Jobs at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

About Nigeria Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF)

• Nigeria’s Net Zero ambition is based on a transition to full electrification of the economy by 2060 – 250 GW of installed capacity (90% renewable), 80% of the fleet from EV, and clean cooking for 80% of the population.
• Reaching such targets requires innovative financing and first-loss investments (such as catalytic grants) in technological improvements, productive energy, fuel switching in priority sectors, business model iteration, and scaling for universal access, skills, and job creation in ET priority sectors.
• In the context of the Financial Cooperation with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, KfW, on behalf of BMZ, intends to set up a new Challenge Fund mechanism to contribute to implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
• The mechanism will form part of the broader development cooperation activities between Nigeria and Germany in the energy space. The “Energy Transition Challenge Fund” (ETCF) will co-finance projects from the public and private sectors to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency-enhancing investments, and the expansion of vocational training opportunities in renewable energies and energy efficiency.
• A demand-driven, competitive application mechanism will be used to systematically select the projects with the highest impact potential on the requested grant funds. The selection of projects will be made through an internationally experienced Project Executing Agency (PEA) based on clear evaluation criteria that will be jointly agreed upon with the partner site before launch.
• The ETCF will be launched with an initial funding of EUR 20 Mio (grant funding). Depending on its success and available funding, the mechanism could be further expanded in the coming years.

About the Role

• The Senior Portfolio Officer will manage the ETCF portfolio of companies in Nigeria, focusing on energy access for households and institutional clients, including solar home systems (SHS), clean cooking solutions, and technical and vocational education (TVET) institutions.
• The incumbent will lead the technical and grants management support for the ETCF portfolio of projects.
• The role holder will work collaboratively with the Country Program Lead and other internal stakeholders, process grants, and coordinate technical assistance for a portfolio of companies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the portfolio construction including promoting competitions, developing scoring criteria, assessing applications, and drafting and presenting investment memos to internal and external investment committees.
• Support investees throughout the implementation, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to AECF’s grant implementation principles.
• Monitor grant implementation regularly to track milestones, compliance, timelines, and deliverables. This includes analyzing periodic reports, providing feedback, and visiting investees regularly.
• Analyze fund disbursement requests promptly and make recommendations.
• Prepare regular reports on investee performance, identify any significant deviations or delays to planned grant implementation, propose recommended courses of action, and, in consultation with relevant colleagues, work with investees to meet their performance obligations.
• Maintain strong working relations with investees (and service providers) professionally and efficiently to ensure value for money and to minimize the potential for fraud, inefficiency, and waste.
• Actively contribute to the portfolio learning agenda in alignment with AECF’s broader learning goals in collaboration with the Impact, Knowledge, and Insights team to enhance the fund’s reputation and capabilities, drive systemic change in relevant market systems across Africa, and support advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with the portfolio’s internal controls and risk management by the broader AECF Management Framework.
• Implement the program risk and mitigation framework in line with the overall AECF Risk and Compliance Management Framework.
• Ensure legal review and opinion on investments that require the legal department’s review.
• Contribute to the development of periodic management and donor reports.
• Contribute to proposal development for various potential program areas.
• Foster ongoing improvement of the portfolio through insights gained from continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, International Development, Social Sciences, Development Finance, or any other related field.
• At least seven years of experience in investment, grant-making expertise, due diligence processes, and grant management in the renewable energy sector.
• Possess extensive knowledge and understanding of program design and development, project cycle management, and financial budgeting and reporting.
• Experience working alongside a wide range of grantees/investees with skill and sensitivity, including private sector players and public institutions in Nigeria.
• Have an in-depth understanding of the work and challenges of renewable energy companies in Nigeria.
• The ability to develop and maintain effective and respectful relationships with investees and other industry stakeholders.
• Have an excellent command of English (both written and spoken).

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About Nigeria Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF)

• Nigeria’s Net Zero ambition is based on a transition to full electrification of the economy by 2060 – 250 GW of installed capacity (90% renewable), 80% of the fleet from EV, and clean cooking for 80% of the population.
• Reaching such targets requires innovative financing and first-loss investments (such as catalytic grants) in technological improvements, productive energy, fuel switching in priority sectors, business model iteration, and scaling for universal access, skills, and job creation in ET priority sectors.
• In the context of the Financial Cooperation with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, KfW, on behalf of BMZ, intends to set up a new Challenge Fund mechanism to contribute to implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP).
• The mechanism will form part of the broader development cooperation activities between Nigeria and Germany in the energy space. The “Energy Transition Challenge Fund” (ETCF) will co-finance projects from the public and private sectors to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency-enhancing investments, and the expansion of vocational training opportunities in renewable energies and energy efficiency.
• A demand-driven, competitive application mechanism will be used to systematically select the projects with the highest impact potential on the requested grant funds. The selection of projects will be made through an internationally experienced Project Executing Agency (PEA) based on clear evaluation criteria that will be jointly agreed upon with the partner site before launch.
• The ETCF will be launched with an initial funding of EUR 20 Mio (grant funding). Depending on its success and available funding, the mechanism could be further expanded in the coming years.

About the Role

• The Junior Analyst will assist in evaluating, managing, and monitoring grant applications and investment opportunities for the Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF).
• The role will involve conducting financial analysis, drafting investment memos, supporting grant processing, and contributing to portfolio management activities.
• The incumbent will work closely with the senior portfolio officers and other team members to ensure the effective allocation of resources and the successful implementation of funded projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the assessment of grant applications, ensuring they meet established criteria and align with ETCF’s objectives.
• Coordinate with internal teams to support the grant approval process.
• Conduct financial analysis and due diligence on potential investment opportunities.
• Assist in the preparation of investment reports.
• Monitor the performance of existing investments, providing regular updates to Senior Portfolio Officers.
• Support the management of investees, ensuring investments are on track and objectives are being met.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of portfolio management practices.
• Contribute to preparing detailed reports on grant and investment activities, including financial performance and impact assessments.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all grant and investment transactions.
• Communicate effectively with investees, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in grants and investment management.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in grants management, investment analysis, or a related field. Experience working in a non-profit or development finance environment will be an added advantage.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct financial analysis and interpret data.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiarity with financial modeling tools.
• Knowledgeable in the grant-making processes and investment evaluation methods.
• Possess analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• A commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• An excellent command of English (both written and verbal).

go to method of application »

About Nigeria Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF)

• Nigeria’s Net Zero ambition is based on a transition to full electrification of the economy by 2060 – 250 GW of installed capacity (90% renewable), 80% of the fleet from EV, and clean cooking for 80% of the population. Reaching such targets requires innovative financing and first-loss investments (such as catalytic grants) in technological improvements, productive energy, fuel switching in priority sectors, business model iteration, and scaling for universal access, skills, and job creation in ET priority sectors.
• In the context of the Financial Cooperation with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, KfW, on behalf of BMZ, intends to set up a new Challenge Fund mechanism to contribute to implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The mechanism will form part of the broader development cooperation activities between Nigeria and Germany in the energy space.
• The “Energy Transition Challenge Fund” (ETCF) will co-finance projects from the public and private sectors to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency-enhancing investments, and the expansion of vocational training opportunities in renewable energies and energy efficiency.
• A demand-driven, competitive application mechanism will be used to systematically select the projects with the highest impact potential on the requested grant funds. The selection of projects will be made through an internationally experienced Project Executing Agency (PEA) based on clear evaluation criteria that will be jointly agreed upon with the partner site before launch.
• The ETCF will be launched with an initial funding of EUR 20 Mio (grant funding). Depending on its success and available funding, the mechanism could be further expanded in the coming years.

About the Role

• The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Officer will ensure that the ETCF Programme adheres to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance standards.
• The incumbent will develop, implement, and monitor ESG strategies aligning with donor requirements and local regulations, ensuring the programme’s positive impact on communities and the environment.
• Additionally, the Officer will act as the custodian of the Grievance Response Mechanism (GRM), which includes administration of the complaints process, monitoring the handling of complaints, and suggesting changes to policies or practices based on lessons learned.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement ESG policies and strategies tailored to the specific needs of the energy transition project.
• Monitor changing laws, regulations, and corporate directives relating to E&S and update relevant documentation.
• Develop an E&S training framework for project staff and all the beneficiaries of the ETCF programme.
• Ensure the project meets international ESG standards, donor guidelines, and Nigerian regulatory requirements.
• Participate in selection of ETCF beneficiaries which will involve working with a team to mark concept notes; screen and categorize transactions based on their environmental and social risk, conduct environmental and social due diligence; and monitor the investee’s environmental and social performance following applicable E&S risk management framework (ESRMF).
• Support project beneficiaries’ preparation, review, and implementation of relevant safeguards instruments.
• Review all available information and documentation related to project environmental and social impacts and hazards; conduct an E&S appraisal of all prospective projects; and supervise the ongoing E&S performance of portfolio companies consistent with the material and the company’s policies and procedures.
• During the on-site due diligence phase, conduct site inspections, review facility-based records, and interview key staff and relevant stakeholders (regulatory officials, community leaders, suppliers, and customers) to identify E&S issues.
• Regularly monitor the recommendations for E&S for each investee to confirm implementation in collaboration with the portfolio team.
• Identification of beneficiaries that could be considered for E&S Technical Assistance.
• Prepare E&S reports on the portfolio for senior management or any other stakeholder as required.
• As the focal person for grievance management, the incumbent shall be involved in registering received grievances, tracking them, and participating in internal and external grievance committees.
• The Officer will also establish appropriate communication channels with the grievant(s) and ensure appropriate resolution/closure of all grievances reported.
• Build local capacity to manage and sustain ESG initiatives beyond the project’s lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• A strong understanding of ESG principles, with at least five years of experience in an ESG-related role, preferably in the energy sector, working on donor-funded projects.
• Knowledge of Nigerian environmental and social regulations and international ESG standards, as well as excellent analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Be a strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement ESG frameworks.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on sustainability.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural sensitivity and experience working in diverse environments.
• Willing to travel to project sites across Nigeria as needed.
• The ability to work in challenging environments, focusing on achieving project goals sustainably.

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About the Role

• The Driver will be responsible for providing safe and timely driving services to transport passengers and/or goods.
• The incumbent will safely operate vehicles, observing the country’s laws and organization’s policies on driving at all times to help ensure operational effectiveness in support of high-quality programming.
• The incumbent will ensure the safety and security of all passengers, pedestrians, other drivers, and vehicles.

Key Responsibilities

• Transport staff to their official destinations, handle office pick-ups, and deliver documents to partners.
• Plan to meet anticipated travel requirements and make all arrangements to ensure efficient services (fueling, pre-travel checks, required travel documents, equipment, spare parts and tools, vehicle cleaning, and persons traveling for packing instructions and timings).
• Ensure the logbook is maintained in the vehicle detailing trips, fuel, and service bookings daily.
• Always ensure the vehicle’svehicle’snd maintain the assigned vehicle’svehicle’sess.
• Monitor the repairs and maintenance needs of the assigned vehicle and report such needs and other concerns, incidents, accidents, or defects to the Country Program Lead.
• Ensure all procedures regarding safety, security, vehicle maintenance, and carrying unauthorized passengers or goods are adhered to.
• Ensure all necessary documentation, e.g., licenses, insurance, inspection, and others for the vehicle, are always valid, and advise the Country Program Lead about renewals of vehicle documents before the expiry dates.
• Responsible for fuel requisition for the vehicle, keying in all fuel used for the day, and analyzing consumption daily by recording starting and closing mileages.
• Ensure proper procedures are followed in case of an accident or incident, including reporting accidents and/or route changes due to security, bad weather, or road conditions.
• Deal effectively and tactfully with officials and visitors.
• Any other related duties that the Country Lead may assign from time to time.

Qualifications

• The minimum education requirement is a Diploma.
• Five (5) years of long-distance, off-road defensive driving experience.
• Have a valid B-C-E (Clean driving license) and a certificate of good conduct.
• Have defensive driving skills and first aid skills. Knowledge of the use of safety equipment will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in vehicle maintenance and repairs, knowledge of driving rules and regulations, chauffeur protocol, and courtesies on local roads and conditions.
• High level of motivation, integrity, commitment, and experience in a multicultural environment and being a team player.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrate strong people management, negotiation skills, cross-cultural solid skills, and versatility in dealing with partners and stakeholders.
• Be available to occasionally take weekend and night shifts and work long hours with minimal supervision.
• Basic mechanical knowledge, lifting heavy packages and luggage, and remaining calm in stressful driving situations (e.g., during rush hour) will be an added advantage.