Energy Director – Africa Program

About the role

The Energy Director will lead WRI’s Africa Energy Program, shaping strategy, overseeing implementation and managing a multidisciplinary team across Kenya, Ethiopia or Rwanda. Reporting to the Deputy Director of WRI Africa, the role serves as the primary expert on African energy systems, driving research, digital platforms and policy influence.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine the long‑term Africa Energy program strategy, defining vision, priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Oversee program implementation, ensuring delivery of targets related to energy access, equitable development and clean‑energy transition.
• Manage staff, associates, researchers and communications partners across regional and global offices.
• Lead donor engagement, fundraising and partnership development to secure resources for the program.
• Produce innovative research, geospatial intelligence and analytical products, leveraging tools such as the Energy Access Explorer and other open‑source planning platforms.
• Represent WRI Africa with policymakers, utilities, development finance institutions and civil‑society organisations to influence energy policy and practice.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level leadership experience in energy, climate or sustainable development programmes, preferably in an African context.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute large‑scale program strategies and manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong track record of donor engagement, fundraising and partnership cultivation.
• Existing work authorization for Kenya, Ethiopia or Rwanda at the time of application.

Required skills

• Experience with energy planning tools and digital platforms (e.g., Energy Access Explorer, open‑source energy modelling).
• Geospatial analysis and data visualization applied to energy systems.
• Program monitoring and evaluation, including indicator tracking.