Mini-Grid Coordinator (UEF), Sierra Leone

Background about SEforALL

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an international organization working with leaders in government, the private sector and civil society to drive further, faster action toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, and the Paris Agreement, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate warming to well below 2° Celsius (and striving for 1.5° Celsius). 

Achieving these goals will require a radical rethink of the way we produce, distribute and consume energy. SEforALL is at the heart of this foundational shift to ensure no one is left behind. Drawing on data and evidence, we identify a critical path to success in achieving SDG7.  

The 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the Sustainable Energy for All initiative in 2011. Now an independent organization, we maintain close links with the UN, including through a relationship agreement, partnerships with UN agencies and with SEforALL's CEO acting as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative (SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. These roles include advising the UN Secretary General and his staff on issues relating to sustainable energy and the implementation of SDG7 and supporting the coordination of sustainable energy issues in the United Nations system.  

The ambitions of SDG7 are extraordinary. Aiming to achieve them in the context of the Paris Agreement on climate change involves transformation at a scale never undertaken before. Swift action must be taken by leaders in governments, private sector companies, institutions, financiers, development banks, unions, communities, entrepreneurs and civil society. As we enter the final decade to achieve SDG7, SEforALL has strategically chosen to strengthen global agenda-setting while expanding its activities to an engagement model that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, partnerships with high-impact countries and implementation on the ground. SEforALL's current three-year business plan outlines “results offers” that scope out our planned interventions and demonstrate to our funding partners the impact of their support.

Context and Objective of Assignment

Sustainable Energy for All is working closely with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) and other partners to support an enabling regulatory environment and scaling up investments in Sierra Leone’s mini-grid sector.  

SEforALL launched and operationalized the Universal Energy Facility (UEF) in October 2020 as a multi-donor results-based finance (RBF) facility designed to significantly speedup and scaleup the delivery of energy connections in Sub-Saharan Africa. The UEF provides incentive payments to eligible organizations that deploy energy solutions and provide verified end-user energy connections. In Sierra Leone, the UEF launched its first funding window for mini-grid projects in 2020, and a second funding round in 2022/2023. The UEF is providing grant funding to selected mini-grid developers to speed up and scale up the delivery of electricity connections across rural communities. Additionally, the UEF engages with relevant government agencies and energy sector partners to address challenges in the mini-grid sector.  

The objective of this assignment is to provide support to the relevant government of Sierra Leone’s ministeries, departments and agencies including the Ministry of Energy (MoE), the Electricity and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and private sector mini-grid developers to strengthen the regulatory frameworks/instruments for the mini-grid sector. This includes providing technical assistance to EWRC on mini-grid tariff settlement and support to private sector developers to fast-track and obtain all necessary licenses and permits for mini-grid construction and commissioning.  

The assignment requires effective stakeholder facilitation, collaboration and relationship building both at senior and technical levels. Ensuring a clear and streamlined process for obtaining tariff approvals, regulatory licenses and permits is vital to scaling up investments and delivery of mini-grid projects.

Purpose/Objective of the Role

The objective of this role is to support on-ground, high-level engagement with government and other stakeholders in Sierra Leone, build a strong SEforALL/UEF relationship with in-country partners and support the EWRC to use and implement its mini-grid calculation tool. The Coordinator will help to strengthen UEF presence and provide technical assistance to relevant mini-grid sector stakeholders including private sector developers.

This includes engaging with relevant government officials and developers to (i) undertake a comprehensive review of the mini-grid regulation and electrification act and (ii) ensure speedy delivery/commissioning of UEF funded mini-grid projects.

The assignment is premised on the following objectives:  

• Capacity Building on Financial Modeling for Mini-grid Tariff Setting: The objective is to provide expert technical assistance and capacity building to EWRC and Ministry of Energy on the implementation and use of the mini-grid tariff calculation tool/model. It is imperative to foster transparency and ensure alignment amongst key stakeholders including the private sector developers on the application of the tariff model. 
• Undertake Tariff Modeling and Financial/Economic Assessment: Provide technical support to EWRC and the SEforALL tariff consultant(s) to develop the methodology for tariff setting and adjustment and undertake macro-economic assessments. Support the development of a revised cost-relective tariff calculation tool, review all costs data, calculations and assumptions. 
• Review Mini-grid Regulations and Electricity Act: The revision of the Sierra Leone Electricity Act and Mini-grid Regulations is critical for the development of a sustainable mini-grid model and enhance regulatory functions of the EWRC. This review/assessment will help determine the existing gaps and profer practical solutions to improve the regulatory instruments for the mini-grid sector.  
• Support UEF Technical Assistance Work: Support the design, and implementation of joint UEF and PRF (Policy & Regulatory Frameworks) technical assistance programmes aimed at supporting the MoE, EWRC and EPA on mini-grids regulation; ensure direct and timely communications with MoE, EWRC and EPA senior leadership to identify additional needs for support, and possible follow-up technical assistance opportunities. 
• Facilitate the Delivery of Mini-grid Projects: Support the UEF to provide on-the-ground assistance to the government and private sector developers to speed up the delivery of mini-grid projects. Strengthen UEF engagements on-the-ground to fast-track issuance of regulatory approvals, licenses and permits. Engage regularly with private sector developers to identify and resolve issues that may impede the development and delivery of mini-grid projects. 
• Develop Stakeholder Engagement Strategy:  This is a comprehensive strategy that aims to identify partners, mobilize resources, foster development partner engagement, drive advocacy efforts, facilitate project related events and convenings, raise technical project awareness, and facilitate holistic stakeholder engagements. Coordinate closely with other in-country SEforALL programmes, sector stakeholders and partners with a view to strengthening the enabling environment for mini-grid investment in Sierra Leone. Support SEforALL and the UEF to convene meetings, workshops and events as required from time to time 
• In-Country Support: Provide support to UEF to identify and recruit home-based, qualified and experienced firms/organizations to undertake Independent Verification of mini-grid projects, local communications and external audit of UEF work as required from time to time.  

Main Duties and Tasks of the Role

The main duties and tasks of the role include, but are not limited to:

• Provide key technical support to EWRC ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building to utilize and implement its mini-grid tariff calculation tool/model.  
• Ensure that all relevant government stakeholders, development partners and private sector developers are in alignment with the tariff calculation tool/model  and tariff setting. 
• Review the EWRC financial model with the objective of arriving at a cost-reflective tariff which is affordable and also responsive to changes in the macro-economic environment. 
• Work closely  with EWRC and SEforALL tariff consultant(s) to ensure all deliverables are technically sound, and jointly develop the methodology, timelines and ensure relevance of data sources. 
• Undertake a comprehensive review of the Sierra Leone Mini-grid Regulation and Electrification Act to identify gaps and profer solutions to enhance the regulatory instruments towards ensuring a sustainable mini-grid sector and capability of EWRC. 
• Advice on the possibilities for cross-subsidization of mini-grids through main grid tariffs using the new tariff calculation tool. 
• Support SEforALL/UEF in identifying long-term opportunities for continued engagement, supporting the country to achieve SDG7.  
• Support the design, and implementation of joint UEF and PRF (Policy & Regulatory Frameworks) technical assistance programmess aiming to support Sierra Leone’s regulator EWRC on mini-grids regulation; ensure direct and timely communications with the MoE, EWRC and EPA senior leadership to identify additional needs for support, and possible follow-up technical assistance opportunities. 
• Engage regularly with mini-grid developers, government and host communities to fast track the issuance of permits and licences and proactively identify and resolve issues impeding the speedy development of mini-grid projects.   
• Provide comprehensive reports and updates on engagements, key events and activities to the UEF on a weekly basis.  
• Facilitate coordination between UEF and other mini-grid sector stakeholders in Sierra Leone to ensure effective collaboration and avoid overlap/duplication of technical assistance activities. 
  Provide support to the UEF appointed Independent Verification Agent or any other vendor supporting UEF programmes as may be required from time to time.   
• Represent the UEF at relevant meetings in Sierra Leone in consultation with the Country Manager. 
• Support the UEF team members in day-to-day work including reviews of relevant documents and reports.
• Provide research support for UEF, including collecting, analysing and presenting statistical data and other information as may be required.  
• Provide administrative support to the UEF team by identifying and tracking follow-up actions coordinating and scheduling meetings and workshops; preparing and circulating meeting agendas and minutes; drafting correspondence; assisting in coordinating work programmes.

Specific Competencies for the Role

• Several years (ideally 8+) of experience in the Sierra Leonean energy sector with a strong network of energy stakeholders. 
• Advanced degree in a relevant field (i.e. finance, engineering, law, economics, business administration) is considered an asset. 
• Specific experience in the mini-grid sector either as a financier, private sector developer, government agency or donor support programme. 
• Experience in a fast-paced environment that requires high flexibility and a commitment to problem-solving and achieving results. 
• Experience working in rural development and implementing impactful projects in rural regions of Sierra Leone is considered an asset.  
• Awareness and understanding of innovative approaches to deploying distributed renewable energy (DRE) internationally. 
• Strong experience of the Sierra Leone electricity market and familiarity with relevant policies and regulations.
• Previous experience engaged in electrification projects from either government, private sector or donor-led initiatives  and understanding of mini-grid business models, critical success factors for sustainability of mini-grid projects. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with ability to establish cordial relationship with senior government officials, development partners, mini-grid developers and community leaders.  
• Proven ability to work with others to create, synthesize and/or share relevant knowledge and to stimulate its use.  
• Demonstrated experience in successful task/project management, working with multiple internal and external stakeholders.  
• Experiences in operating across multiple time zones and with distributed teams. 
• Complete fluency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Knowledge and ability to work in local languages is considered an asset. 
• Strong IT skills including Outlook, Word, Excel (including reports/macros/graphs, advanced formulas and pivot tables), and videoconferencing software (Zoom and MS Teams).

Core Competencies

• Energy Policies: Understanding of best in class approaches to energy policy in Global South, specifically energy access and off-grid/rural electrification, energy efficiency and energy productivity policy and technology solutions. Understands the strategic and development context of energy efficiency and renewable energy. Energy Solutions: Understanding of energy planning processes, systems change, and the role of demand and supply side solutions both at macro and micro scale. Energy efficiency/productivity and on- and off-grid solutions for energy efficiency and energy access. Particular experience with renewables, energy efficiency and energy productivity process and technology solutions as well as an understanding of different sectoral approaches and technology applications a plus. 
• Stakeholder engagement: A track record of engaging with public, private sector and CSO partners in an international and country context. 
• Knowledge Management and turning Knowledge to Value and Strategic Engagement: Ability to work with others to create, synthesize and/ or share relevant knowledge and to stimulate its use through concrete strategies for delivery. 
• Financial and business acumen on developing mini-grids: understands financial and economic models, including off-grid subsidy schemes, funding sources and cost-effectiveness analysis on mini-grid development. 
• Planning and Organization: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments. Adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently and is able to work to deadlines and maintain effectiveness under pressure. Excellent organizational and task management skills, with appropriate attention to details and ability to prioritize work among multiple competing demands, and under tight deadlines.  Ability to manage multiple workflows at the same time. Proactive approach to managing workflow, with keen ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to a wide range of issues, some of which come up in ad hoc and unexpected ways. 
• Writing and Research Skills: Excellent written, synthesis and research skills, including drafting ability and extensive knowledge of word processing and application of software package as databases and Power Point Presentations;  
• Communication: Excellent communication skills in speaking and writing; ability to develop contacts, foster collaboration with internal as well as external stakeholders, deliver presentations, advocate for viewpoints and participate actively in internal as well as external debates and negotiations. Ability to craft messages and communiques, and copy edit work to produce flawless written communications is required. 
  Learning Culture: Encourages a learning culture by seeking out and being open to feedback, as well as effectively mentoring others, on how to improve contribution and impact through continuous learning and knowledge acquisition. 
• Analysis and Innovation: Demonstrated excellent numerical and analytical skills that can be applied to gather data and generate knowledge relevant to decision-making functions. Capability and easiness to work with numbers, calculate, and analyze data as well as the ability to summarize and present key-findings. Inspires and influences others to drive innovation. Inspires others to develop new solutions that have a development impact and advocates for changes and application of new methods to enhance results. 
• Technological Awareness: Excellent e-skills, including the ability to use modem office technology and related software. Practical knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software is required. Ability to do internet research, compile information and find solutions on line to information gaps is essential. 
• Teamwork: Works within the team as well as with colleagues across work units. Supports colleagues, establishes a team culture, encourages others to participate in teamwork and share responsibility for decision-making and results. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Demonstrated ability to work with teams representing a wide variety of staffing levels that also cut across agencies and partners, and work without direct authority to deliver timely and high quality products. Strong team player capabilities.

Our Values - please refer to our core values as defined here: https://www.seforall.org/who-we-are/staff/our-values.

Salary information: The successful candidate will be offered an all-in daily rate determined depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, and applying the principle of internal equity. SEforALL will provide compensation to the selected candidate, with the payments being untaxed. It is the responsibility of the staff member to ensure that they meet any applicable national or local tax requirements.

Additional Considerations

• SEforALL offers exciting high-impact assignments, a collegial and creative work environment, and the opportunity for committed professionals to thrive and grow within flat hierarchies and in the pursuit of an inspiring mission.
• SEforALL provides competitive compensation packages at its locations in Vienna, Washington DC, New York City, and Abuja, and flexibility and result orientated modern workplace arrangements.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• SEforALL reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below the advertised level of the post
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