Productive Use of Energy (PUE) Associate at Distributed Renewable Energy Enhancement Facility (DREEF)

Job Summary

• DREEF is seeking to appoint a Productive Use of Energy (PUE)  Associate who will support in identifying, developing, and managing initiatives that promote the productive use of energy in DRE projects supported by the DREEF. This role is crucial in ensuring that energy generated from renewable sources is effectively utilized to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the financial sustainability of DRE projects such as off-grid and under-grid mini-grids. 
• Working closely with the DRE Project Developer, the PUE Officer will play a pivotal role in developing a PUE strategy and its execution. This includes undertaking research and analysis aimed at informing the development of viable and scalable finance and business models for investment in PUE interventions. The ideal candidate for the Productive Use of Renewable Energy Officer position will be a dynamic and strategic thinker with a strong technical and financial background, capable of driving innovation and delivering tangible results in the productive use of renewable energy.

Job Details

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Review and assess all DRE Lender Due Diligence Criteria1 toolkits (Technical, Legal, ESG & Financial) and incorporating them into the applicable standard operating procedures for the DREEF’s technical assistance support criteria and methodology. 
• Support and interface with the ESG, Technical, Finance and Impact Development counterpart officer at InfraCredit to ensure symmetry of information, knowledge exchange, and alignment on information/output requirements that meet project finance lenders' bankability requirements. 
• Assist with the formulation and execution of strategies to integrate PUE components into DRE projects. 
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities for PUE applications that can boost the economic viability and social benefits of DRE projects. 
• Provide support in quantitative modelling for developing viable and scalable business and finance models for investing in PUE initiatives. 
• Contribute to the planning, execution, and monitoring of PUE initiatives within DRE projects. 
• Collaborate with the technical, ESG, Impact Development and project finance teams to ensure seamless integration of PUE initiatives into the DRE project design, and that financial models for PUE components accurately reflect project specifications, costs, and revenue projections that support project investment decisions. 
• Collaborate with the procurement, technical and finance teams on OEM selection conformity with regulatory, technical and investor standards. 
• Manage the preparation of financial documentation required for project approvals, Lenders Due Diligence Criteria toolkits, and compliance with investor requirements. 
• Prepare detailed PUE reports and presentations for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams. 
• Work closely with technical team to ensure PUE confirms with mini-grid technical standard and future load requirement. 
• Support with the engagement of project stakeholders, including developers, co-investors, and development partners to build partnerships on PUE-related topics and expand the network of the DREEF. 
• Assist with the engagement with local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders to understand their needs and identify opportunities for PUE initiatives. 
• Support the knowledge management activities on PUE topics including documenting lessons learned from joint project development activities, recommending revision(s) to the PUE workstream of the DREEF based on lessons learned, and providing PUE-related training and awareness to internal and external teams and partners. 
• Participate in industry conferences and workshops to represent DREEF and expand our network in the renewable energy industry, as well as stay abreast of technological advancements in the PUE industry. 
• Participate in industry opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements in the project development process of the DREEF. 

Expected Outcomes 

• A comprehensive feasibility report outlining the project's technical, economic, and financial viability with a focus on PUE integration. 
• A concise technical project PUE summary, including key findings and recommendations specific to PUE applications. 
• Detailed PUE element technical specification details and engineering drawings. 
• A well-structured project implementation plan for PUE initiatives, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies. 
• A document providing a detailed selection of technically, financially and legally acceptable OEM for PUE equipment and integration along with acceptable alternatives. 
• Identification and engagement of a skilled team for PUE project implementation. 
• Quantitative models for developing viable and scalable business and finance models for PUE investments. 
• Financial documentation required for project approvals, due diligence, and compliance with investor requirements. 
• A financial model working with the finance manager that accurately reflects project specifications, costs, and revenue projections for PUE components. 
• Detailed PUE reports and presentations for clients, stakeholders, and internal teams. 
• Documentation of lessons learned from PUE initiatives and recommendations for the PUE workstream of the DREEF. 
• Engagement and partnership-building documentation with local communities, businesses, NGOs, government agencies, donor agencies, and private sector entities. 
• A framework for monitoring and evaluating the performance and impact of PUE initiatives within DRE projects. 
• A mini-grid with PUE implementable initiatives and systems to improve capacity utilization to minimum of 95% in foreseeable future. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Economics, Business Administration, Agricultural Economics or a related discipline; a Master's degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable. 
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience years of experience in renewable energy project development, with a specific focus on PUE. 
• Strong understanding of the technical aspects of renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, biomass, and mini-grid technologies. 
• Proven track record in managing and implementing distributed renewable energy projects including knowledge of energy storage solutions and their integration with renewable energy systems. 
• Experience in conducting feasibility studies and providing technical and financial support for renewable energy initiatives. 
• Ability to develop and implement strategies for integrating PUE into renewable energy projects including strong analytical skills to assess project viability and impact. 
• Experience in financial modelling, budgeting, and cost analysis for renewable energy projects. 
• Familiarity with securing funding and investment for energy projects, including preparing proposals and business cases. 
• Proven ability to engage with local communities, businesses, NGOs, government agencies, donor agencies, and private sector entities to build partnerships and foster collaboration. Experience of such partnerships to support PUE initiatives is an added advantage. 
• Capacity to develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks. 
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines. 
• Experience in developing and delivering training programs related to project finance. 
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and guide teams towards achieving the goals of the PUE workstream. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including expertise in MS Office suite. 
• A strong team player with a proven capacity to work independently.