Programme Policy Officer – National Energy Expert Full Time

Position Title: Programme Policy Officer – National Energy Expert
Contract Type: Service Contract SC10
Mission Length: 12 months
Duty Station: Antananarivo, Madagascar, with frequent field missions to southern and southeastern regions

Vacancy Number: One

Date of Publication: September 30, 2025

Deadline of Application: October 13, 2025

Background

The World Food Programme (WFP) Madagascar Country Office is in the process of implementing its new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2024–2028, integrating energy access as a crucial cross-cutting component to achieve WFP’s goals of saving and changing lives. Madagascar is significantly impacted by climate change, experiencing frequent extreme weather events like cyclones and droughts. Addressing energy needs in humanitarian and development contexts is vital to WFP’s mission. Beneficiaries of food distribution and school feeding programs require energy for meal preparation, while smallholder farmers need energy for irrigation and food processing. Over recent years, WFP has initiated energy-focused projects, such as the Rapid Rural Transformation (RRT) model, which involves installing solar hubs to power productive equipment and provide services to rural communities. This role is essential to expanding these initiatives, ensuring their sustainability, and aligning with national objectives to reduce biomass usage for cooking.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the initial supervision of the international energy expert, the National Energy Expert will:

OPERATIONAL
1. Evaluate solar system needs in field offices.
2. Support the installation of the new solar systems in field offices.
3. Ensure reliable electricity supply in off-grid field offices using sustainable energy sources.

PROGRAMME
1. Support the installation of new solar hubs in Madagascar.
2. Assist the Resilience Unit in implementing activities related to food systems, agriculture, and other productive uses of electricity.
3. Aid in piloting various management models for solar hubs: community-based, private operator, and hybrid models.
4. Ensure monitoring of solar hubs and follow up the implementation of recommendation of stakeholders.
5. Assist in piloting and evaluating clean cooking technologies schools, drafting a scale-up strategy at national level, and presenting findings to relevant ministries.
6. Support drafting strategies for the dissemination of clean cooking technologies for households in southern Madagascar.
7. Support procurement unit with relevant tenders involving energy systems.
8. Write proposals for energy sector funding from various international donors.
9. Participate in national energy and environment working groups.
10. Collaborate with the international energy expert to train and eventually transition to lead energy activities independently.

DELIVERABLES

• Installation of Solar Hubs: Successful installation of 10 solar hubs within project timelines.
• Pilot Clean Cooking Technologies: Completion of pilot projects in schools with documented recommendations and presentation to government stakeholders.
• Solar Systems in Offices: Installation and operationalization of solar systems in three field offices.
• Energy Sector Proposals: Submission of at least four comprehensive proposals for energy sector initiatives.
• Training and Transition: Demonstrated readiness to independently manage WFP Madagascar’s energy activities by the end of the mission.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
Education: Master’s degree in Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. Or a Bachelor’s degree with additional years of experience.
Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience in energy systems, renewable energy projects, or a related field.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in solar energy systems, energy planning, and sustainable energy technologies.
Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate projects effectively.
Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills in Malagasy, French and English, with the ability to interact with various stakeholders.

Analytical Skills: Ability to conduct technical and economic analyses of energy systems.
Cultural Awareness: Familiarity with the socio-economic and environmental challenges in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas.
Flexibility: Willingness to travel frequently to remote field locations and work in challenging environments.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to WFP’s mission by enhancing energy access and sustainability in Madagascar. The successful candidate will play a key role in empowering rural communities and supporting WFP’s energy initiatives.

Deadline of Application: October 13, 2025