Department: Sub-Saharan Africa region
Team: Public Policy
Location: Anywhere in Sub-Saharan Africa
Position type: Full time
About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organisation that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop, and deliver innovation that is foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Industry Services and Solutions, Connectivity for Good, and Outreach.
About the Role
The Energy Specialist will lead the delivery of GSMA's energy-related KPIs in Sub-Saharan Africa related to reducing energy costs. The specialist will focus on developing strategies and implementation models and leading engagements with key stakeholders to support the industry's access to clean, reliable, affordable, and renewable energy.
The Specialist will support the process to select priority markets in consultation with our members and other stakeholders, and support engagements in these markets to accelerate the deployment of clean and reliable energy solutions.
The engagements will be delivered by developing and deepening strategic partnerships between the mobile industry and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), governments, energy companies, and other stakeholders to support the delivery of renewable energy solutions and drive sustainable investment.
This role will work closely with the Climate and Mobile for Development teams to ensure that the project supports SSA member engagement, progresses towards the industry's net-zero ambition, and maximizes development opportunities and synergies. It will also ensure alignment with the GSMA's broader goals of sustainability and digital inclusion.
Key roles and responsibilities:
* Develop and foster engagement and partnerships with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), TowerCos, multilateral agencies, DFIs, energy companies and utilities, governments, and other key stakeholders in priority markets.
* Lead in-country engagements in priority markets to facilitate discussions and collaboration among stakeholders, including organising and facilitating workshops and meetings with key stakeholders.
* Support the collection of key data (e.g., tower location, power demand, energy sources and costs) by working with MNOs, TowerCos, and/or third-party data providers.
* Support the implementation of clean energy initiatives by developing short-, medium and long-term action plans/ roadmaps with key milestones and outcomes.
* Lead advocacy for enabling environment interventions that are conducive to improving renewable energy access for network operators in the priority markets.
* Facilitate the development of insights and recommendations with guidance from GSMA SSA, Climate Action, and Mobile for Development (M4D).
* Help identify, develop, and deliver pilot projects in partnership with DFIs and/or other stakeholders in priority markets. This will involve establishing shared objectives, roles, and responsibilities to enable large-scale feasibility studies.
* Analyse and assess key areas of energy-related policy and regulation and their impact on GSMA members and the industry.
* Work with GSMA members to understand their energy priorities and, in consultation with internal teams, assist in developing clear engagement strategies to support the same.
* Collaborate effectively across the GSMA to develop and implement initiatives and solutions that promote renewable energy in the industry.
* Work closely with mobile operators to identify energy challenges, opportunities, and best practices to improve energy efficiency and access to renewable energy.
* Represent GSMA at relevant external meetings and events as required.
* Prepare reports monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually as required.
About You
Required
* Proficiency in both English and French is necessary.
* Proven experience in the energy sector, specifically with renewable energy projects, energy policy and financing, with a solid understanding of the regulatory frameworks, financing and policy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa, including sustainability and green digital transformation.
* Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa and a deep understanding of the region's energy challenges, including how energy access, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital inclusion intersect.
* In-depth technical knowledge of clean and renewable energy technologies (e.g. solar PV, wind, battery storage technologies, and power systems electronics).
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, capable of advocating for policy changes and clearly presenting complex energy issues to non-technical stakeholders.
* Experience collaborating with development finance institutions (e.g., the World Bank, IFC, AfDB, DFC, FMO, AFD), and development agencies (e.g., USAID, UKAID, and JICA) to support investments in high-impact sectors.
* Practical project management skills with thorough planning and the ability to set clear objectives and timelines.
Desirable
* Mobile industry knowledge and a proven track record in leading renewable energy projects or initiatives in developing markets.
* Ability to compile and analyse technical and financial data, produce initial system designs, and support financial models for decision-making.
* Strong understanding of the commercial and contractual relationships between MNOs, TowerCos, and the supply chain for greenfield and brownfield projects.
* Ability to work effectively in collective tasks and rally the team for high-quality output.
* Strong commercial understanding of the energy service company (ESCO) model and project finance principles.
Skills
* Strong negotiation abilities.
* Proficient stakeholder management.
* Detail-oriented and methodical approach.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
* Strong collaboration skills.
Certifications:
* Certifications in Renewable Energy Technologies (e.g., Certified Energy Manager (CEM), LEED certification) are added advantages.
Contract type
Short term Contractor
Worker type
Contingent Worker
What We Offer
Working at the GSMA offers you unparalleled access to the mobile industry. We offer a chance to truly shape the direction of mobile, whatever your role. By joining the GSMA, you will be exposed to a fast-paced rapidly evolving environment, working on global solutions and industry-changing projects. In addition to architect-designed offices and competitive compensation, our benefits include fantastic learning & development opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and four additional days off for professional development.
To learn more about the GSMA, visit our career site, our LinkedIn page and our Twitter page.
GSMA Values
Our values not only drive our culture - they shape how we work and interact inside and outside our global organisation.
Passionately driven
We approach everything we do with unparalleled capability, tenacity and commitment, knowing that the challenging scale, pace and complexity of our work is what leads to its world-changing impact.
Insightful leaders
We continually develop and engage our expertise, insight and creativity so that we're always ready to respond to the changing landscape with authority, agility and nuance.
Stronger together
We lean on each other so the industry can lean on us, embracing our diversity by actively seeking out perspectives and skill sets beyond our own, fuelling each other's successes and constantly asking how we can help. #J-18808-Ljbffr