Senior Energy Specialist at World Bank

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• IAWE4 seeks a Senior Energy Specialist based in Abuja (Nigeria) to lead the transmission and distribution engagement of Nigeria energy program. This would include leading World Bank engagement on regional energy trade, transmission investments, market reforms leading to creation of independent system operator, building capability of national transmission company (TCN) as well as work on reform and operational efficiency of distribution sector in Nigeria. The distribution engagement would include working with regulator (NERC), key Government agencies involved in reform coordination, states, FGN and private sector companies on key distribution investments including metering and infrastructure, lead IPF and PforR engagements for distribution and support distribution companies’ ability to absorb competitively procured solar power. The Senior Energy Specialist will also work intensively with states given increasing role of states in policy, regulations, distribution augmentation and energy access under new Electricity Law.
• The responsibilities of the selected candidate will include the following responsibilities in Nigeria:
• Leading the World Bank’s NETAP project of upto USD 500 million focusing on strengthening transmission infrastructure in Nigeria as well as implement SCADA in the country;
• Lead the engagement with Government and national transmission company (TCN) on market reforms including setting up Independent System Operator and building transmission capacity in Nigeria;
• Lead the regional integration dialogue in Nigeria including potential transmission links to neighboring West Africa Power Pool countries as well as strategic dialogue for building interconnection with Central Africa Power Pool countries like Cameroon;
• Co-lead the World Bank’s USD 500 million project on DISREP, focusing on critical investments in distribution companies through World Bank’s Investment Projects and Program for Results:
• Lead the dialogue with FGN and states in defining the transition to greater role of states in managing distribution and energy access investments, including analytical work on balance sheet restructuring or potential re-privatization/ nationalization of some Distribution companies;
• Be part of the dialogue with donors, governments, private sector, and development partners (including development finance institutions, NGOs, foundations, philanthropies) on various energy sector activities in Nigeria;
• Collaborate with teams across the WBG (including from IFC and MIGA) on potential new solutions on clean energy transition enabling private sector investments in Nigeria energy sector, including through competitive tender for solar projects;
• Work with FGN and regulatory agencies in analytical work on market reforms, distribution sector turnaround, energy transition, moving from single buyer market to potentially bilateral trading market for generation including changes to power purchase agreements;
• Contribute to the integrated power sector plans and least cost generation planning; and
• Be part of cross sectoral work in supporting Program Leader of Infrastructure in working with other sectors of agriculture, governance, and macro-economics on cross-sectoral development solutions for Nigeria’s sustainable development.
• Collaborate with other World Bank Group entities and Global Practices to leverage cross-sectoral expertise and financial instruments for DRE projects. This requisition is for WBG staff and external candidates.

Selection Criteria

• Advanced degree atleast at masters level in a relevant field of energy economics, energy finance or engineering (a bachelor in electrical engineering or similar technical field is highly preferred e.g., renewable energy, electrical engineering, energy economics);
• Minimum 8 years of experience in the energy sector, with preference for experience in transmission and/ or distribution sub sectors;
• Demonstrated expertise in technical work on procurement of transmission and distribution investments like transmission lines, sub stations, meters and Customer Management Systems;
• Strong understanding of the policy, regulatory, and financial arrangements in energy sector of developing countries with focus on energy utilities;
• Past experience on turnaround of distribution utilities would be preferred:
• Experience on working with private sector enabling policies and PPP structures especially in solar, transmission and distribution sub sectors;
• Proven track record in leading complex projects and reform dialogue with highest levels of Government on energy sector;
• Experience in working with governments, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders;
• Excellent analytical, communication, and team leadership skills.
• The ideal candidate will bring a combination of technical expertise, private sector experience, and strategic thinking to accelerate transmission and distribution investments and reforms in Nigeria.

COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge and Experience in Development Arena - Translates technical and cross-country knowledge into practical applications and contributions to country and sector strategies; interacts with clients at the policy level;
• Policy Dialogue Skills - Anticipates needs and requests in the field and conducts independent policy discussions with representatives of the government and non-government partners;
• Integrative Skills - Understands relevant cross-sectoral areas how they are interrelated; able to undertake cross-sectoral work in lending and non-lending operations;
• Energy Sector Technologies - Deep experience applying knowledge (hydrocarbon, power generation, transmission and distribution, renewables, and energy efficiency) to policy-related decisions and advice;
• Energy Policy, Strategy and Institutions - Solid understanding of energy policies, strategies, institutions, and regulations;
• Lead and Innovate – Develops innovative solutions with others.
• Deliver Results for Clients – Achieves results and identifies mission-driven solutions for clients.;
• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries – Initiates collaboration across boundaries and broadly across WBG, and brings differing ideas into the forefront;
• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge– Creates, applies and shares knowledge from across and outside the WBG to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions; and
• Make Smart Decisions – Recommends and takes decisive action.