Consultant - African Energy Dialogues at World Resources Institute (WRI)

Scope of Work:

• Africa's energy transition requires a holistic approach that considers the interplay of various challenges and adopts tailored solutions to address them effectively. It is imperative that debates and discussions are informed by the best available research, data, and evidence, and that they prioritize African voices. Within this context, the Clean Energy Transition program at WRI Africa has adopted two interlinked strategies: First, we use systems modeling and other analytical tools to explore the spectrum of viable transition pathways available to African countries. We synthesis data to articulate informed perspectives on just transition pathways, produce insights on sectoral electrification and decarbonization opportunities. Second, in partnership with several African organizations, WRI has launched the African Energy Dialogues (AED), a platform to promote evidence-based and inclusive dialogue around energy transition. The AED aims to integrate varied perspectives from stakeholders across the continent to collaboratively accelerate the design of appropriate transition plans, strengthen countries’ ability to influence the global debate, and promote positions that maximize benefits for the African people. The AED is convened by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in partnership with the African Energy Commission (AFREC), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
• WRI intends to award a consultant a seven-month reimbursable contract to work with the WRI Energy Team members to work closely with the team to achieve two objectives: support the successful execution of ongoing activities under the AED, and assist in developing an integrated strategic plan to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of the work under the Clean Energy Transition pillar in Africa.

Task 1: Support the successful execution of activities under the AED:
Launched at COP28, one of the first actions taken by the AED Steering Committee was to establish the structure for three working groups to steer and guide the platform's work in three key areas: Investment and Finance (I&FWG), Enabling Policies and Regulations (EPRWG), and Technologies and Infrastructure (T&IWG). These working groups will articulate the platform's priorities and lead in identifying action points and policy proposals. Between July and December, the working groups will undertake various activities. The consultant will support the team by overseeing the activities of these three working groups. Responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and maintaining effective channels of communication among the WRI team, partner organizations, and members of the three working groups.
• Monitoring and documenting the progress of the working groups, addressing emerging issues, and providing necessary support to ensure timely and planned delivery of outputs.
• Coordinating national and international convenings, workshops, and other engagements to publicize and share the work produced by the working groups.

Task 2: Support the development of the strategic plan for the Clean Energy Transition work in Africa.

• As noted above, the Clean Energy Transition work within WRI Africa currently involves conducting country-level research and analysis using energy systems modeling and other data analytical tools to articulate the spectrum of viable transition pathways available to countries and the AED platform. We are looking to strengthen and advance our strategic approach for a more integrated connection between these two streams of work. In this regard, the second set of deliverables focuses on activities aimed at developing a strategic plan for managing the growth and agility of the Clean Energy Transition work. This may include articulating the work’s added value, identifying areas for expansion, and outlining a phased work plan with milestones and timelines.

Activities will include:

• Developing strategic objectives and key result areas for the Clean Energy Transition work in Africa through a consultative process and application of appropriate analytical tools.
• Proposing a strategy for achieving the strategic objectives and identifying opportunities for integration and alignment between the two streams of activities.
• Conducting an ecosystem and stakeholder analysis to identify opportunities for synergies and collaboration with other African-based platforms and alliances focused on energy transition.
• Developing recommendations on how the AED and country-specific research work can complement, add value to, and collaborate with other platforms.
• Supporting the development and writing of proposals to finance and support the growth and expansion of the platform's offerings.

Consultant Qualifications:

• At least a Master’s degree in a relevant field including energy systems, energy economics, energy and development, or relevant field required.
• At least 5 to 8 years of research or industry experience with good working knowledge of African energy transition issues.
• Strong knowledge of renewable energy technologies, market dynamics, policy frameworks, and regulatory environments
• Experience supporting the African Union or African country governments is an added advantage.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, with comfort in exploring new research topics and identifying synergies within a broader context of energy transition.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, ability to work in a team.
• Flexibility in working with dynamic and diverse project teams and comfortable with tight timelines in a diverse cultural environment across multiple time zones.
• Proficiency in English is required, and fluency in any French or Portuguese or any African language is highly desirable.
• Located in Kenya, or with the ability to travel and work from the WRI Africa Nairobi office, based on an arrangement with the Program Director.