Productive Use of Renewable Energy (PURE) Advisor

SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. We are driven by a vision of a better world: A world where across every society all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably. To make this vision a reality, we need transformations in vital agri-food, energy, and water systems. SNV contributes by strengthening capacities and catalyzing partnerships in these sectors. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

Building on 60 years of experience we support our partners with our technical and process expertise and methodological rigor. We do this in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia with a team of approximately 1,600 colleagues. By being adaptable and tailoring our approaches to these different contexts, we can contribute to impact at scale, resulting in more equitable lives for all.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Ethiopia and SNV generally visit our website: www.snv.org.

Project background

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project is a 5-year project that will work at the nexus of the regenerative agriculture (RA) and productive use of renewable energy (PURE) areas. The project aims to drive system transformation in the RA and PURE nexus by promoting regenerative agriculture (RA) practices that restore ecosystems, enhance productivity, and integrate with renewable energy solutions for sustainable market systems and inclusive growth. The project will apply an innovative hybrid implementation model where it leverages existing initiatives and expertise within the ecosystem and connects actors to facilitate processes and encourage synergies.

The Seas of Change Ethiopia project falls under the Strategic Partnership umbrella programme. The Strategic Partnership programme will provide strategic steering and support to the RA-PURE nexus portfolio (in and beyond SNV), with dedicated programs towards advancing the RA-PURE nexus in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Purpose of the Job

The PURE Advisor is a senior-level role that plays a pivotal role in advancing the integration of renewable energy solutions into regenerative agriculture practices and food systems, focusing on the productive use of energy to enhance agricultural productivity, value addition, and rural livelihoods through providing strategic direction, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement support. The Advisor will adopt a systems transformation approach and acting as a convener to bring together diverse stakeholders.

Technical Leadership in PURE Adoption & Scaling

• Provide high-level technical advisory services on the deployment of PURE technologies and their productive applications in agriculture such as solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and energy-efficient agro-processing.
• Identify and address systemic barriers to PURE adoption, recommending innovative, market-driven, and climate-smart solutions that align with regenerative agriculture practices and enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Work closely with technology providers, researchers, and government agencies to ensure PURE solutions are technically feasible, financially viable, and scalable
• Support the development of business models and financing mechanisms to scale PURE adoption among smallholder farmers and agribusinesses

Market System Development for PURE:

• Analyze market opportunities, barriers, and incentives for the adoption of PURE technologies in agricultural value chains.
• Facilitate partnerships/linkages between technology providers, agribusinesses, financial institutions, and farmers to develop sustainable business models
• Work with financial institutions to co-design innovative financing mechanisms, such as pay-as-you-go (PAYG), lease-to-own models, and blended finance solutions to de-risk PURE investments.
• Develop strategies to integrate PURE into existing agricultural markets, ensuring inclusivity and benefits for women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Systems Transformation and Convening Role:

• Act as a convener to bring together stakeholders from the energy and agriculture sectors, fostering collaboration and collective action for the RA and PURE nexus.
• Design and implement interventions that address systemic barriers to PURE adoption, such as policy gaps, financing challenges, and limited technical capacity.
• Advocate for enabling policies, regulations, and incentives that support the integration of PURE into agricultural systems at local, regional, and national levels.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer:

• Act as a convener to bring together stakeholders from the energy and agriculture sectors, fostering collaboration and collective action for the RA and PURE nexus.
• Design and implement interventions that address systemic barriers to PURE adoption, such as policy gaps, financing challenges, and limited technical capacity.
• Advocate for enabling policies, regulations, and incentives that support the integration of PURE into agricultural systems at local, regional, and national levels.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) for RA-PURE Integration

• Collaborate with the LEARNING team/MEL team to track progress, measure impact, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Use data and evidence to refine PURE-related strategies and demonstrate the value of the RA and PURE nexus.
• Contribute to regular reporting and communication of project outcomes to donors and stakeholders.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Renewable Energy, Energy Management, Engineering or other related disciplines is required
• Substantial experience (at least 10 years) in development work & project management including but not limited to design and implementation development projects in energy sector, in the context of international development co-operation in Ethiopia.
• Relevant technical expertise and understanding of the energy and the agriculture sector and considerable (at least 10 years) practical experience of introduction of energy technologies to enhance agricultural productivity
• Strong leadership skills, experience in partnership development and deep understanding and experience in consortia management.
• Proven experience in energy sector development, project management, technology adoption & promotion, etc.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, with excellent reporting facilitation and presentation skills.

Competencies:

• Conceptual thinking
• Coaching
• Focus on quality
• Result orientation
• Persuasiveness

Contract Type: National, Full-time

Expected start date: As soon as possible

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

Contract Duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How to Apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and a letter of motivation before/on April 13, 2025. Please submit your application only via: Smart Recruiters. All information will be kept in the strictest confidentiality.

If your experience and skills match the position’s requirements, we will contact you to advise on the next steps in the recruitment process.

Working at SNV  

SNV offers a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an internal and global network of experts.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

Vetting

SNV carries out rigorous background and reference checks concerning possible safeguarding incidents for all candidates applying for both nationally and internationally determined positions. As SNV participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a request to past employers to fill in a questionnaire regarding Misconduct (sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment), the “Statement of Conduct“. This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme.

SNV is an equal opportunities employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.