What You’ll Do
Conduct a comprehensive analysis of grant and results-based financing opportunities tailored to Solar Panda’s target markets and product offerings, specifically in off-grid solar solutions, energy access initiatives, and rural electrification projects.
Develop and sustain a dynamic pipeline of grant opportunities, prioritizing programs aligned with off-grid solar and energy access initiatives. This responsibility encompasses the World Bank Ascent initiative and should further include similar sector-supporting institutions such as GIG/Ended, KfW, FCDO, BFA, as well as other bilateral and multilateral programs.
Develop and sustain strong professional connections with program officers and advisors at prominent organizations, ensuring a deep understanding of strategic priorities, anticipated program timelines, and funding patterns by actively engaging with the ecosystem through conferences, professional networks, and continuous institutional collaborations.
Direct the full-cycle preparation of compelling grant proposals, collaborating closely with Solar Panda’s operations, finance, and technical departments to compile necessary documentation and data.
Collaborate closely with internal Solar Panda teams to ensure adherence to post-award compliance standards, fulfill reporting obligations, and maintain ongoing funder relationships.
Regularly provide Solar Panda leadership with updates on pipeline status, emerging opportunities, and strategic positioning to ensure alignment and informed decision-making.
Who You Are
Seasoned professionals with at least seven years of hands-on experience in crafting grant strategies, driving development finance initiatives, or mobilizing funding across African markets are encouraged to apply.
Experts should possess comprehensive understanding of grant-making organizations focused on energy access initiatives or rural development programs.
Candidates with a proven track record of collaboration within international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or prominent bilateral agencies will be particularly advantageous.
Established a proven history of successfully obtaining competitive grants, with a preference for experience in off-grid energy, climate initiatives, or last-mile service delivery sectors.
Fluency in written English is essential, with proficiency in French being a distinct advantage due to our operations in Francophone markets such as Senegal and Benin.
Capable of working autonomously in a dynamic, remote startup setting.
Compensation and structure are structured to align with performance and market benchmarks, fostering accountability and motivation. The framework includes competitive base salaries, performance-based bonuses, equity options, and comprehensive benefits packages, designed to recognize individual and team contributions. Clear reporting lines, defined roles, and professional development opportunities are integral to the structure, ensuring transparency and career progression. Regular performance reviews and feedback mechanisms further reinforce alignment with organizational goals and personal growth objectives.
This role may be arranged as either a full-time position or a consulting arrangement, with specifics to be determined during the interview process. The position could be based at one of our headquarters in Benin, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia, or completed remotely.
We foresee the implementation of this initiative in three distinct phases.
The onboarding process spans the initial four to six weeks and encompasses landscape mapping, the development of Solar Panda’s grant pipeline tracker, an evaluation of existing grant records, and foundational strategy alignment.
Upon completion of the onboarding process, the role will emphasize the ongoing development and oversight of the pipeline, management of stakeholder relationships, identification of potential opportunities, and provision of consistent progress reports.
Developing proposals for current grant opportunities is a key responsibility.
Submit your CV alongside a concise statement (no more than 500 words) outlining a grant you proactively pursued—one that required anticipating opportunities rather than responding to passive invitations. Explain your process: how you identified the impending funding opportunity, the steps taken to align your organization strategically, and the key stakeholders you engaged to secure it. Ensure your application reaches recruitmentKE@solarpanda.com by 30 June 2026.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
