Senior Program Manager, Clean Energy Access, Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA)

This position will oversee CEA’s flagship research and innovation program the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA), that promotes high quality, energy-efficient appliances.

Nairobi, Kenya | Full Time

About the Organization

CLASP serves at the epicenter 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 hand-in-hand with governments, experts, industry, consumers, donor organizations 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 has offices in Washington, DC (USA), Nairobi (Kenya), and New Delhi (India). We also have teams in Europe, China, and Indonesia. We are mission-driven and committed to a culture of diversity, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. See our Team Page to learn more about us.

CLASP’s Clean Energy Access Team

CLASP’s Clean Energy Access (CEA) programs support ambitious efforts to increase global access to clean energy through appliance and equipment energy efficiency. We work in partnership with key stakeholders in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, China- with support from a diverse group of funders.

Our team helps build healthy markets for off-grid solar products by driving innovation and sales in early-stage product markets, surfacing data and research on product performance, market trends, and consumer preferences, establishing technical foundations for consumer protection and aligning sector stakeholders across the value-chain.

From advancing off-grid solar technologies, brining power to energy-impoverished people, to building the climate resilience of under-served communities, CLASP’s CEA programs increase the uptake of affordable, low-impact, high-quality appliances.

Senior Program Manager, Clean Energy Access, Low Energy Inclusive Appliances 

CLASP’s Senior Program Manager of Clean Energy Access will oversee CEA’s flagship research and innovation program the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA), that promotes high quality, energy-efficient appliances as a way to boost incomes, reduce carbon emissions, improve quality of life and support sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and beyond.  LEIA provides critical support to advance a wide range of solar powered appliances and equipment.

The Senior Manager is responsible for leading the LEIA team across Nairobi, Kenya, Washington, DC, and New Delhi, India and – in collaboration with CLASP’s CEA Senior Director, Africa Senior Director, and India Director. They work collaboratively with CLASP team members in the United States, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Europe, and elsewhere, along with our wide network of international partners and program stakeholders. They develop and nurture partnerships with stakeholders around the world, including funders, program implementers, appliance manufacturers, distributors, users, and other NGOs. They contribute to overall organizational direction and strategy, and in particular guide the strategic direction of CLASP’s energy access portfolio and broader suite of CEA initiatives.

The Senior Manager needs an extraordinary capacity for program strategy, development, execution and administration, as well as leading a high performing team, deep expertise on energy efficiency, clean energy markets and on- and off- grid policy dynamics, world class collaboration and communication skills, a commitment to impacts and results, entrepreneurialism, and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities Include

Program Oversight: Working through the team, direct the implementation and delivery of the LEIA Program. Develop and manage program budget and staffing plans. Develop, guide and review project terms of reference, M&E metrics, and work plans, in consultation with CLASP leadership and team members.

Evolve our strategy: Guide the continued evolution of LEIA’s portfolio by identifying new areas to deliver impact, redefining strategies for engagement.

Lead and grow a high-performing team: Supervise and enable the continued growth of a dynamic team of professional staff, facilitate ongoing training and professional development, and identify future staffing and recruiting needs. Work with and through high-performing managers and program associates to facilitate continued success.

Establish and nurture partnerships: Build support among key stakeholders and forge new, impact-focused partnerships, including with sector industry leaders, trade associations, government decision makers, donor organizations, etc.

Track impacts and progress: Contribute to the ongoing development of program impact metrics. Monitor and evaluate the progress of project activities, identify opportunities for improvement, and communicate about progress.

Communication and Advocacy: Work with CLASP’s communications team to design and disseminate compelling stories of program success, research outcomes, lessons learned, etc. Work with colleagues around the world to share plans and strategies. Be a leading strategic voice within and outside of the organization, and bolster EforA’s brand equity and reputation through both internal and external engagements, e.g. speaking engagements, papers, etc

Contribute to Business Development: All levels of the CLASP team contribute to fundraising and business development, in the context of an entrepreneurial and innovative organizational culture with strong identification with brand values. Support business development efforts for EforA, through supporting proposal development and fundraising activities. Act as a primary interface with clients and other external partners.

Qualifications

  • Entrepreneurial approach to design, development, and execution of long-term initiatives, and a proactive, nimble, and strategic approach to problem-solving.
  • 10+ years of experience in international program implementation; business- and partnership-development experience preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, international relations, development, economics, environmental science) preferred.
  • Experience in the off-grid clean energy or related energy sectors required particularly in Africa and South Asia, energy or technology policy experience a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability in program development and implementation.
  • Persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written; exceptional written and spoken English a must. Proficiency in French or Portuguese a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience developing high-impact partnerships.
  • Demonstrated experience in growing and developing team members.
  • Ability to work from the big picture to the small details.
  • Ability to maintain composure, flexibility, and a sense of humor under tight deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal and listening skills.

To Apply

To be considered for the position, interested candidates should apply by submitting a resume. This position will remain open until filled. Apply at the following link.

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.

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