Clean Energy Access Social Scientist Consultant
CLASP seeks a social scientist/energy economist to lead the Consumer Impact Study under LEIA, analyzing end-user impacts of high-performing appliances across Africa and South Asia and translating insights into actionable program and policy learning.
About CLASP
CLASP is the leading global authority on efficient appliances’ role in fighting climate change and improving people’s lives. With 25 years of expertise, CLASP collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and other experts to deliver clear pathways to a more sustainable world for people and the planet.
CLASP is a global non-profit with offices in Europe, India, Indonesia, Kenya, and the United States. We have worked in over 90 countries since our inception in 1999. We are mission-driven and committed to a culture of inclusion, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. Find out more about CLASP.
Introduction
CLASP seeks an experienced social scientist/energy economist to 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 consultant will primarily support research and project management under the Low Energy Inclusive Appliance (LEIA) program 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 consultant will lead the implementation of the “Consumer Impact Study” research project.
Background
The Consumer Impact Research project forms part of the wider Efficiency for Access (EforA) partnership and its flagship Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) program. 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. 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.
Timeline
Contract Timeframe: The consultancy is expected to last for a period of 9 months from March 2026- November 2026, and the consultant will be required to allocate approximately 8 days/ month or 32 hours/month to this consultancy.
Deadline for Application: 14th February 2026 at 5:00PM EAT
Application includes registering as a Consulting Partner and submitting the application as per the instructions below.
Deadline for Questions: 6th February 2026 at 5:00PM EAT
All questions must be addressed in English to DIANAH MUCHAI at dngui@clasp.ngo. We request all inquiries be made to this e-mail address and not by phone.
Scope of Work
Working in close collaboration with the LEIA Research Lead and the consumer impact research project implementing partner, the consultant will serve as an independent consumer-impact specialist, responsible for ensuring that end-user perspectives, lived experiences, and contextual insights are rigorously captured and translated into actionable learning. Specifically, the consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:
Task 1: Provision of technical leadership on research design
- Development and refinement of consumer impact frameworks, indicators, and methodologies while ensuring that they are methodologically sound, contextually appropriate, and aligned with LEIA and RBF learning objectives.
Task 2: Synthesizing cross-country and cross-program insights
- Leading advanced qualitative analysis and triangulation synthesizing consumer narratives and behavioral insights with quantitative findings generated by the consulting firm
- Identifying patterns, lessons, and implications that cut across appliances, geographies, and delivery models
Task 3: Support learning, interpretation and dissemination
- Translating research findings into strategic insights for program adaptation, policy engagement, and donor reporting
Key Milestones and Deliverables
| Milestone | Timing | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inception & Alignment | Month 1 | Inception note with refined workplan and timeline, scope, roles, and interfaces with LEIA Research Lead and consulting firm and Kick-off and alignment meetings |
| 2. Consumer Impact Framework & Tool Review | Months 1–2 | Refined consumer impact framework (economic, livelihoods, gender, inclusion, unintended effects) Technical review and written feedback on survey instruments and qualitative guides Guidance on ethical and inclusive research practices |
| 3. Analytical Oversight & Qualitative Sense-Making | Months 3–5 | Qualitative analysis plan and triangulation approach Thematic briefs on user experiences, behavioral insights, and adoption dynamics Ongoing technical inputs to support analytical quality (non-operational) |
| 4. Interim Synthesis & Learning | Month 6 | Interim synthesis brief highlighting emerging cross-country and cross-appliance insights Learning session with LEIA and partners to validate findings and inform adaptive management |
| 5. Cross-Country & Cross-Program Synthesis | Months 7–8 | Comparative synthesis of impacts across geographies, appliances, and delivery models Insights on differential impacts by gender, income, and energy-access context |
| 6. Final Insights & Dissemination Support | Month 9 | Final consumer impact insights report (stand-alone or integrated) Executive summary / donor-ready learning brief Inputs to dissemination materials and close-out recommendations |
NB: Ongoing Deliverable (Throughout Assignment)
- Technical advisory support to the LEIA Research Lead
- Quality assurance inputs on interpretation and learning (not data collection)
Key Qualifications
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in economics, development studies, social sciences, public policy, energy studies, or a related field.
- At least 8–10 years of relevant professional experience in applied research, impact evaluation, or learning-focused studies in international development contexts.
- Demonstrated expertise in consumer and user-centered impact research, including assessment of economic, livelihood, behavioral, gender, and inclusion outcomes.
- Strong qualitative and mixed-methods research skills, with proven ability to synthesize qualitative insights alongside quantitative findings.
- Experience providing technical leadership or advisory support to large, multi-country research programs, without serving as the primary data collection implementer.
- Proven ability to conduct cross-country and cross-program synthesis, drawing comparative lessons across markets, technologies, or intervention models.
- Familiarity with energy access, off-grid and weak-grid appliance markets, results-based financing, or market-based development interventions (strong asset).
- Experience working with donor-funded programs and partnerships, including translating evidence into learning products suitable for donors, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Excellent analytical writing and communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality, insight-driven reports and learning briefs.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently, engaging effectively with program leads, implementing partners, and research firms across time zones and geographies.
- Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and gender-responsive research practices, including safeguarding and responsible use of consumer data.
Submittal
Register as a Consulting Partner
Interested parties must register as a CLASP Consulting Partner.
Submit Applications
Interested candidates are invited to submit applications electronically in English, via this form link (preferably in PDF format).
The file should be named as per the following example:
[CONTRACTOR_NAME] _Social Scientist Application_ RFP YYYY-MM-DD
The length of the application should not exceed 5 pages and should include:
- A concise CV accompanied by a one-page cover letter (maximum five pages in total, 1.5 line spacing), outlining.
- Motivation
- Background and experience of conducting similar activities
- A summary of the qualifications and experience
- Availability
- Expected daily/monthly rate (USD)
- Other relevant information
- Links to relevant work and/or a folder containing the relevant work
- Detailed timeline for all project activities, tasks, milestones, and deliverables for the project within the time frame indicated above
The application should include a breakdown (in days) of the level of effort of the consultant engaged in the project.
Detailed timeline and links to the relevant work (double spaced) should be included in an Annex and should not exceed 2 pages.
Optional At This Stage – Fill Out Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)
All contractors must complete the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) before they can begin work with CLASP. However, at the RFP stage, completing the PQQ is optional (i.e. you can decide to fill it out at a later stage, only if you are selected).
The PQQ is comprehensive due diligence screening used to collect legal and financial information about potential partners or vendors. While not required at the RFP stage, it must be completed if a contract is awarded. Contracts are contingent on successfully passing this due diligence process.
If you have already completed the PQQ, you do not need to submit it again—unless there have been changes to your professional/academic status and/or you submitted the PQQ more than two years ago. If you’re unsure, please contact Andrea Testa at atesta@clasp.ngo for guidance.
Evaluation Procedure
CLASP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to be a inclusive workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit.
Reporting and supervision
The social scientist Consultant will report to Research Manager, Clean Energy Access, and work closely with the consumer impact research project implementing partner to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives. Regular meetings will be held to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Compensation and Location
The consultant may be based in any of the countries where the Consumer Impact Research is being conducted, with a preference for candidates based in Nairobi, Kenya. The countries include Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and India. The role will require frequent travel to provide technical and advisory support. CLASP offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. The consultant will be paid monthly upon submission and verification of deliverables.
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As noted above, CLASP is a global nonprofit whose 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. CLASP’s values and culture include transparency, collaboration, serving others, bringing positive impact to the world, providing equal opportunity, and fostering an inclusive environment without regard to individuals’ background, identity or circumstances.
CLASP has found that partnering with individuals with a demonstrated commitment to its values and mission leads to the best outcomes. Accordingly, we encourage you to include additional information you think shows why you would be a good candidate for this position.
CLASP looks forward to reviewing your responses and would like to thank you in advance for your participation in this Request. CLASP will notify all respondents who submit applications when a decision has been made.