RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Engility Corporation, building on IRG’s legacy in international development, is currently seeking aSenior Transaction Advisor for an anticipated USAID-funded Power Reforms project in Southern Africa Region. The project is intended to assist the country’s goals increasing electric power generation and renewables capacities, expanding transmission and distribution, and have committed to make the utility and energy sector reforms to pave the way for investment and growth. The goal is to remove the power constraints to economic growth and spur trade and investment, while mitigating long-term greenhouse gas emissions trajectories. The project will serve as a catalyst that will spark a transformation in South Africa’s energy and power sector. The immediate outcome will be increased supply of and access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for millions of people and the enhanced responsible and transparent management of energy resources.
In support of the project, USAID has identified a number of interventions designed to:
- facilitate the development and financial close of power generation and renewables, transmission and distribution transactions,
- and (ii) support the adoption and implementation of policy, regulatory, and enabling environment reforms in support of greater private sector engagement and investment in the energy and power sector in Southern Africa.
Transaction Selection/Pipeline Development
- Act as both originator and driver of priority projects under the initiative to deliver results.
- Coordinate closely with USAID Mission and other USG agencies and entities. The advisor will need to understand the available funding of private sector, International Financial Institutions and USG mechanisms, funding constraints, and develop a relationship with key stakeholders.
- Assist in analyzing the potential transactions to select those that may be assisted in achieving financial closure and present recommendations to USAID or prioritizing among the selected transactions.
- Review and prepare an analysis of promising private sector driven, high‐impact energy projects and carry out preliminary due diligence (i.e. Project merit, competence of project sponsor, risk factors, etc.). This will include identifying available funding sources and potential for USG Assistance.
- Maintain close relationships with important private sector and government actors, including project developers, regulatory bodies, commercial banks, investment funds, and other donors.
Transaction Advisory Services and Capacity Building
- Develop strategies that address capacity shortcomings and thus contribute to accelerated implementation of the IPP framework and adoption of policy reform and project implementation.
- Assist in accelerating closing on priority transactions by providing independent advice to host government decision makers as needed to achieve project milestones.
- Provide technical assistance on prioritizing projects and preparing standardized transaction documents for energy projects.
- Provide guidance, expertise and direction to host ministry and/or applicable ministries on adoption of reforms necessary to increase private sector investment.
- Promote due attention to issues concerning environment, social soundness, clean energy, climate change, gender and energy, poverty and energy, and the like.
- Liaise with other implementing partners, in particular those involved in providing advisory services.
Monitoring and Progress Reporting
- Develop accountability and monitoring mechanism for tracking progress of goals/objectives.
- Identify and track key milestones required to complete transactions, and recommend courses of action for expediting transactions.
- Conduct regular reporting and check-ins with the host country Government and USAID parties.
- Liaise on a regular basis with the USAID Mission and members of the USG Working Group in country.
This is a contingent position based on funding from the customer.
MINIMUM TANGIBLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced University degree in a relevant discipline.
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant investment experience, including developing country work, in origination, structuring/execution and post deal maintenance of various power sector transactions.
- Extensive experience in power and energy sector transactions in developing countries, including Southern Africa.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 15 years of experience working directly for large-scale power, energy and renewable projects funded by international development banks, reputable commercial banks, and private investors.
- 5 years of prior work experience in the Southern Africa energy sector and understanding of clean and renewable energy best practices in the Southern African context preferred.
