Background
RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030.
With an independent, objective, and fact-based approach, RMI’s Africa Energy Program works with a diverse set of public and private sector partners to solve sub-Saharan Africa’s toughest energy challenges. Fundamentally, we believe that people need and deserve access to clean, reliable, and affordable power, and that historical approaches to energy systems will not enable sustainable economic development for Africa economies in the 21st century and beyond. We are working to change that, leveraging RMI’s global platform and deeply collaborative partnerships across the range of industry stakeholders.
Our program strategy and team of 20 people focus on three components: 1) expanding the use of holistic energy planning and clean energy portfolios, 2) enabling distributed energy resource (DER) adoption including minigrids to expand access and save costs for stakeholders, and 3) demand-side interventions to drive efficient use of energy that enables local economic development.
Currently, the Africa Energy Program works alongside country partners in Nigeria and Ethiopia with regional scaling activities that include partners across many countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!
Position Overview:
We are seeking a highly motivated, Nigeria-based Associate to join RMI’s Africa Energy Program and help drive cutting-edge solutions to support Africa’s energy transition. The person hired for this position will initially contribute to two initiatives of the Africa Energy Program. For the Sharing the Power initiative, she/he will help rural communities and minigrid developers improve the performance of minigrids whilst unlocking socio-economic benefits for communities. For RMI’s utility-enabled DER work, the hired candidate will play a key role in ensuring DER pilots are successfully implemented during project preparation, construction, commissioning, and operations.
We expect this position to work closely with our partner minigrid developers, communities, distribution companies (DisCos) and regulators, in co-developing and implementing pilot projects to deploy DERs.
Examples of your day to day tasks may include visiting rural communities to survey and analyze community electrification status and needs; interviewing stakeholders to assess community engagement approaches; identifying, designing, and developing pilot projects with minigrid developers; recruiting partners to co-develop utility-scale DER integration, pilot projects, overseeing pilot implementation through continuous close coordination, regular meetings and visits to sites, and problem-solving support; and/or carrying out data collection and analysis to derive insights from project implementation.
Your key job responsibilities as an Associate primarily include:
Your job responsibilities specific to the current initiatives include:
Minimum Qualifications:
An undergraduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy, agricultural), business (marketing, finance, international), economics, computer science, mathematics, physical and social sciences.
Preferred Qualifications:
A graduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy, agricultural), business (marketing, finance, international), economics, computer science, mathematics, physical and social sciences, OR undergraduate degree and 2-4 years of cumulative work experience and excellent work references.
Location
Please note that this position requires you to be located and have work authorization in Abuja or Lagos, Nigeria.
We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.
We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.
Compensation:
Salary to be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!
Benefits
RMI provides a comprehensive benefits package that will be based upon the statutory benefits per the country of residence.
Diversity
Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.
We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:
RMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.