What You’ll Do
Conduct a comprehensive analysis of grants and results-based financing options tailored to Solar Panda’s target markets and product portfolio, specifically focusing on 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 pipeline should encompass key programs such as the World Bank’s Ascent initiative while also incorporating grants from comparable sector-supporting institutions, including GIG/Ended, KfW, FCDO, BFA, as well as other bilateral and multilateral funding programs.
Develop and sustain strong professional connections with program officers and advisors at prominent institutions, ensuring a deep understanding of strategic priorities, anticipated program timelines, and funding cycles by actively engaging with conferences, networks, and continuous institutional partnerships.
Guide the entire process of crafting top-tier grant applications, collaborating closely with Solar Panda’s operations, finance, and technical teams to compile all necessary documentation and data.
Collaborate closely with Solar Panda’s internal teams to ensure adherence to post-award compliance standards, fulfill reporting obligations promptly, and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with funders.
Provide concise updates to Solar Panda leadership regarding the pipeline’s current status, potential opportunities, and strategic positioning.
Who You Are
With a minimum of seven years of expertise in grant strategy formulation, development finance structuring, or funding mobilization initiatives across the African continent, candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in securing financial resources for impactful projects.
Individuals should possess extensive expertise in the landscape of funders specializing in energy access initiatives or rural development programs.
Significant prior experience with the World Bank, the United Nations, or a prominent bilateral agency is highly advantageous.
Proven ability to secure highly competitive grants, with a preference for experience in off-grid energy, climate initiatives, or last-mile service delivery.
Proficient command of written English is essential, with fluency in French being a distinct advantage due to our operations in Francophone markets such as Senegal and Benin.
Able to work autonomously while thriving in a dynamic, remote startup setting.
Design and implement competitive compensation frameworks that align with organizational objectives and industry standards, ensuring equitable pay structures while optimizing budget allocation. Conduct comprehensive market research to benchmark salaries, benefits, and incentives against similar roles within the sector to maintain a leading edge. Formulate and administer variable pay programs, including bonuses, profit-sharing, and performance-based rewards, tailored to drive employee motivation and retention. Collaborate closely with leadership and HR partners to evaluate compensation effectiveness, address discrepancies, and implement necessary adjustments for long-term sustainability. Ensure full compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and corporate governance policies throughout all compensation-related processes.
This role is available either as a full-time position or as a consulting opportunity, with final arrangements to be determined during the interview process. The position can be based at one of our headquarters in Benin, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia, or it may be performed remotely.
We foresee a three-phase approach to this initiative.
The initial four to six-week onboarding period encompasses conducting landscape mapping, establishing Solar Panda’s grant pipeline tracker, evaluating the existing grant history, and aligning the initial strategy.
Upon completion of onboarding, responsibilities will center on the ongoing development and oversight of the pipeline, cultivating and sustaining key relationships, identifying potential opportunities, and providing consistent progress updates.
Drafting grant applications to pursue available funding opportunities.
Craft a concise application (no more than 500 words) outlining a grant you proactively secured—specifically one you anticipated, cultivated opportunities around, and ultimately secured. Highlight how you identified the opportunity in advance, strategically prepared your organization for it, and leveraged key relationships to ensure success. Submit your CV along with the application via email to recruitmentKE@solarpanda.com by June 30, 2026.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
