Energy Director – Africa Program

About the role

The Energy Director will lead WRI Africa’s Energy Program, shaping strategy, overseeing implementation, and driving impact across the continent. Based in Kenya, Ethiopia, or Rwanda, the role partners with governments, donors, and stakeholders to accelerate clean and equitable energy transitions.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine the Africa Energy program strategy, defining long‑term vision, priorities, and outcomes.
• Oversee program implementation, ensuring delivery of targeted results and tracking performance indicators.
• Manage a multidisciplinary team of program managers, researchers, M&E experts, and communications staff.
• Lead donor engagement, fundraising, and partnership development for the Energy Program.
• Produce innovative research, digital platforms, geospatial intelligence, and analytical products on African energy systems.
• Represent WRI Africa as a subject‑matter expert, influencing policy, industry, and public discourse.
• Coordinate closely with the Deputy Director of WRI Africa and the Polsky Energy Center leadership.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in energy, climate, or development programs, preferably at a regional or continental scale.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute strategic plans and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong track record in donor engagement, fundraising, and partnership building.
• Experience working with governments, development finance institutions, NGOs, and private sector actors in Africa.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex energy topics to diverse audiences.

Required skills