Research Analyst, Clean Energy Finance at World Resources Institute (WRI)

Program Overview

Almost one billion people worldwide lack access to affordable, reliable, clean electricity, and 9 out of 10 of them live in sub-Saharan Africa. The World Resources Institute (WRI) is part of a consortium implementing the Africa Clean Energy (ACE) business programme designed to catalyse a market-based approach for private sector delivery of high quality stand-alone solar systems, products and services. Making stand-alone solar systems affordable for poorer people is an important focus for the programme.

WRI is leading the knowledge management objective of the ACE consortium, generating and disseminating knowledge and evidence on the success factors for, and benefits of, private sector delivery of off-grid solar energy across Africa, including the application of learning.

Job Summary

In this role, based in Nairobi, you will work closely with our lead for ACE Knowledge Management. You will be responsible for data collection, primary and secondary research and report writing in specific topics that are identified as our deliverables for this programme.

Job Responsibilities

• Performing desk-based background research for identified topics
• Developing draft questionnaires for conducting interviews
• Making connections and fixing interviews for meeting
• Conducting interviews and transcribing interviews
• Writing and editing report drafts

The indicative list of research topics is:

• Impact on jobs for local assembly
• Two alternate options to consumer finance: MFI or PAYG
• The causes of mobile money take off in Kenya and lessons for other countries
• The methods to support local entrepreneurs
• The methods to involve local financial institutions & facilitate local currency funding
• The methods to create “National solar home system funds”

Job Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience with at least two years in solar/renewable energy finance
• Undergrad degree
• Familiarity with the Pay as you Go and Solar Home System markets
• Good understanding of the financial systems prevalent in Africa.    
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Ability to leverage networks and fix meetings