The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) in Sierra Leone, collaborating with the government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United State of America, delivers projects under the $500 million compact that address development challenges in the country through the implementation of the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project and the Distribution and Access Project.

Position Objective

The Director, Distribution and Access manages the project that seeks to increase reliable delivery and consumption of electricity in Sierra Leone, while reducing barriers to access in selected communities.  Oversight to project design and delivery is central to the MCA’s mission and establishing a reputation for quality and reliability in national development and highlighted in this position’s responsibilities. The Director, Distribution and Access will demonstrate adaptive capacity to address emerging challenges throughout the compact life cycle, liaise with varied stakeholder and actively resolve their needs. The Director, Distribution and Access will also sustain the relevance of the project and will position the MCA to deliver on the objectives of the Compact.

·Supervise and manage a team, providing oversight of employees’ performance and providing guidance, support, and developmental feedback.

·Monitor, evaluate, and communicate project progress with MCC and MCA counterparts, making necessary adjustments to address emerging issues, risks, or opportunities,

·Establish and maintain strong relationships with government counterparts, local authorities, project beneficiaries, and other local stakeholders.

·Advise teams on optimal approaches to resource management, project planning, and delivery to align to wider MCA program strategies, frameworks, and budgets.

·Act as Contract Manager for all contracts related to the Distribution and Access Project.

·Sustain oversight of awarded contract performance via reviewing and approving high level contractor work plans and resource plans and negotiating any changes to project deliverables as necessary.

. With MCA and MCC-relevant counterparts, ensure project compliance with Environment and Social Performance, Gender and Social Inclusion, Monitoring & Evaluation, and any other MCC or government requirements.

·Collaborate with the Management Oversight Social and Environmental Support (MOSES) team.

·Represent the MCA at external meetings, conferences, and other events, promoting its achievements and best practices and contributing to the broader development discourse.

. Ensure compliance with internationally donor-funded project requirements and procedures, including procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards, and other applicable policies and guidelines.

· Minimum of ten years of experience managing large-scale power infrastructure projects in emerging markets.

·Minimum of seven years in a managerial role supervising a team and overseeing project development.

·Minimum of five years of experience with contract/contractor performance management, including developing terms of reference, contract award, monitoring quality and performance, and negotiating amendments and damages.

·Proven technical and commercial experience with distributed generation (DG), independent power producers (IPP), and power system operation, distribution dispatch operations, and distribution planning at national and regional levels.

·Demonstrated experience managing a large program with an average annual turnover of at least USD 10 million.

·Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills, with evidence of effective collaboration across departments and international teams.

·Experience with international norms and standards in managing donor-funded projects, preferably with organizations like MCC, World Bank, USAID, or other international development agencies.

·Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government stakeholders in the energy sector, with preference for experience in Sierra Leone.

·Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English; communication skills in Krio strongly desired.