What You’ll Do
Conduct a thorough analysis of grants and results-based financing prospects applicable 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 dynamic pipeline of grant prospects, prioritizing programs that align with off-grid solar and energy access initiatives. This effort should explicitly encompass the World Bank’s Ascent initiative and other similar granting entities, such as GIG/Ended, KfW, FCDO, BFA, as well as additional bilateral and multilateral funding programs.
Develop and nurture strong professional connections with program officers and advisors at pivotal institutions, maintaining close engagement with the broader ecosystem to gain insights into strategic objectives, anticipated program sequencing, and funding rhythms by leveraging conferences, professional networks, and sustained institutional partnerships.
Lead the full-cycle creation of compelling grant applications of the highest caliber, collaborating closely with Solar Panda’s operations, finance, and technical teams to secure all necessary inputs.
Collaborate with internal Solar Panda teams to ensure adherence to post-award compliance requirements, fulfill reporting obligations, and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with funders.
Leadership at Brief Solar Panda must be kept regularly informed regarding the status of the pipeline, emerging business opportunities, and strategic positioning.
Who You Are
Accumulated more than seven years of specialized expertise in grant strategy formulation, development finance structuring, or funding mobilization initiatives across the African continent.
Proficiency in identifying and understanding key funders committed to advancing energy access initiatives or supporting rural development projects is essential.
Relevant experience from organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations, or a prominent bilateral agency is highly advantageous.
Professional rewrite:
Demonstrated success in obtaining highly competitive grants, with a preference for experience in off-grid energy, climate initiatives, or last-mile service delivery.
Excellent command of written English is essential, with proficiency in French providing a substantial advantage due to our operations in Francophone markets, including Senegal and Benin.
Able to work effectively and autonomously within a dynamic, remote startup setting.
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The organization emphasizes a well-defined framework for career progression and competitive remuneration, ensuring employees are rewarded for their contributions. A transparent compensation structure supports fair and motivating pay, while structured development pathways foster professional growth and long-term engagement. The role adheres to industry standards for rewards, including base salary, performance incentives, and benefits that align with organizational values and market benchmarks.
This role may be arranged as either a full-time position or a consulting assignment, with final details to be determined during the interview process. The preferred work location will be either one of our primary offices in Benin, Kenya, Senegal, or Zambia, or alternatively, performed remotely.
We anticipate a structured approach comprising three distinct phases in this initiative.
The initial four to six weeks of employment consist of an onboarding process that encompasses landscape mapping, the development of Solar Panda’s grant pipeline tracker, an examination of existing grant histories, and the establishment of initial strategic alignment.
Following the onboarding process, responsibilities will include consistently developing and overseeing the pipeline, fostering key relationships, identifying opportunities, and providing timely progress updates.
Preparation of proposals in response to open funding opportunities.
Submit your CV and a concise statement (500 words maximum) detailing a grant you successfully secured through deliberate strategy—one that required foresight to identify, relationship-building to nurture, and proactive effort to secure. Explain how you anticipated the opportunity, prepared your organization to meet its criteria, and identified the key stakeholders essential to its realization. Ensure your application is sent to recruitmentKE@solarpanda.com no later than June 30, 2026.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
7 years
