Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the global fight against poverty and help build a sustainable future? The World Bank Group (WBG), one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Energy Specialist to join its team in Nairobi, Kenya. This exciting opportunity is part of WBG’s ongoing efforts to accelerate energy access and economic development in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
With over 189 member countries and a presence in more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG is committed to fostering inclusive growth, reducing inequalities, and creating resilient infrastructure systems. The successful candidate will join the Infrastructure Practice Group, which focuses on developing sustainable solutions in energy, transport, and urban development — with a strong emphasis on mobilizing private sector resources and catalyzing climate finance.
Background: Energy Development in Eastern and Southern Africa
Eastern and Southern Africa is home to a diverse population of nearly half a billion people. While the region is rich in natural resources, access to modern and affordable energy remains limited. The World Bank plays a central role in supporting energy reforms and expansion, including renewable energy generation, regional power integration through the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), and last-mile electrification.
The WBG is a key contributor to the Mission 300 Initiative, a bold joint commitment with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to bring electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Within this effort, the WBG aims to connect 250 million people, with the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) program leading the way in Eastern and Southern Africa. ASCENT, approved in 2023 with a US$5 billion envelope, is an ambitious multi-country, multi-billion-dollar program focused on clean energy access, clean cooking solutions, and productive use of electricity.
The role of Senior Energy Specialist is crucial to driving these initiatives forward, particularly in fragile states such as Somalia, where infrastructure challenges are coupled with rapid development needs.
Position: Senior Energy Specialist
- Job #: req32759
- Grade: GG
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Recruitment Type: International
- Term Duration: 4 years
- Sector: Infrastructure
- Organization: World Bank
- Application Deadline: April 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM UTC
- Language Requirements: English
Job Description
The Senior Energy Specialist will serve as a Country Coordinator and Task Team Leader for the Somalia energy portfolio, under the Africa East energy unit (IAEE1). The position will report directly to the Practice Manager and will work closely with the Somalia Country Manager and the Country Management Unit (CMU) in Nairobi.
The specialist will be instrumental in leading strategic planning, policy dialogue, technical project support, and coordination of World Bank’s energy-related engagements in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership and Implementation
- Lead or co-lead the preparation and supervision of investment operations in the energy sector, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and a strong pro-poor focus.
- Drive implementation of ASCENT projects in Somalia and contribute to wider regional programs like the Ethiopia–Somalia interconnection and RETRADE-EAST.
- Supervise and co-lead distributed renewable energy projects, last-mile grid distribution, and solar off-grid solutions for households and institutions.
2. Strategic Sector Development
- Support the Government of Somalia in developing a well-regulated, efficient Energy Services Industry.
- Assist in implementing plans to expand affordable, reliable energy access in line with Mission 300 objectives.
- Facilitate the creation and implementation of strong public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks in the absence of a public utility.
3. Policy Dialogue and Analytics
- Lead high-level policy dialogue with government counterparts, donors, and private sector stakeholders on energy reforms and regional integration.
- Prepare and deliver analytical and advisory work on utility reforms, energy access, renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and climate change.
- Integrate energy sector strategies into broader World Bank operations, such as the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), strategic country diagnostics, and economic memoranda.
4. Institutional Engagement and Stakeholder Coordination
- Develop strategic relationships with donor agencies, private sector actors, and multilateral institutions to coordinate efforts and leverage financing.
- Represent the energy sector in Somalia’s World Bank country team and contribute to broader regional strategies.
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff within the team and across departments.
5. Cross-Cutting and Regional Support
- Provide technical support to other energy projects within the AFE region, particularly initiatives aligned with clean cooking, social infrastructure electrification (schools, health centers), and productive use.
- Support operational and policy coordination with the EAPP and neighboring country programs, ensuring effective regional integration.
Selection Criteria
Educational and Professional Background
- Master’s degree in engineering, energy planning, economics, business administration, or related fields.
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in energy sector development with a proven track record in managing programs, preferably in fragile or conflict-affected contexts.
Technical and Operational Expertise
- Deep understanding of energy policies, sector strategies, utility reform, and renewable energy technologies.
- Documented experience in designing and implementing national electricity access programs.
- Strong ability to conduct policy dialogue and maintain high-level relationships with government and private sector stakeholders.
World Bank and Donor Collaboration
- Prior experience with World Bank or other international financial institutions in both lending and advisory roles is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to work across institutional and country boundaries, leading large multidisciplinary teams to deliver results.
Leadership and Communication Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and mentoring skills, with a proven ability to guide junior staff and foster teamwork in multicultural environments.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of simplifying technical content for diverse audiences.
- Experience in working with large-scale, geographically dispersed teams.
Core Competencies
- High level of initiative, independent thinking, and flexibility to adapt to evolving program requirements.
- Ability to translate complex technical analysis into actionable policy recommendations or operational plans.
- Passion for development and commitment to the values and mission of the World Bank Group.
What the World Bank Group Offers
- A collaborative, international work environment with professional development opportunities.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance, retirement plans, and paid parental leave.
- Inclusion and diversity: The WBG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications before the April 28, 2025 deadline.
Note: For more in-depth information about the role, responsibilities, and expectations, refer to the official World Bank careers portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
