Energy Manager Upemba Landscape
Role Summary
Join Forgotten Parks as an Energy Manager to lead energy strategy development for Upemba Landscape, integrating sustainable solutions for communities and conservation.
About the Organisation
As part of its sustainable development strategy for the Upemba Landscape, Forgotten Parks (FP) is strengthening its approach to renewable energy and sustainable energy infrastructure for Upemba National Park (PNU), surrounding communities and economic activities.
The Upemba Landscape has significant potential for diverse energy solutions, including solar, hydropower, battery storage and hybrid systems. These solutions must be developed through an integrated approach that considers technical feasibility, economic and financial viability, institutional requirements, community needs, operational constraints and conservation objectives.
FP is therefore seeking an Energy Manager – Upemba Landscape to lead the development and implementation of the Landscape's energy strategy. This is not a purely technical position. The Energy Manager will be FP's strategic focal point for energy, responsible for identifying opportunities, structuring projects, mobilizing expertise and partners, and supporting projects from concept through financing and implementation.
The position will work closely with FP/PNU management, the Field Operations Manager, the Development Manager, the Business Sustainability Models Expert, conservation and community teams, and external consultants, developers, investors, private companies, government institutions and technical and financial partners.
Key Responsibilities
A. Energy Strategy and Planning
B. Technology Assessment
C. Project Development and Financing
D. Partnerships and Institutional Engagement
The Energy Manager will act as FP/PNU's main external focal point for energy-related matters and will:
E. Partner Selection and Procurement
Working with management, development, procurement and technical specialists:
F. Strategic Oversight of Implementation
The Energy Manager will provide strategic and technical oversight, rather than day-to-day construction supervision.
G. Sustainability and Business Models
In collaboration with management, the Development Manager and the Business Sustainability Models Expert:
H. Coordination, Reporting and Knowledge Management
- Lead the development and implementation of the Upemba Landscape Energy Strategy.
- Assess current and future energy needs and identify key gaps and opportunities.
- Develop a prioritized, multi-year energy investment roadmap.
- Ensure coherence between individual energy projects and the overall Landscape strategy.
- Monitor developments in renewable energy and decentralized energy systems.
- Assess and compare solar, hydropower, hybrid systems, battery storage, mini-grids, solar home/productive-use systems and other relevant technologies.
- Evaluate options against technical, economic, environmental and operational criteria.
- Challenge and review technical proposals from consultants, suppliers and developers.
- Provide strategic recommendations to management on technology choices.
- Develop and maintain a pipeline of priority energy projects.
- Lead the transformation of opportunities into technically, economically and financially structured projects.
- Coordinate feasibility studies, market assessments, business plans and financial models.
- Work with engineers, financial experts, legal advisors and other specialists as required.
- Develop bankable investment proposals for donors, investors, financial institutions and private-sector partners.
- Explore grants, concessional finance, blended finance, private investment and PPP opportunities.
- Work closely with the Business Sustainability Models Expert to develop viable business and operating models.
- Maintain relationships with relevant national and provincial energy authorities and institutions in DRC.
- Engage with local authorities and other landscape stakeholders.
- Identify and develop relationships with energy developers, EPC companies, mini-grid operators, technology providers, investors and financial institutions.
- Represent FP/PNU in relevant energy sector meetings and platforms.
- Monitor regulatory and policy developments affecting energy projects in DRC.
- Identify partnership, investment and funding opportunities.
- Develop partnership and procurement strategies for energy projects.
- Support the preparation of EOIs, ToRs and tender documents.
- Identify potential developers and operators.
- Coordinate competitive selection processes.
- Participate in technical and financial evaluations and negotiations.
- Monitor the performance of selected partners.
- Coordinating and reviewing technical studies and designs.
- Monitoring project compliance with agreed technical and performance standards.
- Managing and coordinating consultants and specialized contractors.
- Participating in key validation, commissioning and handover stages.
- Identifying technical, financial and operational risks and recommending corrective measures.
- Ensuring that solutions are appropriate for local operation, maintenance and long-term sustainability.
- Develop sustainable operating and governance models for energy infrastructure.
- Assess options including private operators, community management, cooperatives and PPP models.
- Support the development of appropriate tariff and revenue models.
- Ensure long-term coverage of operation and maintenance costs.
- Monitor the economic and operational performance of energy projects.
- Ensure energy projects are integrated with PNU's wider conservation, community development, infrastructure and economic development programs.
- Establish a portfolio monitoring system and key performance indicators.
- Report regularly to management on strategy implementation and project development.
- Document lessons learned, opportunities and best practices.
- Prepare strategic presentations and technical/investment documents for management, donors and partners.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements are unclear; further investigation may be needed.
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