Location: Nairobi, Kenya; Kigali, Rwanda; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Office Flex)
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Bonus: Not specified
Experience Level: Executive (15+ years)
Application Deadline: August 19, 2026
Work Type: Full-Time
About World Resources Institute (WRI)
This is where global insight meets local transformation.
World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization working to improve lives, protect nature, and stabilize the climate. With over 2,000 staff across more than 50 countries, WRI operates at the intersection of data, policy, and action, driving systemic change across energy, food, land, water, and cities.
For over three decades in Africa, WRI has partnered with governments, institutions, and communities to advance clean energy transitions, restore landscapes, and build resilient cities.
The Opportunity
This role is a strategic leadership mandate at the heart of Africa’s energy transition.
You will lead the Africa Energy Program, shaping its long-term vision, directing execution, and scaling impact across the continent. From influencing policy to building partnerships and mobilizing capital, this role positions you as a central architect of equitable energy systems in Africa.
This is not just leadership. This is legacy work.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership
Lead the development of the Africa Energy Program strategy, defining long-term priorities and outcomes
Direct efforts toward high-impact opportunities across energy access, clean transitions, finance, and circularity
Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team across regions
Build and maintain partnerships with governments, private sector, academia, and civil society
Drive fundraising strategy and secure multi-year funding through donor engagement
Collaborate with senior leadership across WRI to align energy initiatives with broader organizational goals
Program Management
Oversee a diverse portfolio of donor-funded initiatives across Africa
Manage program finances in coordination with operations leadership
Guide annual planning processes to align with strategic priorities
Define success metrics with M&E teams and monitor program performance
Identify risks and adapt strategies to ensure delivery and impact
Strengthen partnerships and ensure effective collaboration across stakeholders
Research, Knowledge & Engagement
Shape research direction and thought leadership for the Africa Energy Program
Lead development of high-impact knowledge products, including reports and digital tools
Ensure quality and rigor through peer review processes
Drive clear and compelling communication of program insights
Represent WRI in media, conferences, and high-level stakeholder engagements
Engage with board members and global energy leaders to influence strategy
Requirements
Core Qualifications
Advanced degree in clean energy, international development, environmental policy, or related field
Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in the energy sector
At least 10 years of program implementation and project management experience
Technical Expertise
Strong understanding of energy markets, technologies, and policy frameworks
Proven experience in quantitative research and analytical outputs
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
Domain Knowledge
Deep familiarity with Africa’s energy landscape and development challenges
Experience engaging across public, private, and civil society sectors
Proven track record of fundraising at a multimillion-dollar scale
Professional Strengths
Exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills
Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability
Ability to operate across cultures and diverse environments
Mindset Fit
Strategic thinker with execution discipline
Collaborative leader with influence and credibility
Passionate about sustainable development and energy equity
Benefits & Perks
Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
Access to WRI’s global network of experts and practitioners
Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning
Flexible hybrid work model with adaptable hours
Generous leave policy that increases with tenure
Inclusive and mission-driven workplace culture
Why This Role Matters
Africa’s energy future will shape the world’s climate trajectory.
This role sits at the center of that transformation, turning strategy into systems, partnerships into progress, and ambition into measurable outcomes.
You are not just leading a program. You are helping define how a continent powers its future.
Apply
Ready to lead at the frontier of Africa’s clean energy transition?