CrossBoundary Access, a pioneering initiative within CrossBoundary, is actively recruiting for a Technical Manager to join its Nairobi-based team. This full-time role offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to Africa’s renewable energy revolution, particularly in off-grid and mini-grid power solutions. Founded in 2011, CrossBoundary is a mission-oriented investment firm dedicated to mobilizing capital for sustainable growth and robust returns in underserved markets. Through CrossBoundary Access, the firm is spearheading the deployment of project finance to electrify remote and underserved communities using solar mini-grids and adjacent renewable technologies.
This position is ideal for a skilled engineer with a strong background in renewable energy, project management, and a deep commitment to transformative impact in developing regions. The role involves engaging at both strategic and execution levels, working with investment, ESG, and legal teams, and managing technical partners across a growing portfolio.
About CrossBoundary Access
Since its inception in 2019, CrossBoundary Access has been Africa’s first project finance platform dedicated to mini-grid infrastructure. After successfully raising initial funds, the platform secured an additional $25 million in 2022 from ARCH Emerging Markets Partners Limited, Bank of America, and Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund. Another $10 million was secured in 2023 from the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA). With a target to raise and deploy $150 million over the next 2–3 years, CrossBoundary Access is positioned at the forefront of delivering reliable, clean energy through innovative financial and technical models.
According to the International Energy Agency, the mini-grid sector needs $187 billion to achieve universal energy access by 2030. CrossBoundary believes that project finance is crucial to unlocking this capital. Learn more at www.crossboundary.com/access/.
Position: Technical Manager
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Division: CrossBoundary Access
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview
The Technical Manager will lead technical diligence for investment opportunities, supervise engineering and construction processes, and ensure optimal operational performance across a growing portfolio of solar mini-grid projects. This individual will also drive internal capacity building and provide critical insights to support cross-functional decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Evaluation
- Conduct thorough technical assessments of proposed solar mini-grid and adjacent technology investments.
- Analyze commercial implications of different technical strategies and recommend enhancements to improve project profitability.
- Develop and continuously refine technical standards to ensure successful project implementation and operations.
- Advise developers on the strategic selection of technical components including solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, battery systems, distribution infrastructure, and control technologies.
2. Project Supervision
- Provide remote oversight during the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases of each project.
- Ensure adherence to approved standards, timelines, and budgets.
- Coordinate with project partners to set deliverables and manage milestone-based payment approvals.
- Maintain infrastructure quality through diligent monitoring and proactive issue resolution during project delivery.
3. Portfolio Management
- Use remote monitoring tools to track and optimize the performance of deployed assets.
- Manage third-party operations and maintenance (O&M) partners to ensure service level compliance and contractual obligations.
- Guide technical upgrades and site expansions based on performance data and field insights.
- Oversee continuous performance improvements and innovation implementation across the operating portfolio.
4. Team Leadership
- Provide technical leadership internally and externally to ensure unified standards and expectations across all project stakeholders.
- Mentor junior engineers and technical team members to build internal capacity and ensure knowledge transfer.
- Collaborate with ESG, legal, and investment teams to ensure holistic consideration of technical, environmental, and commercial dimensions in project design and execution.
- Translate technical risks into strategic insights for decision-making processes.
Who Should Apply
CrossBoundary Access is looking for a high-caliber professional who embodies the following qualities:
- A proactive self-starter with a passion for sustainable development in Africa.
- A hands-on engineer with at least six years of experience in renewable energy asset development, construction, and operations.
- A strategic thinker who excels in both high-level planning and on-the-ground implementation.
- A collaborative leader willing to work in complex, fast-evolving environments with minimal supervision.
- An innovator excited by the opportunity to work with frontier technologies in the off-grid power space.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Minimum 6 years of direct experience in assessing, implementing, and managing solar photovoltaic (PV) and related energy projects.
- Proven track record with renewable energy and/or off-grid generation projects, especially within developing regions (Africa strongly preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline (Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy). Advanced degrees or additional project management credentials will be an asset.
- Technical expertise in low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) distribution networks.
- Ability to independently lead complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Registered membership with a recognized engineering professional body.
Preferred Attributes
- Exposure to the broader electricity sector, including C&I (Commercial & Industrial), IPPs (Independent Power Producers), or national utilities.
- Deep technical understanding of off-grid solutions, particularly solar mini-grids.
- Strong quantitative skills, including experience working with project finance and financial modeling.
- Familiarity with integrating technical provisions into legal documentation and contracts.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, structured analytical thinking, and the ability to design practical solutions.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Comfort operating in ambiguous, dynamic, and resource-constrained environments.
- Bilingual fluency in English and French is a strong advantage.
Working at CrossBoundary
CrossBoundary fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Team members are drawn from various global backgrounds and disciplines, united by a shared mission to drive capital to where it’s needed most. The organization values curiosity, humility, integrity, and a strong commitment to excellence.
Working with CrossBoundary Access means joining a team that is not only transforming the African energy landscape but also redefining how infrastructure finance can create lasting, equitable change.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
CrossBoundary is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, age, or any other protected status. The firm also considers candidates with criminal histories, in accordance with legal requirements in the countries it operates.
If you require accommodation or assistance during the recruitment process due to a disability, please contact CrossBoundary at [email protected].
Conclusion
CrossBoundary Access is seeking a Technical Manager with a deep commitment to renewable energy, hands-on technical expertise, and a drive to make an impact in frontier markets. This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in reshaping the way energy is delivered across Africa. Candidates with the right mix of passion, professionalism, and proficiency are encouraged to apply.
