Tanzania Country Coordinator at RTI International
Job Overview
Tanzania Country Coordinator
Dar es Salaam
RTI International
RTI is an independent, nonprofit institute that provides research, development, and technical services to government and commercial clients worldwide.
Overview
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a not-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 6,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects. RTI’s Sustainable Growth & Resilience (SG&R) technical unit within the International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. SG&R will leverage RTI’s experience designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to respond to climate change, build resilience, and promote economic growth around the world.
Project Description
The USAID funded Empowering East and Central Africa (EECA) program will increase the availability of and access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and clean energy in East and Central Africa with a focus on ending energy poverty, accelerating a carbon free future, and bolstering energy sector investment and innovation. EECA will support the accelerated connection of more East and Central African homes, businesses, and institutions to reliable electricity and increase its productive use; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector by supporting cleaner electricity generation and just energy transitions; and increase energy sector investment, working in partnership with East and Central African governments to improve the enabling environment for the energy sector.
Position Description
The Tanzania Country Coordinator will be based in Tanzania and will work with USAID, government institutions, energy sector entities, private sector, development partners, and relevant civil society groups and NGOs. This position will oversee and manage all activities for the program in the assigned country. The Tanzania Country Coordinator is expected to provide energy sector technical support and serve as coordinator and champion for project activities being led by other divisions of our project team for both on and off-grid energy activities. They will supervise Tanzania Off-Grid Specialist and report to the East Africa Regional Lead.
Responsibilities
Support energy sector entities and decision-makers to advance their energy strategic and economic growth goals in both on and off-grid power development: The coordinator will work closely with energy sector stakeholders, including private companies, government agencies, and industry associations, to help them develop and implement effective energy strategies that align with national goals and economic growth objectives. This may involve providing technical expertise, conducting research and analysis, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders.
Support planning of clean generation and transmission expansion in line with national goals: This includes contributing to the development and implementation of national energy plans that prioritize the expansion of clean generation and transmission infrastructure. This may involve analyzing energy needs, assessing potential renewable energy resources, and designing and planning transmission networks in collaboration with relevant institutions.
Track and monitor power transaction developments towards financial close and commissioning: The coordinator will closely monitor the progress of power projects from the initial stages of planning, through all the key stages to financing and identify areas of EECA support. This may involve tracking project milestones, identifying potential risks and challenges, and providing timely solutions and updates to stakeholders.
Provide technical assistance to energy sector entities including private companies, government, and industry associations: This involves providing expert advice and support to a wide range of energy sector stakeholders, including private developers, government agencies, and industry associations. This may involve conducting technical assessments, developing training programs, and providing guidance on regulatory compliance.
Collaborate with industry partners to identify and develop solutions for accelerated clean energy solutions: Work with industry partners to identify and implement innovative solutions that can accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. This may involve participating in research and development initiatives, promoting best practices, and facilitating knowledge sharing.
Support Utilities as they improve performance, build staff capacity to evaluate bids, review project designs, build shadow financial models, and review PPAs: The coordinator will provide technical assistance and capacity building to utilities to help them improve their overall performance and efficiency. This may involve training staff on financial modeling, bid evaluation, and power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiation or other needs as per Utilities request and may be conducted by self or with partners.
Provide support to densify grid connections and facilitate faster, cheaper utility connections: This involves helping utilities to identify ways through which they can densify their grid networks to accommodate increased demand for electricity and facilitate faster and more affordable connections for new customers. This may involve developing grid expansion plans, optimizing grid operations, and streamlining connection procedures.
Strengthen the capacity of the Energy Regulator to develop and establish fair and robust regulatory processes: This will require the coordinator to provide support and expertise to the energy regulator to identify, support them in the development and implementation of effective regulatory frameworks that promote fair competition, protect consumer interests, and encourage investment in the energy sector.
Building relationships with power development entities throughout Tanzania: This involves establishing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Tanzanian energy sector. This may involve networking with industry leaders, government officials, and development partners.
Report weekly to EECA leadership and routine reporting to USAID and adhoc reports on progress: Provide regular updates to EECA leadership and USAID on the progress of projects and initiatives. This will involve preparing weekly reports, quarterly reports, and ad hoc reports as needed.
Serve as the EECA focal point in Tanzania: This entails maintaining open communication with key team members to ensure prompt and effective resolution of country-specific concerns.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience, master’s degree and 10 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5 years’ of relevant experience in the power sector in a utility, independent power producer or other related power entity.
Experienced in Project Management, strategy, regulatory, public policy, sector regulation in the Tanzania Energy/Power sector.
Experienced in Planning and Reporting on a regular basis including annual, Quarterly, monthly.
Demonstrated strong network within the Tanzanian government energy sector institutions.
Good writing and communication skills in English.
Must be able to work in Tanzania
Equal Pay Act Minimum/Range: Min TZS. 4,121,939.17
As a global employer of choice, RTI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace and the communities and markets where we serve our mission. We value diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective and welcome applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, creed, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable discrimination laws or RTI policy.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Further information is available here.
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