Project Manager - Distributed Renewable Energy-Agriculture Modalities (Contingent to Donor Funding)

Strategic Project Management & Coordination:

• Lead the implementation of the DREAM project, ensuring alignment with SNV’s objectives and donor requirements.
• Maintain strong communication with GEAPP, AfDB, the Ministry of Water and Energy, and other governmental institutions such as the Agricultural Technological Institute (ATI).
• Apply adaptive management strategies to navigate the complexities of a blended finance model and support the minigrid developer through the mini-grid development process including the due diligence.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison between SNV, GEAPP, AfDB, and the Ethiopian government entities.
• Facilitate collaboration between the minigrid developer (RVE.SOL) and financial partners to ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Engage with local communities to support energy adoption strategies and facilitate productive use of energy (PUE) initiatives.

Technical Expertise in Energy & Water Systems:

• Oversee the integration of energy and irrigation systems, ensuring a market-driven approach for water access.
• Coordinate with inhouse experts and external partners in PUE to introduce complementary energy uses such as e-cooking and other identified productive applications.
• Support the private sector partner in developing an efficient service delivery model for irrigation and other energy applications.

Financial & Grant Management:

• Manage the grant disbursement process to the minigrid developer based on milestone achievements.
• Ensure compliance with financial procedures and donor guidelines.
• Work closely with administrative and financial teams to oversee budget execution and reporting.

Institutional Coordination & Community Engagement:

• Facilitate inter-institutional coordination between government agencies, donors, and private sector actors in the promotion of mini-grid development and PUE.
• Lead efforts to enhance community adoption of minigrid energy services and irrigation solutions.
• Develop capacity-building initiatives to strengthen local market systems and ensure project sustainability.

The PM oversees accounting and reporting to SNV, donors, and partners, ensuring compliance with auditing, regulatory requirements, and project closure, including a smooth transition if a follow-up phase is initiated.

Additionally, the PM adheres to SNV standards, project management approaches, and donor regulations to maintain high-quality execution and achieve the project’s agreed results and deliverables