Job Purpose:

The Energy Officer will provide technical support to NRT to meet the increasing demands for operations for access of community conservancy members and households to sustainable energy as well as reducing costs, natural resource degradation and carbon footprint. This dedicated expertise and experience would provide continuity and enhance institutional knowledge in this technical area, mainstreaming energy as a cross-cutting issue across NRT’s work and community conservancies. The incumbent will typically report to the Director - Livelihoods.

Key roles/Responsibilities:

Oversee the implementation of the NRT energy strategy.
Assess, identify, and analyze cost effective and appropriate sources of alternative energy for cooking, lighting, and powering in collaboration with community conservancies, communities, and other actors, including private sector, development agencies and governmental institutions.
Undertake energy needs assessment for the conservancy households for the deployment of clean cooking options which could cover a wide range of cooking technologies and fuels not limited to improved biomass cookstoves, biogas, LPG, ethanol, pellets/briquettes, and solar.
Undertake design and oversee the implementation of the desired energy projects within the community conservancies. This will include pilot energy projects for cooking, lighting, and powering, including renewable and clean energy, with a view towards enhancing self-reliance, education, health, and protection.
Ensure that minimum best practices are met to assure health and safety standards across all sustainable and clean energy technologies.
Build collaboration with partners, government, and private sector to catalyst all sustainable and clean energy initiatives. In this support coordination with government and other development partners to implement a robust and appropriate renewable energy strategy and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, and ensure safety.
Support the monitoring and coordination of all sustainable energy activities.
Work in a multi-functional team approach and work in close collaboration with livelihood team to ensure energy-based interventions are approached from a cross-sectoral perspective.
Contribute to development of effective communication channels between all key stakeholders and promote the sharing of information on energy related activities.
Stay informed of all governmental/national electrical/renewable developments to assure legal and advantageous energy incentives are explored.
Support the representation of NRT in relevant international meetings and technical fora.
Where appropriate develop business models to enhance post interventions sustainability including a possibility to link energy capacity and skills development in partnership with Mashinani works.
Lead energy annual plans and priorities development inspired by NRT strategy and review plan bi-annually -to share lessons while reflecting performance.
Perform any other related duties as required.

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications required:

Academic & Professional Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Energy, Environmental Sciences, Energy Engineering, Environmental
Engineering or other relevant area from a university recognized in Kenya.
Possession of relevant professional course/Licenses will be an added advantage.
Memberships to professional bodies is preferred.

Experience required:

Minimum of 6 years’ relevant experience working in the energy sector with the at least 2 years in a managerial position leading in program delivery.
Experience in design and development of energy related projects within the ASAL areas with orientation to diverse energy-based needs and solutions.
Experience in working with people from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating respect for, and understanding of cultural differences.

Technical & Behavioral competences:

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Sound analytical skills.
Exceptional honesty and professional integrity.
Ability to work in challenging environment and deliver on tight timelines.
Excellent interpersonal, networking, negotiation, and facilitation skills.
Sound organizational and presentation skills.
Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Willingness to live relatively remotely and to be able to travel for extended periods within Kenya, including camping (where relevant) within NRT member conservancies.