Bethesda, Maryland
30 days ago
Specialist / Sr. Specialist, Clean Energy

Job Title Specialist / Sr. Specialist, Clean Energy 

 

Grade: P5/P6 

 

Department: USG, Development Innovations 

 

Reports to: Senior Director, Water and Energy 

 

Date: May 2024 

 

 

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Colombia, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social, environmental, and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. 

 

Position Overview: 

The Environment and Energy Sector provides technical leadership and implementation support to international field-based USAID programs in the areas of climate change, clean energy, green/circular economy, water and natural resources management, climate finance, ocean plastics, and just transition with flagship USAID projects in countries such as Colombia, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Vietnam, and the West Africa region. The Specialist/Sr. Specialist, Clean Energy will be based in the Environment and Energy Sector and provide technical support to the delivery of DAI’s clean energy activities, help expand DAI’s portfolio of energy projects, and advance thought leadership based on DAI project results and tools.  DAI has a dynamic portfolio of energy and climate projects across donors that focus on clean energy, energy security, energy sector governance, energy finance, and private sector engagement. The Senior/Lead Specialist will be a critical member of the team responsible for leading new business efforts, implementing technical solutions, and supporting program implementation and competitive positioning. The Specialist/Sr. Specialist will contribute to clean energy thought leadership and knowledge management, including participation in domestic and international sector events, and connecting knowledge efforts among DAI projects. The Specialist/Sr. Specialist will bring his/her technical expertise to bear in developing compelling proposals and in providing technical assistance and other support to DAI’s projects. The Specialist/ Sr. Specialist will help develop and maintain a network of energy clients, experts, and partners on behalf of DAI and serve as a cross-cutting resource within the Environment and Energy Sector team, collaborating with specialists across the organization to contribute to successful integration of clean energy and climate mitigation activities into Environment, Economic Growth, Governance, Digital, and Health projects and bids.  

 

The Specialist may spend up to 20% of his or her time traveling internationally to support business development efforts and projects around the world.  

This is a full-time, permanent position. U.S. work authorization is required. Hybrid work arrangement is preferred; fully remote will be considered in certain circumstances and locations. 

 

Roles and Responsibilities: 


Business Development and Growth     

Contribute to research and strategy in support of the Water and Energy practice new business pipeline.  Participate in pre-positioning for specific energy opportunities including reconnaissance trips, research, and development of capture strategies.  Support identification and recruitment of experts and partners for bids and projects.  Serve in various roles in the proposal process including technical writer, technical contributor, and eventually, champion.   Coordinate with and support DAI colleagues pursuing UK, EU, and corporate client work in related technical areas.

Technical Program Support 

Undertake short-term technical assignments (STTA) in energy and other related areas.   Directly support DAI projects with work planning, activity implementation, and development of technical tools and solutions that help achieve program objectives; provide quality control on technical deliverable and support communications and knowledge management.  Conduct research, synthesize information and evidence, and support development of technical deliverables for DAI’s USAID projects; package and present technical work to diverse and non-expert audiences.   Identify new sector trends and serve as a subject matter expert to ensure integration of clean energy and climate change mitigation across programs in Environment, Economic Growth, Governance, Digital, and Health.  Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with clients and partners. 

Corporate Support and Positioning 

Participate in DAI corporate activities, including planning, new business forecasting, team-building meetings, working groups, and cross-business unit initiatives.  Capture technical achievements, lessons learned, and best practices from program implementation to build on and advance DAI’s reputation in clean energy and other Environment Sector technical areas.  Encourage cross-project learning.  Contribute to publications, presentations, conference and other event participation, etc. to enhance DAI’s reputation and brand with our key clients.  Stay abreast of client and international development trends in assigned area. 

Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary. 

 

 

Qualifications:

Grade 5: Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector technical areas, and a college degree.   Grade 6: Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector and a college degree.   Experience supporting implementation, research and/or business development in the energy sector. Relevant areas include: renewable energy, energy sector reform, electric mobility, GHG and/or air quality management, climate change mitigation, infrastructure, urban planning, carbon markets, climate finance, or other relevant areas.  At the P6 level it is required and at the P5 level preferred: Demonstrated experience preparing or supporting proposals for USAID and/or other international donor agencies, particularly proposals related to energy challenges.  Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, able to prioritize assignments and manage multiple deadlines.   Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex or technical information clearly, and tailor communication style to diverse audiences.  Able to build and maintain good working relationships with teams at all levels of the organization, including project teams, and external clients from diverse backgrounds.  Demonstrated emotional intelligence with empathy and strong interpersonal skills.  Able and willing to travel to any country where DAI currently operates or may wish to operate barring times when DAI Global Security has deemed travel unsafe.  Authorized to work in the United States.   Willing and able to adjust work schedule, if needed, to support teams located in different time zones/countries.

Preferred Qualifications 

Demonstrated ability to work across sectors and in other Environment practice areas.  Experience working in developing countries including conflict and fragile states.   Proficiency in French, Spanish, or other relevant languages

Compensation & Benefits:

At the P5 level, for employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $89,869 to $114,415

 

At the P6 level, for employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $103,143 to $131,577

 

Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

 

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended. 


Supervisory Requirements: None. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work.  DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks. 

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