Project Manager Consultant – County Energy Planning at Practical Action

Project Manager Consultant – County Energy Planning at Practical Action

About Us

Practical Action is a global innovator, inspiring people to discover and adopt ingenious, practical ways to free themselves from poverty and disadvantage. With over 50 years of expertise, Practical Action has a strong heritage and a track record of bringing communities and experts together to find practical, sustainable solutions that enable people to meet their needs, benefiting both people and the planet.

Kenya’s Energy Challenge

In recent years, Kenya has emerged as a prominent player in the global effort to address energy challenges and promote sustainable development. This includes initiatives such as the Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Action Agenda, the bioenergy strategy, and the Energy Efficiency and conservation Strategy. As Kenya experiences economic growth and a rapidly expanding population, the demand for energy continues to surge. To meet these growing needs, it has become imperative for Kenya to develop comprehensive and well-structured energy planning strategies at both the national and county levels.

The Role

The Energy Act 2019 provides the legal framework for integrated energy planning, as defined in the Integrated National Energy Planning (INEP) Framework. Devolution grants substantial powers and responsibilities to county governments, presenting a unique opportunity for localized energy planning tailored to specific regional needs. Each county possesses distinct energy resources and challenges, and an individualized approach will enable a more efficient and inclusive energy sector.

Through enhanced county energy planning, there is potential for increased community involvement, localized job creation, and improved energy service delivery. Additionally, engaging local communities and stakeholders in the planning process can lead to better acceptance and support for energy projects, thus contributing to sustainable development across the entire nation.

Prioritizing Clean Cooking

The county energy planning process also provides an opportunity to prioritize clean cooking, which has hitherto not been at the center of energy policy, strategy, and planning in Kenya. Prioritizing clean cooking in energy planning is crucial for Kenya’s sustainable development. It not only improves public health, mitigates climate change, and empowers women but also contributes to economic growth and aligns with global sustainability goals. By transitioning to cleaner and more efficient cooking methods, Kenya can create a healthier, cleaner, and more equitable future for its citizens while making a positive impact on the global fight against climate change.

Your Role

In an effort to strengthen County level energy plans, strategy, and policies on clean cooking, Practical Action, in partnership with other stakeholders, will be providing technical assistance to support the development of inclusive and integrated energy plans for the three counties.

How to Apply

Job Profile: For a detailed job profile, please visit our download section.

Qualified and interested candidates should send their application (including a detailed CV with similar or related assignments in the past and a cover letter) to recruitment@practicalaction.or.ke with the subject line “Project Manager consultant for County Energy Planning (CEP) Project.” Please ensure your application reaches Practical Action on or before 19th October 2023. All information/data given will be in the strictest confidence and will only be used for recruitment purposes.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in a field related to renewable energy, environmental planning, environmental studies, natural resources, social sciences/ development studies.
• At least seven (7) years demonstrated experience and expertise in gender-responsive project design and implementation, particularly in the energy sector.
• Proven track record in energy planning, policy, strategy development, and building networks with relevant stakeholders including County and National Governments, private sector, CSOs, and development partners.
• Experience working in gender and energy programs.
• Experience with energy delivery models.

Diversity and Inclusion

Practical Action is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications from under-represented groups. We stay committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse working environment and believe that people from different backgrounds or cultures give us different perspectives, and the more perspectives we have, the more successful we will be. By building a culture where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued we give everyone working with us the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

Practical Action is committed to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults, and as such, candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks.

Application Deadline

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please write in English language.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in renewable energy and gender-responsive project design. Showcase your expertise in energy planning and network building with stakeholders.
2. Demonstrate Passion: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for clean cooking and its potential impact on public health, climate change, and women’s empowerment. Show how your skills align with the role.
3. Highlight Delivery Models: Provide examples of energy delivery models you’ve worked with and how they contributed to successful projects.
4. Emphasize Inclusivity: Explain how you’ve promoted inclusivity and community involvement in past projects, and how this can benefit county energy planning.
5. Research Practical Action: Familiarize yourself with Practical Action’s mission and values to demonstrate alignment with the organization’s goals in your cover letter.

Your application is your first impression—make it count!