East Africa Ag/Energy Advisor, BTG at RTI International

East Africa Ag/Energy Advisor is responsible for supporting productive use models of off-grid energy to strengthen agricultural value chains and rural livelihoods in East Africa. This is a full-time role based in Nairobi, Kenya. This position reports to BTG Cross Cutting Team Leader.

Responsibilities:

• Lead all activities relating to ag/energy nexus in East Africa, including conducting assessments, identification of highest impact opportunities, contributing to annual work plans, implementing approved activities, and reporting on progress
• Identify and advance opportunities to promote partnerships and facilitate introductions between off-grid companies and agricultural value chain actors, including farmer cooperatives, extension agencies, bulk-buyers, and input suppliers.
• Support off-grid companies in developing, refining and scaling up productive use business models in East Africa
• Advise BTG country advisors in East Africa on issues relating to the ag/energy nexus and agricultural value chains
• Help off-grid companies to identify and prepare financial applications for grants and other sources of funding; review grant and commercial finance applications to ensure comprehensive and
• Support investors and financial institutions in designing financial products targeted at productive uses of off-grid energy
• Coordinate with USAID missions in East Africa to align BTG ag/energy activities with other economic growth programs, such as Feed the Future.
• Perform other duties related to ensure accomplishment of relevant project objectives as assigned by direct supervisor

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a relevant technical field and 12 years’ relevant experience including substantive field experience in Africa
• Prior experience with the energy-agriculture-water nexus
• Demonstrated, strong experience with community engagement, consultative processes, community land rights and issues,
• Demonstrated experience with pay-as-you go, microcredit, micro-entrepreneurship models, community credit (such as Grameen bank), establishment of creditworthiness/credit history
• Demonstrated understanding of economic and business constraints to rural agribusiness
• Possess excellent organizational and analytical skills;
• Strong verbal and written English communications skills