Locations: Nairobi (Kenya), Kigali (Rwanda), or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
Work Arrangement: Full-time | Office Flex (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: August 18, 2026
Position Overview
World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa is seeking an experienced, visionary Energy Director to lead and scale our region-wide clean energy transition strategy. Reporting to the Deputy Director of WRI Africa and collaborating closely with the Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition, you will serve as a premier authority on African energy systems.
In this role, you will define long-term strategic vision, lead multi-million-dollar fundraising and donor engagement efforts, manage a multidisciplinary regional team, and oversee impactful research and digital tools like the Energy Access Explorer (EAE). If you are a recognized leader passionate about expanding clean, affordable energy access and driving sustainable economic transformation across Africa, we invite you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership (40%)
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Develop & Execute Strategy: Lead the Africa Energy Program strategy across core pillars: clean energy transitions, energy access and equitable development, clean energy finance, and circular economy for energy minerals.
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Team & Organizational Leadership: Mentor and supervise a multidisciplinary team of researchers, project managers, and energy experts.
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Resource Mobilization & Fundraising: Design and execute long-term resource mobilization strategies; cultivate donor relationships and secure multi-year funding at a multi-million-dollar scale.
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High-Level Partnership: Oversee partnerships with national and sub-national governments, private sector actors, academic institutions, civil society, and international organizations.
Program Management (30%)
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Portfolio & Financial Oversight: Assume full operational and financial responsibility for the Africa Energy portfolio across bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private funding sources.
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Annual Planning & Performance: Direct annual planning and coordinate with M&E specialists to establish indicators, evaluate performance, and adapt strategies for maximum impact.
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Risk & Stakeholder Management: Proactively identify project risks, streamline implementation, and foster transparent partner and funder communications.
Research, Knowledge & Engagement (30%)
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Thought Leadership: Shape cutting-edge research agenda and author/co-author high-impact knowledge products, briefs, digital platforms, and geospatial tools.
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Quality Assurance: Oversee peer-review processes to maintain WRI’s rigorous analytical standards.
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Global Representation: Represent WRI as a clean energy expert in media engagements, international summits, policy dialogues, and high-level donor forums.
Required Qualifications & Skills
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Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in clean energy, international development, environmental policy, environmental science, or a related field.
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Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive work experience in the energy sector, including 10+ years in senior program implementation and project management.
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Domain Expertise: Proven track record in energy policy, energy technology, energy markets, and quantitative research publication.
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Fundraising Track Record: Demonstrated success securing multi-million-dollar funding from philanthropic, bilateral, or multilateral donors.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Strong experience collaborating with African governments, utilities, development finance institutions, and local communities.
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Languages: Full professional fluency in written and spoken English is required. Working knowledge of French is highly desirable.
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Work Authorization: Existing work authorization in Kenya, Rwanda, or Ethiopia is required at the time of application submission (WRI cannot sponsor work visas for this role).
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and regional market rates.
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Workplace Flexibility: WRI offers a long-term hybrid working model with flexible schedules.
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Professional Growth: Direct access to WRI’s global network of experts across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
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Time Off & Benefits: Generous paid leave allowance increasing with tenure, alongside a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Apply
To apply for the
Energy Director, WRI Africa position, please submit your resume and cover letter directly through the:
>>> WRI Careers Portal before
August 18, 2026.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may close early if a suitable candidate is selected. Early submission is strongly encouraged.