Private Sector Specialist

The Private Sector Specialist will support the International Solar Alliance (ISA) through the collection, analysis, and presentation of data on renewable energy (solar) investment needs and opportunities specifically in relation to private sector contributions and engagements in solar energy. The Private Sector Specialist will be responsible for leading the private sector engagement activities of ISA. The Specialist will design and lead implementation of public-private partnerships, policy interventions in support of the private sector. S/he will report to the Chief of Unit, Programmes and Projects Implementation.

Policies, Strategy and Planning

• Lead the development of initiatives and activities by exploring, implementing, and advocating for opportunities to engage the private sector specifically in the field of solar energy project implementation.
• Establishment of a strategic platform facilitating policy dialogue, transfer, and engagement for private sector solar energy expertise in various countries/regions
• Identify, assess, and recommend potential private sector partners and partnership opportunities.
• Analysis of baseline/situations with identification of needs and opportunities for renewable energy technologies relating to energy in specific countries/regions
• Analysis of political, institutional, regulatory, economic, and technological factors, identification of barriers to overcome for the expansion of solar energies.
• Prepare comprehensive private sector stakeholder analysis and consultations with other actors in the sector and opportunities for collaboration for ISA, including international donors with actual or potential interest in the renewable (solar) energy sector.
• Support in the drafting of a strategy for significantly expanding private sector engagement in the renewable energy sector for ISA.
• Strategize business and entrepreneurial skills development and enhancing access to small-scale financing for renewable energy solutions
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to and with the private sector.

Project Development and Partnerships:

• Lead the Project development and partnerships in the renewable energy.
  (solar) sector for ISA in conjunction with private sector organizations at the Regional and sub-regional level• Draft concept notes and full proposals
• Draft a resource mobilization action plan with identification of key private sector players for renewable energy in various countries/regions.
• Organization and participation in meetings and communication with potential private sector partners;
• Maintain a database of private sector investments in ISA member countries.
• Represent ISA on private sector issues at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with private sector industry collaborators and donors.

Technical Support:

• Provide technical expertise on private sector energy issues, such as the development of strategies for outreach to the private sector, the provision of technical advice and best practices in the private sector, globally and within the respective ISA regions.
• Provide technical leadership for the design, formalization, and management of innovative business models and projects for mobilizing private sector investments.
• Provide technical assistance to project stakeholders relative to the structuring private sector projects and outreach to the private sector.
• Provide technical support to the implementation of private sector projects and studies in the renewable energy sector in relation to solar energy
• Draft pre-feasibility studies, site assessments, Terms of Reference, and other activities involved in the preparation and implementation of private sector projects in the solar energy sector.
• Supervise development of new financial instruments and blended financing facilities to leverage private sector investments.

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in business administration, economics, finance, electrical engineering, engineering, renewable energy, civil engineering or another relevant discipline from an accredited university.
• A bachelor’s degree, with four additional years of relevant experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of demonstrable relevant experience in the technical area of renewable energy systems, energy access, development infrastructure, power generation, electricity transmission and/or power distribution (on and off grid), with at least 5 years of relevant experience with private sector development and facilitation of private sector engagement, preferably in the international development context.
• Field level private sector project implementation experience is highly required.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have at least 3 years of relevant international and field experience.
• Language and IT skills
• The role demands substantial writing and verbal communications skills. As English is the official and working language of the Organization, excellent command of both written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of other languages (i.e., French, Spanish and Arabic) would be an advantage.
• Satisfactory skills in Outlook, MS Office products, and various ERP systems is highly desirable.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organization headquartered in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of India. The vision and mission of the ISA is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of the ISA Member Countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.