Clean Energy Access Fellow, Social Sciences
CLASP seeks an early-career research professional to support CLASP’s Clean Energy Access Research team, which works to improve markets for energy-efficient, high-quality appliances on and off the grid.
Nairobi, Kenya | Full Time: Minimum of 12 months
About the Organization
CLASP serves at the epicentre of collaborative, ambitious efforts to mitigate climate change and in the global movement for clean energy access through appliance efficiency. Our mission is to improve the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. We work together with governments, experts, industry, consumers, donor organisations and others to propel policies and markets toward the highest-quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances possible.
CLASP has worked in more than 100 countries since its inception in 1999. CLASP is headquartered in Washington, DC, with teams in Europe, Kenya, India and Indonesia. We’re mission-driven and committed to a culture of diversity, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. See our Team Page to learn more about us.
CEA Social Sciences Fellow
CLASP seeks early-career research professional ready to take their experience to the next level with our growing team. The Fellow will support CLASP’s Clean Energy Access Research team, which works in partnership with stakeholders across Africa and South Asia to improve markets for energy-efficient, high-quality appliances on and off the grid. Our team provides world-class technical and advisory services to develop global off-grid appliance markets.
The Fellow will primarily support research and project management under the socian of the Efficiency for Access Coalition. Efficiency for Access is a global coalition that promotes high-performing appliances that contribute to clean energy access for the world’s poorest people. The Fellow will lead the implementation of the “Consumer Impact Study” research project.
- Consumer Impact Study – Since 2016, LEIA has promoted high-performing appliances to support sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions. The interventions include off and weak-grid appliance market research, research and development grants, quality assurance, market development and communication/dissemination of learnings and findings. CLASP further complemented LEIA efforts through its Results-based Financing (RBF) programs for high-performing appliances implemented across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. These financing programs seek to address the affordability of appliances through the provision of procurement of subsidies to scale their uptake.
- Working in close collaboration with the LEIA Research Lead, the Research Fellow will participate in field surveys, focus group discussions, data review and analysis to evaluate and report on the impact of efficient appliances on consumers. This report will build on the previously published Appliance Impacts Over Time which engaged users of solar TVs, water pumps, and refrigerators between 2015-2021 to track impact. The goal of this study is to engage directly with end users and provide a comprehensive overview of the economic, livelihood and other impacts of a broad range of high performing appliances across multiple countries.
The Fellow will be responsible for a variety of internal and external facing research activities including, but not limited:
- Desk research and data analysis; synthesising data from internal CLASP databases and relevant external repositories.
- Field research: Surveys and focus group discussions for primary data collection
- Project management: Coordinating various partners and project activities to ensure timely delivery of high-quality outputs
- In collaboration with CLASP’s communications team and LEIA Research Lead, contribute to producing high-quality, peer-reviewed donor and public-facing research outputs that will serve as industry benchmarks and communicate the impacts of the Efficiency for Access Coalition, the LEIA program, and off- and weak-grid appliances more broadly.
- Support other related CLASP research projects as needed.
CLASP is a fast-paced, international, and highly collegial work environment. The right candidate will be able to move creatively and strategically from idea to implementation, know how to prioritise and re-prioritize in a fast-paced work environment, move between the small details and the big picture with skill, bring well-honed listening and interpersonal skills, and can filter many streams of information for the best process or product.
The Ideal Candidate
- Current or recent post-graduate student studying social sciences or a research-based degree and/or 1-3 years of relevant professional experience
- Knowledge of and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Strong work ethic and an ability to take the initiative; a drive to learn and grow on the job
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; proven ability to write clearly and concisely
- Ability to synthesise data and analysis to inform strategy and recommendations
- Professional demeanour, including the ability to comport in a diverse, international work environment
- Experience in sociology, renewable energy, gender, entrepreneurship or analogous sectors preferred.
- Experience leading convenings and other stakeholder engagement e.g. focus group discussions is preferred.
- Intellectual agility and a commitment to professional development
Compensation and Location
CLASP is accepting full-time candidates, based in Nairobi, Kenya. CLASP provides a competitive monthly rate of $1000 / month and will also reimburse for expenses in the performance of the work. Payments are limited to authorised travel and purchase of software of research subscriptions as required and permitted. Occasional travel (domestic and international), as well as evening hours, may be necessary.
To Apply
Apply for the position at the following link.
To be considered for a position, interested candidates should submit a 1-page resume and answer the questions in the applications form. CLASP seeks to fill this role as soon as possible; the deadline for application is the 7 February 2025, and assessment will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
CLASP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit.
*Candidates who meet the skills and qualification but without prior experience in the energy sector are highly encouraged to apply.