Energy Project Manager at SNV

Overview of the Position

• The SNV Project Manager has responsibility for overall management of SNV’s component of the project, which includes leads and manages the planning, implementation of all components of the Energy Project within scope, budget, timeline and required quality levels along the commitments specified in the contracts signed with the donor(s) and other relevant stakeholders. The Project Manager works in line with SNV standards, SNV`s approach to project management and donor regulations, to achieve high quality, be compliant and achieve the agreed results and deliverables of the project. He/she shall ensure the project objectives and results are achieved with quality and to the expectation of the donor.
• This multifaceted position involves strategic planning, project execution, adaptable stakeholder engagement, and resource management. You will be the driving force behind project success, ensuring on-time deliverables and effective collaboration with diverse partners and stakeholders. This opportunity not only positions you to lead a project with a significant impact on energy access and renewable energy technologies in Nigeria but also allows you to leverage SNV’s well-established presence through the synergies with other programs and projects. This presents an exciting platform for you to contribute to the energy sector in general and catalyse business innovation. Moreover, it will allow you to expand your network in the development sector.
• He/she will provide technical leadership and managerial oversight of the project, including and among others, ensuring the timely and successful implementation of SNV’s work, reporting of activities and project deliverables, and overall coordination of the project in the implementing districts.
• As the Project Manager, you will report directly to the Country Director and maintain close collaboration with global leads in Access to Energy, alongside our local technical team.

Job Description

The key responsibilities of the Project Manager will include the following:

• Project set-up and design: Initiates contract handover from the Business Development Team. Sets up and communicates administrative, governance, accounting, HR, M&E structures and procedures for the project. Initiates implementation of the project plan upon approval of donor(s) and/or country director, in accordance to the SNV project management procedures, relevant SNV structures and procedures, accounting principles, donor requirements and contracted commitments.
• Project Management: Leads, deliver effective development results, planning and monitoring, financial management, and donor reporting. Leads manages and motivates the project team, partners and relevant stakeholders. Plans and assigns deliverables and activities, monitors and reviews their progress and addresses deviations in terms of timelines and quality, based on project planning, deliverables agreed and budget set. Manages project closure and evaluation process including hand-over of complete and up-to-date project file to Country Director and/or Business Development unit based on project management procedures.
• Project quality assurance: Takes responsibility for the (technical) content of a project, ensures quality of the deliverables and ensures sufficient technical input to meet the quality standards.
• Contract Management & Project Accounting: Manages and accounts for full compliance of administrative, finance and HR components of the project with SNV internal procedures and requirements specified in the donor, sub-grant, sub-consultancy and partner. Ensures that approval for, coding and booking of all expenditures is done according to the relevant procedures and authorization levels. Prepares, accounts for, manages and reports on project budget (and revisions thereof). Discusses and obtains approval of donor for contract / budget deviations. Ensures security and (financial risk) mitigation (incl. due diligence). Fully understands procurement and comply with requirements and contracts.
• People Management & Team Leadership: Guides, develops, coaches and motivates team members and prepares resource estimation based on forecast in order to attract and recruit (SNV staff, consultants and/or service providers). Advises HR and country management on contract conditions for consultants and service providers within guidelines and project budget.
• Business development: Builds and maintains effective relationships with the team, external partners and the donor(s) by ensuring a high level of SNV visibility and branding. Signals and acts on potential for positioning, innovation, upscaling and potential follow up on projects. Timely recognizes and analyses threats and makes sure relevant colleagues are informed.
• Analysis & Reporting: Ensures collection, consolidation and review of project information, according to SNV’s monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Analyses and provides advice to management how to incorporate the new insights/best practices into the organization’s policies and practices.
• Knowledge Development: Contributes to internal and external knowledge development, by full documentation and sharing of project insights and results. Develops knowledge by attending workshops and conferences. Ensures lessons learned are shared and applied in daily practice. When applicable can be appointed as (national) focal point of an expertise network.

Qualifications

Requirements and Skills

• Education: Relevant master’s and/or bachelor’s degree in energy, engineering, environmental science, energy management, energy systems, or a related field. 
• Energy sector expertise: At least eight years of experience in renewable energy sector development, with strong knowledge of renewable energy, clean cooking, biodigesters, the institutional and stakeholder dynamics that influence the sector. 
• Programme and project leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead programme design, manage complex projects, provide policy advice, and guide diverse energy-sector activities within a strategic country-level approach. 
• Monitoring, evaluation and learning: Practical experience applying M&E and learning best practices, using M&E platforms, and addressing monitoring challenges in large-scale programmes. 
• Business development and resource mobilisation: Strong skills in donor and partner engagement, proposal development, and the preparation of fundable concept notes and interventions.
• Private sector engagement and SME support: Experience in engaging private-sector stakeholders, supporting de-risking approaches for small and medium-sized enterprises, with the ability to build credibility quickly across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Energy finance: Experience with energy financing mechanisms, including blended finance and the Nigeria energy transition agenda.
• Gender equality and social inclusion: Knowledge and practical experience applying gender equality and social inclusion principles in development programming.
• Development context: Experience working in complex development environments, particularly in middle-income countries.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to donors, partners, local communities, and other audiences.
• Partnerships and alliances: Experience establishing, maintaining effective partnerships and strategic alliances with bilateral and multilateral donors, local NGOs, and regional bodies.
• Project delivery: Demonstrated experience in project design, execution, operations, team leadership, and performance measurement. 

Leadership and Core Competencies

• Strategic vision and impact orientation: Ability to define, communicate, implement a strategic vision for sustainable energy in Nigeria, while remaining open to innovative solutions and focused on impact at scale.
• Collaborative leadership: Ability to work effectively across functions, inspire, empower others, and foster collaboration that contributes to strong project results.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving: Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to develop practical, results-oriented solutions to complex challenges in Nigeria’s development landscape.
• Operational excellence: Commitment to tangible outcomes, high-quality standards, and continuous improvement across project delivery and organisational practice.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Ability to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and development, and translate them into forward-looking initiatives.
• Adaptive leadership: Ability to navigate change, promote innovation and learning, and manage multidisciplinary and multicultural teams effectively.