Position Summary
Kenya Market Development Advisor will provide direct advice to solar home system (SHS) and mini-grid (MG) companies. The advisor will act as a market facilitator for companies entering the Kenyan market, and/or supporting existing companies looking to scale up operations. The Advisor will link private developers and entrepreneurs with suitable sources of project development finance.
Responsibilities
Support off-grid companies to enter underserved Kenyan markets; including engaging with private sector, county governments and other organizations with presence in underserved markets.
Develop strategies to help off-grid companies expand beyond current operation areas including: development of a scalable agent recruitment, initial sales agent training program, reverse logistics, among others.
Facilitate partnerships between off-grid companies and potential NGO partners and MFIs
Support national industry associations and local chapters of international SHS and MG associations to engage with regional, central and county level governments and present sector position
Prepare registration and tax exemption path flows for off-grid companies entering the Kenyan market, and provide support in navigating the regulatory environment
Support developers with MNO registration process.
Review companies’ proposal applications to investors, banks, donor programs among other
Support companies in the development and presentation of business plans
Requirements
A Master’s Degree or higher in energy economics, energy finance, business administration, or other relevant field is preferred.
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in rural electrification or working with off-grid companies. Experience providing services to off-grid companies in scale up of their operations preferred.
Experience analyzing and structuring financial transactions, ideally of energy companies, including financial models and investment deals, including the provision of targeted
Technical Assistance (TA).
Experience working with off-grid energy companies, commercial investment banks, private equity and/or financial or legal services companies or firms in the international energy or finance sector.
Energy sector work experience in Kenya.
Experience working with senior government officials, private sector leaders, and other stakeholders in the energy sector.
Exceptional communication and inter-personal skills.
Fluent in English and Swahili
