The World Bank Group (WBG) is inviting qualified and experienced energy professionals to apply for the position of Senior Energy Specialist based in Nairobi, Kenya. This position presents a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of energy transformation in Eastern and Southern Africa, particularly in fragile, conflict-affected, and low-access regions like Somalia.
As part of its broader mandate, the WBG works tirelessly to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity across the globe. With a focus on sustainable infrastructure, energy accessibility, and climate-smart development, the World Bank’s Energy and Extractives (EEX) Global Practice delivers comprehensive, transformative energy programs throughout Africa.
This is an exciting opportunity for energy professionals passionate about public-private partnerships, regional cooperation, and large-scale development interventions to make a measurable impact.
About the Role
Position Title: Senior Energy Specialist
Job #: req32759
Organization: World Bank
Sector: Infrastructure
Grade: GG
Term Duration: 4 years
Recruitment Type: International
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Language Requirement: English
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025, at 11:59pm UTC
Job Description
The Senior Energy Specialist will play a leading role in designing, coordinating, and implementing the World Bank’s energy sector interventions in Somalia and Eastern Africa. Reporting to the IAEE1 Practice Manager, the successful candidate will be embedded within the energy team and expected to lead strategy, dialogue, lending operations, policy reform efforts, and analytical work focused on expanding energy access and sustainability.
The role also involves overseeing key regional projects including power sector reforms, the expansion of renewable energy, cross-border energy trade, and private sector engagement.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Project Leadership and Strategy
- Serve as Country Coordinator and Task Team Leader for Somalia’s energy sector operations.
- Lead or co-lead the preparation, implementation, and supervision of investment operations in electricity access, renewable energy, and sector reform.
- Oversee multi-phase programs such as the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) which targets 100 million people with clean energy access.
2. Policy Reform and Sector Development
- Provide leadership in energy policy development, utility reform, and institutional capacity-building in Somalia.
- Support development of the Energy Services Industry and establishment of well-regulated frameworks to attract investment in generation, distribution, and regional integration.
- Facilitate policy and strategic dialogue with Somali authorities and stakeholders, aligning programs with Mission 300 goals (250 million electricity connections by 2030).
3. Regional Integration and Cross-Border Projects
- Provide technical and strategic input on regional initiatives, particularly the Regional Energy Transmission, Trade and Decarbonization Project – Eastern Africa (RETRADE-EAST) and interconnection between Somalia and Ethiopia.
- Collaborate with the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) to promote regional energy trade and transmission infrastructure.
4. Analytical and Advisory Services
- Produce high-impact analytical reports on energy access, market reforms, utility performance, and private sector engagement.
- Deliver policy briefs, country diagnostics, and contribute to flagship Bank products including the Country Partnership Framework and Strategic Country Diagnostic.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead engagement with development partners, private sector, and financing institutions to foster public-private partnerships (PPPs).
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across government, NGOs, private sector, and regional agencies.
6. Capacity Building and Mentorship
- Guide junior staff, provide technical mentorship, and encourage cross-unit collaboration.
- Contribute to a vibrant, solution-focused team culture within the Africa Energy (IAEE1) unit.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased electricity access and adoption of clean cooking solutions in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
- Stronger sector institutions and regulatory frameworks in fragile and underdeveloped contexts.
- Successful implementation of multi-billion-dollar energy initiatives like ASCENT and RETRADE-EAST.
- Enhanced energy security and regional cooperation through effective cross-border electricity trade.
Qualifications and Experience
While specific academic and professional qualifications have not been provided in the job listing, successful candidates are expected to:
- Demonstrate significant expertise in energy policy, utility reform, access programs, and infrastructure development.
- Possess extensive experience in designing and implementing energy sector operations in developing and/or fragile contexts.
- Exhibit strong capabilities in project leadership, stakeholder engagement, and regional collaboration.
- Show a proven track record of navigating institutional and technical complexities in large-scale energy programs.
- Be capable of translating technical insight into policy recommendations and operational solutions.
Work Environment
- The role will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Somalia Country Manager and IAEE1 Practice Manager are located.
- Frequent collaboration with local and regional teams, as well as international development partners, will be required.
- The selected candidate will work across institutional boundaries to ensure cross-sectoral and cross-border coherence of the World Bank’s energy programs.
Why Work at the World Bank?
The World Bank Group offers a dynamic, multi-cultural work environment committed to excellence and professional development. Employees benefit from a competitive remuneration package, medical and life insurance, retirement benefits, parental leave, and continuous learning opportunities.
The World Bank is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage qualified professionals from all backgrounds to apply, especially women and individuals from underrepresented groups.
How to Apply
To apply for the Senior Energy Specialist position at the World Bank:
Apply Now via the World Bank careers portal.
Note: Refer to the attached PDF for more detailed information about this opportunity.
This is your chance to drive transformational change in Africa’s energy landscape. If you are a passionate and skilled energy specialist with a desire to make a lasting impact, apply today and be part of the World Bank’s mission to deliver sustainable development and energy equity across Eastern and Southern Africa.
