Energy Director, WRI Africa

ENERGY DIRECTOR, WRI AFRICA World Resources Institute (WRI) is seeking an experienced Energy Director to lead its Africa Energy Program across our offices in Kenya, Ethiopia, or Rwanda. This is a strategic leadership role that combines program oversight, research direction, and donor engagement to advance clean energy transitions and equitable energy access across the African continent. ABOUT THE ROLE In this position, you will direct the comprehensive Africa Energy Program, shaping its strategic vision and ensuring delivery of high-impact outcomes. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, manage program finances, oversee diverse donor-funded initiatives, and establish yourself as a key WRI thought leader on Africa's energy systems. Your work will span energy access and equitable development, clean energy transitions, clean energy finance, and energy minerals with circular economy approaches. Your responsibilities will be divided across three primary areas: Strategic Leadership (40% of your time), where you develop long-term program strategy, supervise team members, manage stakeholder partnerships, and lead fundraising efforts; Program Management (30% of your time), overseeing project portfolios, monitoring performance, and managing partnerships; and Research, Knowledge and Engagement (30% of your time), directing thought leadership initiatives, advancing research lines, and representing WRI as an energy sector expert. WHAT YOU BRING You possess an advanced degree in clean energy, international development, environmental policy, environmental science, or a closely related field. You have a minimum of 15 years of full-time professional experience in the energy sector, with at least 10 years directing program implementation and project management. Your background should include demonstrated expertise in energy markets, technology, and policy; proven ability to build partnerships across governments, civil society, and private sector organizations at multiple scales; successful fundraising experience at multimillion-dollar levels; and a track record of producing high-quality quantitative research and analysis. You demonstrate strong credibility with donors and sector stakeholders, coupled with excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. French language proficiency is highly desirable. You are an experienced cross-cultural communicator comfortable engaging diverse constituencies and bringing people together around shared objectives. ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS You must have valid work authorization for Kenya, Ethiopia, or Rwanda at the time of application. WRI does not provide visa sponsorship for these positions. WHAT WRI OFFERS Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus comprehensive benefits package. Access to WRI's global network of researchers and practitioners across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Opportunity to drive meaningful impact within a mission-driven research organization with professional development and learning opportunities. A workplace committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Hybrid working arrangements with flexible hours and generous leave that increases with tenure. TO APPLY Submit your resume and cover letter through the WRI Careers portal. Application deadline is 18 August 2026.