required; WRI cannot sponsor visas for this role.

About the Role

As Energy Director, you will lead the Africa Energy Program, defining its vision and strategy to accelerate clean energy transitions, improve energy access, and drive green finance across the continent. This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic planning, team management, high-level stakeholder engagement, and research oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (40%):

Define the program’s long-term vision and priorities to accelerate equitable energy systems transformation across Africa, spanning energy access, clean energy transitions, finance, and energy minerals.
Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team, ensuring resources are directed to high-impact opportunities.
Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy, securing multi-year funding from donors in collaboration with WRI’s development teams.
Engage with WRI’s senior leadership to ensure the Africa Energy work aligns with the broader organizational objectives.

Program Management (30%):

Oversee a diverse portfolio of projects funded by bilateral, multilateral, and philanthropic donors.
Assume overall responsibility for the program’s finances.
Work with the Monitoring & Evaluation team to define success criteria, evaluate performance, and adapt strategies as needed.

Research, Knowledge & Engagement (30%):

Shape the program’s research and thought leadership to achieve meaningful impact.
Author or co-author publications, ensuring they meet WRI’s rigorous quality standards.
Represent WRI as a thought leader in media, at high-profile events, and with partners.
Oversee engagement with governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Education: Advanced degree in clean energy, international development, environmental policy, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in the energy field, with 10+ years in program implementation and project management.
Proven Track Record: Experience in energy markets, policy, or technology, along with a proven track record of fundraising at a multi-million-dollar scale.
Skills: Strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills; experience engaging diverse global stakeholders.
Language: Proficiency in English is required; French is highly desirable.

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