Power Africa Energy Program Advisor

CAMRIS International, LLC, (CAMRIS) is seeking an Energy Program Advisor to support USAID Power Africa. This position will perform work under the Africa Bureau Institutional Support and Services II contract (AFR ITSS II). AFR ITSS II assists USAID in achieving its program priorities by providing contracted technical, professional, operational, and administrative support staff in support of USAID’s African programs on both short- and long-term bases. Work performed under this contract will cover a range of technical and administrative areas aimed at advancing USAID’s development objectives in sub-Saharan Africa.

CAMRIS is a dynamic international development and research firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices to improve the lives of people around the world. Our core capabilities include: public heath, such as strengthening health systems and combating HIV/AIDS, TB and other infectious diseases; fostering trade and investment; expanding power and electrification; strengthening democracy and governance; expanding access to and improving the quality of education; and ensuring environmental sustainability for generations to come by fighting climate change.

Our employees enjoy a diverse, collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

BACKGROUND:

The Power Africa (AFR/AA/PA) is a U.S. Presidential initiative housed within the Africa Bureau that addresses one of the most pressing challenges to sustainable economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa – access to electrical power.

Half of the population of sub-Saharan Africa has no access to electricity -- despite the continent’s significant potential to develop traditional, geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar energy. Power Africa partners with U.S. Government Agencies, African Governments, NGOs, Development Partners, and Private Sector Partners to build out power generation, transmission, distribution, and off-grid solutions.

The Program Advisor (Energy) will assist in advancing Power Africa programming.   They will specifically support the Enabling Environment Team under the Enabling Environment Team Lead, Energy Office Director and Deputy, within Power Africa’s Coordinator’s Office.  They will be expected to provide senior policy and technical guidance on complex power sector and energy access issues.  They will also provide guidance on Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) issues for projects within Power Africa’s portfolio, and Energy Office knowledge management functions.

They will be expected to assist with meeting Power Africa coordination functions across a complex organization of interagency, donor, NGO and private sector partners.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support Enabling Environment Strategy review and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance, particularly related to on-grid electrification, strengthening the enabling environment for power sector development, and utility strengthening and reform.
• Provide enabling environment technical guidance, particularly related to the strategic deployment of Power Africa’s new programs and mechanisms.
• Offer sectoral expertise and thought leadership to situate the Energy Office and Power Africa Coordinator’s Office as a go-to resource for cutting-edge information on enabling environment issues in the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Provide technical guidance to improve the rigor, relevance and consistency of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) across Energy Office programs, coordinating with the Power Africa Program Office’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Team to ensure best practices.
• Track activities and results that contribute to Power Africa’s enabling environment focused indicators.
• Contribute to briefers, data inquiries, talking points, and other communications products as needed.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSE, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OR OTHER

EXPERTISE REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree with six (6) years of experience in the energy sector.
• Deep understanding of energy sectors in developing markets and emerging sector issues.
• Understanding of USAID processes, particularly related to program cycle preferred.
• Significant experience working in Africa; and knowledge of international development issues in Africa.
• Excellent research, analytical, writing and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and as a member of a team, including teams composed of members with cross-sectoral backgrounds or from different Bureaus and/or offices within USAID.
• Ability to influence senior-level decision-makers, particularly senior leadership of USG Missions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and use time effectively; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and work within tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment.
• Ability to take initiative working with the direction of management; must be able to take ownership of projects, creatively solve problems, and see projects through to completion.
• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident with ability to obtain Facility Access Clearance or Secret Clearance required.

Please submit your resume online at www.CAMRIS.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSAs and HSA, life and disability coverage, retirement plans with employer match, tuition reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, and generous paid time off. Additional benefits include legal services, pet insurance, and an employee referral bonus program.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.