The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank are developing in Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zambia, a new global program that leverages the private sector to increase access to modern lighting for low income households and businesses that rely on fuels for lighting (e.g. kerosene and candles).
Fuel-based lighting is a large yet, underdeveloped market at the bottom of the economic pyramid. The total global spending on fuel-based lighting is estimated at US$38 billion/year, and in Kenya and Ghana the total spending on fuel-based lighting is estimated at US$ 1.4 billion/year.
The program will form a global consortium of international and African companies, and support these firms in successfully entering and competing for this market in Ghana and Kenya, bringing better and more affordable products to households and businesses using fuel-based lighting. Among others activities, the program will assist companies in understanding consumers needs, identifying local and/or international partners, developing, commercializing and financing modern off-grid lighting products that can commercially displace fuel-based lighting products.
For more information on the program, please visit www.ifc.org/led.
Duties and Accountabilities
IFC is seeking a qualified individual to be based in Kenya to act as the Country Leader for the Program. Reporting to the General Program Manager, the Country Leader will be responsible for leading all key program activities in Kenya and will be part of the program's overall management team
Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate would have the following experience and skills:
- 6+ years of experience in the management of initiatives/programs related to the development of new businesses or markets, development and roll-out of new products, etc., acquired preferably in the private sector.
- Experience with activities such as market assessment, consumer surveys, product development, setting business partnerships, developing and implementing marketing/sales strategies, etc.
- Experience in managing relationships with organizations at the private, and/or public sectors.
- Experience doing business in Africa.
- Ability to work independently and lead a small country team supported by external consultants.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and experience in working in a matrix organization, effectively dealing with conflicts and building consensus within the organization.
- Ability to interact effectively with a number of business cultures, encompassing private, public, and civil society organizations from both developed and developing countries.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills and fluent written and verbal command of English.
- Experience with energy issues and development challenges in Africa would be an advantage.
- An advanced degree in business or others fields relevant to the program.
Please note that ONLY short listed candidates will be contacted.
