DEPUTY ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGER 

Job Description

 JOB DESCRIPTION 

DEPUTY ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGER 

WHAT IS GERES ? 

Founded in 1976, Geres is an international development NGO working to improve living conditions and fight against climate change and its impacts. As a grassroots actor, Geres sees the energy transition as a key driver of its work.  To foster ambitious societal change, the organization promotes the development and dissemination of innovative  local solutions, supports local climate and energy policies, and mobilizes all stakeholders around the concept of  climate solidarity—encouraging them to take action and support the most vulnerable. 

For more information: https://www.geres.eu/en/ 

CONTEXT AND PROJECTS OF GERES IN SIERRA LEONE 

In West Africa, Geres implements projects in Benin, Togo, Mali, Senegal and more recently in Sierra Leone. Teams  are also deployed on an ad hoc basis to other countries in the sub-region on consultancy assignments. Sierra Leone  is a new country of intervention for Geres (starting in April 2025). 

The opening project will: 

Ensure an energy sizing is aligned with the productive uses connected to the grid, and, where necessary,  support additional investments in energy production equipment (generators, solar panels…); Propose innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate entrepreneurs ’investment in productive equipment  (mills, dehullers, efficient refrigerators…); 

Strengthen local mini-grid developers’ understanding of the challenges related to electrifying productive  energy users, building on Geres’ experience from EBA projects and its technical assistance to private Mini Grid  Operators; 

Empower productive energy users through a comprehensive entrepreneurship support and capacity-building  program. 

Ad term Geres team in Sierra Leone will consist of around 20 people for the implementation of the first project.  The national representation is based in Freetown, although most of the activities will be developed in rural areas  of the country. 

MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION 

The Deputy Energy & Infrastructure (EI) Manager directly reports to the Project Manager, ensures the  implementation of the activities of his/her thematic.  

He/She supervises the EI team, composed of Energy and Infrastructure Facilitators and supports the PM on infrastructure thematic; 

He/She works closely with other Deputy Thematic Managers, the MEAL Officer, all the Support team and the Field teams in Sierra Leone. 

He/She is the focal point for Geres Experts (GEX) based in HQ for his/her thematic. He/She participates in the capitalization of know-how related to the various functions of his/her position. He/She is responsible for contributing to the recognition of Geres’ expertise on the EI thematic among institutional and private partners and stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s economic sector.

LOCATION 

The Deputy Energy & Infrastructure Manager is based at the Geres office in Freetown. He/She will be required to  travel regularly in the project areas, particularly in the branch offices (SL rural Districts), and in any new intervention  zones developed as part of future projects (mainly in the same regions). 

HIERARCHICAL AND FUNCTIONNAL LINKS 

Hierarchical link up: the Project Manager and, in his/her absence, the Country Representative or the  Operations Support Manager 

Hierarchical link down: the Energy & Infrastructure (EI) team in Sierra Leone (Officers, Facilitators…), the  EBA Supervisors… 

Functional link: Office base Supervisors, Project Managers, Deputy Thematic Managers, Deputy Support  Managers… 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES 

1/ Ensure management of Energy & Infrastructure* (EI) thematic: 

Define, in collaboration with the Project Manager (PM) and the other Deputy Thematic Managers, the cross functional EI strategy (harmonized approaches, keywords, tools, specific attentions…) according to the  needs and relevance in project activities; 

Define activities related to the supply of energy to rural SMEs and the development of infrastructure;  maintenance training, technical skills strategies (especially for EBA Supervisors). Establish the planning with  the EI Facilitators; 

Produce or support the Facilitators in producing the technical and/or methodological framework necessary  for the implementation of the planned activities;  

Participate in the assessment study, the definition and the sizing of energy systems for Electrified Business  Area (EBA) and any other energy systems developed by Geres; 

Contribute to the drafting of tender documents for EBA energy installations (drafting, analysis, etc.) and  other energy installations; 

Draft the special technical specifications for the supply and installation of energy infrastructure (solar  panels, diesel generator, low-voltage distribution network, batteries, pumping systems, etc.); Monitor, control, and validate the supply and installation of energy infrastructure (EBA, Solar Productive  Systems and any other energy infrastructure) and ensure its technical quality (final technical validation); Manage the implementation of EBA energy infrastructure in compliance with deadlines and the  requirements of the specific technical specifications; 

Definite and manage the technical support of Mini Grid Operators; 

Provide technical monitoring of the operation of energy infrastructure and construction under Geres  management (monitoring indicator framework, tools, data collection…); 

Analyze the technical results of each energy infrastructure developed and provide recommendations to  improve their use and operation; 

Support the drafting of reports, terms of reference, and other key documents for energy infrastructure  implementation; 

Support communities and social groups in organizing workshops aimed at developing/updating/influencing  energy uses and technology (especially for women) in their territories; 

Carry out energy equipment assessment study in order to select suitable products and provide  recommendations to entrepreneurs;  

Design and implement energy efficient training to selected trainees; 

Through his/her technical expertise, strengthen the consideration of issues related to Energy efficiency &  opportunities in a cross-cutting manner in all project activities; 

Ensure quality control and reporting on the activities carried out, with the PM, the MEAL Officer and the  other Deputy Thematic Managers; 

In line with the PM, represent the EI department (and eventually Geres SL) in steering committees as well as  in meetings with partners and donors when its participation is necessary.

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* For this 1st project, infrastructure skills are desirable but not mandatory. The PM will be in charge of these  activities and the Deputy Manager will provide support, particularly in monitoring activities in the field. 

2/ Manage the EI Team: 

Provide hierarchical management for the EI team; 

Oversee the recruitment, integration and training of new employees; 

Prepares and conducts annual interviews, and sets individual objectives for employees under his direct  authority; 

Pay particular attention to the capacity building of all his/her team members, specifically through training on  internal procedures, in close collaboration with the relevant departments. 

Provide the necessary support to all his/her team members in the exercise of their position, particularly with  the various technical and financial deadlines of the project/NGO; 

Coordinate and supervise activities of his/her team’s members, relating to the various operational and  financial deadlines of the project and the NGO (monitoring execution, planning, forecast budgets) and  organize the presence and absences of the team; 

Ensure the alignment and compliance with Geres’ procedures, standards and policies in the implementation  of projects; 

Ensure EI team well-being and working conditions; 

Organize specific training sessions based on project needs (including for all Geres’ teams and partners). 

3/ Capitalization and Strategic Reflection: 

Capitalize on Geres’ experiences on the topic and the lessons learned; 

Analyze Geres’ positioning (thematic, geographic, partnership, institutional) on the topics of Energy  development & technologies and Bioclimatic constructions in Sierra Leone; 

Work to identify new opportunities to develop EI activities and partnerships through contextual and  programmatic monitoring; 

Monitor innovations to inform internal reflection; 

Lead thematic reflection with project and thematic teams during coordination meetings or strategic  workshops. 

4/ Ensure the project management for EI thematics:  

Establish the EI programming (monthly/quarterly/annual) in coordination with the activities of the other  thematic of the project in collaboration with the PM and others Deputy Thematic Managers; Budget activities and contribute to budget projections; 

Monitor budget portions linked to EI activities; 

Contribute to budget reporting, in accordance with the rules and procedures developed by Geres  Administrative and Financial Department; 

Organize and supervise the use of external service providers, contribute to the definition and organization of  internal expertise missions (GEX) in conjunction with the PM; 

Support the PM in planning and leading key project management events (steering committees, strategic  orientation committees); 

5/ Other: 

The post holder will also take on any other responsibilities, activities or tasks assigned by the hierarchy directly  related to his/her skills; 

He/she is the technical point of contact for our local partners (private and public stakeholders) on all technical  subjects relating to the project.

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

TRAINING/EXPERTISE 

Engineer or Master degree in electrical engineering, energy, renewable energies and/or significant  professional experience in related theme, with a specialization in solar system and renewable energy; At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in development projects/programs or support for  stakeholders in the private sector (like Mini Grid Operators);  

Good knowledge of the Sierra Leone private & public energy sector and legal rules and regulation in particular; Experience working in an international NGO is desirable; 

Ability to undertake frequent field missions; 

Experience coordinating activities and supervising teams; 

Proficiency in office software, technical software and new communication technologies;  Ability to work independently, rigorously, and committed; 

Knowledge in construction and especially in bioclimatic building systems. 

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES 

Proactive problem-solving;  

Pragmatism, flexibility and adaptability; 

Sensitivity, diplomacy, patience, pedagogy, listening skills;  

Interest in rural development, renewable energy, climate change and sustainable development; Mastery of change-oriented techniques and approaches; 

Strong analytical and writing skills; 

Methodical mindset with an eye for detail; 

Ability to coordinate the work of diverse internal and external stakeholders; 

Excellent command of written and spoken English and local languages. 

NON–PRIORITY SKILLS THAT WOULD BE HIGHLY VALUED 

Knowledge and/or experience in leading activities in rural areas would be an asset; Knowledge of the rural development sector in Sierra Leone is an asset; 

Knowledge in other thematic developed by Geres on the project; 

Knowledge of the dynamics of the social and solidarity sector; 

Ability to lead change management (energy uses) workshops with teams and organizations. CONDITIONS AND APPLICATION 

Status: Sierra Leonese fixed-term contract; 

Remuneration: Category F1 or F2 on internal Geres Sierra Leone salary grid, depending on profile;  Contract duration: 12 months (renewable subject to satisfactory results); 

Desired starting date: 18th of August 2025; 

Documents and procedure to apply:  

. CV (Curiculum Vitae) – 1 to 2 pages maximum  

. Motivation letter (maximum 1 page), clearly explaining: 

1. Your motivation to work for Geres Sierra Leone; 
2. Your relevant skills and experience for the position (without repeating your CV); 
3. What sets you apart from other candidates; 
4. Your expectations for this role. 
5. To be uploaded no later than the 15th of July 2025 at midnight, via the following online application  form:
6. Completing the online application form is mandatory for your application to be taken in consideration.**

N.B. :  

– Applications from women are strongly encouraged. 

– Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted  from the 23rd of July 2025. 

– Interviews & tests would tentitavely be organized between the 28th of July to the 13th of August 2025. 

Geres has a General Security Policy (GSP) and security procedures specific to Sierra Leone. Geres also has an  internal policy to against sexist behavior and sexual harassment. The incumbent will be briefed on these  procedures on arrival at Geres. 

FOLLOW LINKS BELOW TO APPLY;

**Only in the event that you encounter difficulties in completing or uploading the documents via the online  form, please use the following email address: sierra-leone@geres.eu