African Energy Futures (AEF) Initiative: Senior Strategist

Background

The African Climate Foundation is the first African-led strategic grant maker with deep knowledge of Just Energy Transition (JET) work in several African countries. The ACF is active in the climate and development nexus and energy transition space, influencing and shaping new approaches to addressing locally led economic development models. The ACF contributes towards institutional building, technical assistance, and capacity building. This is reflected in our strong partnerships with governments, development institutions, think tanks, regional entities, and the broader philanthropic community. 

The Initiative:

All African countries should have the capacities, resources, and tools to shape their own energy transitions. The African Energy Futures (AEF) Initiative – housed within the African Climate Foundation – will fund African institutions to build energy systems knowledge and tools that meet African needs; train the rising generation of African energy system analysts; strengthen local energy policy and decision-making; and ensure Africa plays a greater role in shaping energy research, policy, and investment.

The AEF Initiative will competitively award multi-year grant funding and technical assistance to a consortium of African institutions (e.g. ‘Hubs’ composed of universities, think tanks, and civil society organizations) to drive their own research on African energy transitions and produce analysis that advances energy and climate planning.

About the Role:

The Senior Strategist will be part of a core leadership team responsible for the execution and management of the African Energy Futures Initiative. The successful candidate will be responsible for defining an overall project management and implementation approach, including key workstreams, milestones, governance arrangements, advisory council establishment, and helping with designing a bidding process and call for proposals. Additionally, the Senior Strategist will help develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy, map key stakeholders, organize conferences, and coordinate with the wider African Climate Foundation staff. This role reports to the Project Director.

In coordination with the Project Director, key responsibilities will include:

Project Management and Implementation Approach:

• Develop and define the overall project management and implementation strategy and framework for the Africa Energy Futures Initiative.
• Identify and outline key workstreams and associated milestones.
• Ensure alignment of project goals with organizational objectives.

Workstream and Milestone Definition:

• Break down the project into manageable workstreams and tasks.
• Define clear milestones and deliverables within each workstream.
• Monitor progress and ensure milestones are met on schedule.

Governance Arrangements:

• Establish and maintain effective governance structures for the project.
• Develop policies and procedures to support project governance.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards and protocols.
• Identify and recruit members for the project’s advisory council.
• Define roles and responsibilities for advisory council members.
• Facilitate regular advisory council meetings and ensure effective communication.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Bidding Process and Call for Proposals:

• Design and implement a transparent and competitive bidding process.
• Develop and issue calls for proposals to potential vendors and partners.
• Evaluate proposals and make recommendations for vendor selection.

Fundraising Strategy:

• Assist the Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the project.
• Identify potential funding sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Prepare fundraising proposals and manage relationships with donors and sponsors.

Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement:

• Map key stakeholders, develop engagement strategies and build strong relationships with project stakeholders.
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders to provide updates and gather feedback.

Conference Organization:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate conferences and events related to the project.
• Handle logistics, invitations, and coordination with speakers and participants.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare regular project status reports for the Project Director and other stakeholders.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including plans, reports, and minutes of meetings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, nonprofit management, business, education administration, economics, energy).
• Minimum 5-7 years of relevant experience required within the following areas:
• Proven project management experience, and ability to coordinate technical initiatives preferably in energy, climate, or academia.
• Experience managing or working with international institutes and/or academic institutions.
• Experience working with African governments a plus. 
• Knowledge of communications and marketing platforms and strategies.
• Passion for promoting energy access, climate resilience, and economic development across Africa.
• Experience in energy analysis and understanding of the African energy transitions and policy landscape a plus.
• Must be hyper-organized and proactive.
• Skilled in diplomacy and relationship building.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently (virtually and in-person) with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize, and multi-task.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Candidates with proficiency in French will be given preference.
• Able to travel to different African countries for business (when required)

Start date: Position available immediately.

Location: Africa. Remote work will be considered for candidates based on the African Continent.

Contract period: 12 months (renewable based on mutual agreement).

Application closing date: 9 May 2025

For further information about the ACF, visit www.africanclimatefoundation.org.

Should you not hear back from us by 31 July 2025, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

The ACF strives to be an equitable organisation with a team which reflects the diversity of Africa.

In compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), The ACF assures all applicants that any personal information provided during the recruitment process will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your privacy and data security are of paramount importance to us. By applying for this position, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal information for recruitment-related activities only. The ACF is committed to safeguarding your privacy and maintaining the trust you place in us.