Associate, Africa Program at Rocky Mountain Institute

Job ID: R-101369

Responsibilities
Your key job responsibilities as an RMI Associate on the EWAS project include:
Program Delivery:

• Ensure timely deployment of productive uses of energy in Nigerian communities through strong project management. 
• Guide collaborators toward business models that maximize replicability while ensuring inclusion of women and youth. 
• Visit project sites to assess project status, speak with key stakeholders, and problem-solve as needed. 
• Travel up to 30%, primarily within Nigeria. 

Technical Analysis and Problem Solving:

• Structure and independently execute research across a broad range of topics. 
• Analyze pilot data from IOT sensors and surveys, and use it to develop Excel-based models for techno-economic analysis of productive use solutions (e.g., load profiles, ROI, breakeven analysis). 
• Assist the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Lead in analyzing impact metrics 

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engage with external experts and partners via phone interviews, conferences, and in-person meetings. 
• Build strong working relationships with project partners, and leverage this rapport to support program delivery and to identify fruitful areas for new work. 

Thought Leadership and Communication 

• Synthesize recommendations into clear and compelling presentations and written reports. 
• Present quantitative information in a clear, visual format. 
• Document success stories and field insights that inspire replication and/or improvement 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, international relations, policy, economics, finance, STEM or another relevant field 
• Fluent in English 
• Ability to travel and work within Nigeria 
• Deep understanding of the “productive use of energy” concept: the importance of ensuring sufficient electricity demand to support new investments in electricity supply, and the methods by which this demand can be stimulated. 
• Ability to design, create from scratch, and run advanced Excel-based models. 
• Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic and professional, and share knowledge and information well. 
• Project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to effectively solve problems and bring clarity to complex and unstructured problems.   
• Comfortability working in a team-based, collaborative environment that requires adaptability and being flexible 
• This position will suit candidates with backgrounds in energy, engineering, or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of gender equity and social inclusion principles. 

What Will Make You Stand Out 

• A graduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy, agricultural), business (marketing, finance, international), economics, computer science, mathematics, physical and social sciences, OR undergraduate degree and 2-4 years of cumulative work experience and excellent work references.  
• Experience designing, implementing, and/or overseeing renewable energy or productive use projects in remote communities. 
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa on energy access, climate, renewables, and demand-side topics. 
• Understanding of basic financial analysis and metrics (e.g., NPV, cash flows), energy analysis (e.g., LCOE), and their applications in African contexts 
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations.  
• Strong network with African stakeholders in energy, agriculture, startup, finance, or related sectors, with a preference for applicable connections in Nigeria. 
• Demonstrated interest or experience working with global teams 
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, concise documents and presentations for various audiences.

Benefits
 We offer an array of benefits including: 

• Monthly healthcare allowance (paid in local currency) in addition to statutory requirements 
• Pension plan 
• Fertility and hormonal health support 
• Mental health and wellness support 
• Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave) 
• Generous paid time off and sick leave 
• Generous regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography 
• Work from home and home technology allowances 
• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget) 
• Potential for bonuses and merit increases 
• Remote and hybrid work options 
• Team retreats and geographic meetups 
• Rewards and recognition programs.