Position Summary

MC-E4i runs programs that seek to reduce poverty by accelerating access to clean energy, helping businesses and communities make better use of that expanded access and working with the private sector to support the sustainability of these efforts. E4i supports the development and growth of privately owned SME’s and micro businesses, which deliver renewable energy products and services to the poor in rural and urban settings. We advise energy access SMEs on commercial, financial and engineering matters and help them secure the resources they need to grow. We run pilots to test new products and business models to expand into markets.

The Program Director is the ultimate accountability point for E4i, owning the vision, application, and development of their technical team. This position will oversee the portfolio of E4i programs direction, liaise with relevant donors while leading the technical components of the portfolio of programs. This will include supporting the team with program strategy, partner management, technical implementation, and inputs and accountability to the overall portfolio budget management. The Director supervises a team of technical experts, providing feedback and guiding growth, and coordinating team movement and activities.

Finally, the Program Director will work with the Sr. Director of Climate & Water Security, the E4i team and other relevant teams to establish an updated vision and expansion plan. This will include an operational strategy, updated service offerings and pathways towards greater coordination with Mercy Corps country, regional and global teams.

Essential Responsibilities

STRATEGIC VISION AND LEADERSHIP

• Set, communicate, and apply a clear strategic vision and expansion plan (operational strategy, updated service offerings) with E4i’s new operating structure; Ensure it is updated to reflect ongoing learning, and emerging capacities.
• Identify strategic partners and develop relationships in collaboration with relevant program area teams.
• Lead efforts to build and develop relationships with energy access donors and funders to support new funding opportunities.
• Manage the balance of strategy development, program design and implementation, knowledge management and technical influence.

PROGRAM PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

• Ensure that program implementation is responsive to implementing partners’ and donor needs, and consistent with Mercy Corps’ relevant program guidelines, principles, values, quality standards and strategic plan.
• Serve as point person for all matters related to subaward execution and amendments. If relevant.
• Ensure program implementation is on time, target and budget, using effective M&E systems to reach desired impacts.
• Provide leadership and accountability for team to maintain systems ensuring effective and transparent use of financial resources for timely and informative reporting in line with donor and Mercy Corps policies and procedures.
• Fulfill Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
• Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.
• Will be main point of accountability for all donor reports. Ensure that program reporting is clear, accurate and up to date, that program budgets are well managed and that key program risks are identified and mitigated.