Job Description

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 60 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. RTI International is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization based in North Carolina, USA. RTI combines these powerful capabilities with those of our partners to co-create smart, shared solutions for a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient world. RTI's International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. RTI brings 60 years of experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world. 

Project Description 

The USAID funded Empower East and Central Africa (EECA) program will increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in East and Central Africa with a focus on ending energy poverty, accelerating a carbon free future, and bolstering energy sector investment and innovation. EECA will support the accelerated connection of more East and Central African homes, businesses, and institutions to reliable electricity and increase its productive use; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by supporting cleaner electricity generation and just energy transitions; and increase energy sector investment, working in partnership with East and Central African governments to improve the enabling environment for the energy sector. 

Position Description 

The Technical Specialist will work closely with the Somalia Country lead and coordinating with regional program technical advisors, to provide technical assistance to ESPs and DRE companies in Somalia as well as offer energy sector technical support to EECA activities in Somalia, benefiting both the private and public sectors. This position is based in Mogadishu, Somalia, and reports to EECA’s Somalia Country Lead. 

• Build, establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the country energy sector and with power development entities throughout Somalia.
• Support energy sector entities and decision-makers to advance their energy strategic and economic growth goals in power development.
• Provide on-site and hands on technical assistance to ESPs and off-grid companies as requested by stakeholders. 
• Provide support to ESPs as they densify their grid connections and facilitate faster, cheaper ESPs connections. 
• Support planning of clean generation and distribution expansion in line with national goals.
• Provide or facilitate provision of technical assistance to ESPs on a wide range of subjects including technical and commercial loss reduction, generation and network planning, climate resilience and PPAs amongst others. 
• Track and monitor power transaction developments towards financial close and commissioning.
• Support government agencies in developing an enabling environment that fosters the growth of the private sector in both on-grid and off-grid energy sectors.
• Identify private sector stakeholders, including off-grid energy companies and distributors, and facilitate matchmaking between them.
• Provide regular updates to Somalia Country Lead and EECA leadership on the progress of projects and initiatives.
• Contribute to weekly reports, quarterly reports, annual reports, and ad hoc reports as needed.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 3 years of experience or Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the power sector with a focus on planning, utility performance, turnaround, and improvement, PPAs or sector regulation.
• Demonstrated strong connections with the Somalia energy sector institutions.
• Experience implementing off-grid energy programs is desirable.
• Strong conceptualization and execution skills. 
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Ability to convey complex and technical information accurately and concisely.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent management, coordination, and organizational skills. 
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills. Ability to work in a matrixed, multi-cultural, multi-country team environment.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Ability to travel internationally.

Skills Required

Follow us on social media