What You’ll Do
Conduct a comprehensive analysis of grant and results-based financing prospects pertinent to Solar Panda’s target markets and product offerings, specifically within the realms of off-grid solar solutions, energy access initiatives, and rural electrification projects.
Develop and sustain a robust pipeline of grant opportunities, prioritizing programs aligned with off-grid solar and energy access initiatives. This scope should encompass the World Bank Ascent initiative while also incorporating funding opportunities from analogous sector-supporting institutions, such as GIG/Ended, KfW, FCDO, BFA, and other bilateral and multilateral programs.
Develop and nurture professional partnerships with program officers and advisors at pivotal organizations, ensuring a deep engagement with the ecosystem to accurately identify strategic priorities, anticipate program timelines, and track funding cycles by leveraging conferences, professional networks, and sustained institutional collaborations.
Lead the end-to-end development of high-quality grant applications by collaborating closely with Solar Panda’s operations, finance, and technical teams to collect and compile necessary inputs.
Collaborate with internal Solar Panda teams to ensure adherence to post-award compliance requirements, fulfill reporting obligations, and maintain ongoing funder relationships.
Regularly update Solar Panda leadership regarding pipeline progress, upcoming opportunities, and strategic positioning to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.
Who You Are
With a minimum of seven years of expertise, you possess extensive knowledge in crafting grant strategies, navigating development finance, or driving funding mobilization efforts across Africa.
Extensive expertise in the landscape of funders specializing in energy access or rural development initiatives is required.
A proven track record of collaboration with esteemed organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or prominent bilateral agencies is highly advantageous.
Established a proven ability to successfully secure competitive grants, with a preference for those focused on off-grid energy, climate initiatives, or last-mile service delivery.
Exceptional proficiency in written English is essential, with fluency in French being a distinct advantage, particularly considering our operations in Francophone markets such as Senegal and Benin.
Able to work autonomously within a dynamic, remote startup setting with minimal supervision.
We are seeking a highly organized individual to manage our organizational framework and remuneration systems. The ideal candidate will design and implement streamlined structures to enhance operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. Responsibilities include developing compensation policies, conducting market salary analyses, and ensuring compliance with labor regulations. Proficiency in data analysis and HR software is required, along with strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement. A background in human resources, finance, or a related field is preferred.
This opportunity can be arranged as either a full-time role or a consulting arrangement, with specifics to be finalized during the interview process. The position may be based at one of our headquarters in Benin, Kenya, Senegal, Zambia, or offered remotely.
We foresee this initiative unfolding in three distinct phases, each designed to systematically progress toward our key objectives. The initial phase will focus on establishing foundational elements, followed by a phase dedicated to implementation and refinement. The final phase will center on evaluation, optimization, and scaling to ensure sustained success.
The initial four to six weeks focus on onboarding, during which you will conduct landscape mapping, develop Solar Panda’s grant pipeline tracker, analyze existing grant history, and establish initial strategic alignment.
Upon completing the onboarding process, the role will emphasize ongoing development and oversight of the pipeline, nurturing stakeholder relationships, identifying opportunities, and providing consistent progress reports.
Compose proposals in response to current grant opportunities to secure funding for projects.
Submit your CV along with a concise statement (limited to 500 words) detailing a grant you successfully secured through proactive strategy—specifically, one you identified in advance rather than receiving passively. Explain your process: how you anticipated its availability, how you strategically positioned your organization to qualify, and the key stakeholders you cultivated to secure it. Ensure your application reaches recruitmentKE@solarpanda.com no later than 30 June 2026.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
