Principal Energy Specialist

Job Profile:

The Principal Energy Specialist will provide strategic leadership in client dialogue and policy development related to energy security, efficiency, transition to renewables and regional energy access solutions. The incumbent will foster strong partnerships with government agencies and development partners, research institutions, non-government organizations, the private sector, and other sector-related institutions to advance sustainable and climate-resilient energy agriculture solutions and innovations. The role will be responsible for leading the design and direction of investment operations in the sector and for developing comprehensive policy papers addressing key areas such as energy access, transition to renewables and climate resilient energy solutions.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Accountability & Responsibilities

• Lead energy sector analytical work including preparation of strategic documentation (including presentations, proposals, notes, and other material) required for business development, supervision and dissemination of activities and strategies
• Develop investment strategies with clients to pursue the most effective approach to achieve energy efficiency in various economic environments and the specific needs of developing partner countries
• Lead and conduct the assessment of energy policies in partner countries to understand their impact on energy transition and operations and service delivery in the countries
• Identify innovative solutions for the development of energy sector operations to support sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in consultation with partner countries, development partners and other stakeholders
• Contribute to the design, preparation, and delivery of energy projects, focusing on technical quality and delivery of development outcomes. This also entails reviewing the technical designs, implementation arrangements, and adequacy of procurement and fiduciary arrangements of projects in coordination with other team members.
• Participate and at times co-lead teams in operational missions, supporting the identification, preparation or appraisal of potential new operations and the supervision of the implementation of a selected number of ongoing projects
• Originate and implement high-impact energy sector projects and develop a pipeline of standalone projects for OPEC Fund

Knowledge Management and Innovations:

• Identify innovative ideas and provide expertise, recommendations and improvement proposals to Country Managers on energy sector matters.
• Contribute to knowledge building and management in the energy sector and keep abreast of the latest developments and issues in the sector.
• Ensure effective dissemination of lessons learnt and best practices in the energy sector to promote knowledge at OPEC Fund by collaborating with other departments/entities.

Perform other duties as required by the Director, Sectors and Themes Unit relevant to the area of responsibilities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance or a (closely) related field 
• A minimum of 12 years of direct relevant professional experience, of which at least five (5) years of experience within a multilateral development institution or international financial institution, with a focus on energy projects and climate change
• Proven practical experience in operations and policy work of multilateral development institution is considered a strong asset
• Demonstrated experience working across diverse geographic regions, with substantial exposure to energy transition initiatives and large-scale energy infrastructure projects in Africa considered a strong asset
• A demonstrated track record in producing high-quality research papers, analysis and policy briefs for the multilateral development institution or other international organizations is considered a strong asset
• Proven practical experience in designing, implementing, and supervising projects in the sector, ideally within the context of international development
  Robust analytical skills with regard to energy sector and development finance
• Strong operational skills in one or more technical areas, such as energy generation (including renewables), transmission and distribution, project financing and operations, climate change financing, public-private partnerships, or infrastructure issues
• Strong organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize tasks and ensure timely completion of tasks under pressure.
• Proactive application of relevant international best practices to own work
• Demonstrated project management experience, including coordination of multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement
• Working proficiency in French is highly desirable, particularly for regional engagement
• Fluent in English. Good working knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, Russian or Portuguese is an added advantage

Competencies:

• Subject Matter Knowledge - The in-depth understanding and expertise in specific fields relevant to the OPEC Fund's operations and the individual's role.
• Collaboration and Teamwork - The ability to effectively work with colleagues, stakeholders and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Communication - The ability to relay ideas, information and messages effectively and succinctly to a variety of audiences.
• Customer Centricity  - The ability to focus on comprehending and addressing customer needs; consistently deliver exceptional service and foster strong, lasting customer relationships. 
• Problem Solving Ability - The ability to identify issues adeptly, delve into root causes, and devise pragmatic solutions; demonstrate ingenuity and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges. 
• Sense of Responsibility - The ability to demonstrate ownership and accountability in tasks and outcomes; uphold reliability and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities.