Job Description

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Description

The Mission 300 Fellowship program will place young African professionals into government line ministries or in the President/Prime Minister's office in support of Mission 300 (M300) - a World Bank Group and Africa Development Bank led effort to electrify 300 million African by 2030 that is supported by , the Rockefeller Foundation, RF Catalytic Capital, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) (the "Mission 300 Partners").

The Mission 300 Fellowship program is inspired by the ODI Fellowship Scheme, which has demonstrated the value of embedding skilled professionals in public institutions for long-term institutional strengthening. The Mission 300 fellowship program will aim to place professionals in Mission 300 Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units (CDMUs), generally hosted by senior African government entities, including the offices of the Presidency or Prime Minister or in energy or finance ministries. Fellows will work alongside their host government colleagues and Mission 300 partners to help them achieve the goals set forth in the country's Mission 300 National Energy Compact, providing support to the CDMU and its staff and helping design tailored, context-specific solutions to energy challenges, ensuring sustainable, long-term impact.

Mission 300 draws from the lessons of the ODI Fellowship Scheme, which has a 60-year track record of fostering mutual learning and trust between Fellows and host institutions. This model has helped overcome barriers often faced by donor-funded advisors, who may lack the deep trust and access that embedded professionals enjoy. Through this direct integration into the civil service, Mission 300 Fellows will have greater influence in shaping energy and finance policies and strategies that align with the realities of government institutions. By fostering greater political intelligence and sensitivity to the needs of the host institutions, the Mission 300 Fellowship Program aims to create a cadre of professionals dedicated to advancing Africa's energy sector, much like the ODI Fellowship Scheme's legacy of impactful change.

NATIONAL ENERGY COMPACTS - COUNTRIES TO PLACE M300 FELLOWS

Thus far twelve African countries officially presented their National Energy Compacts at the recent Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit. We expect many more to follow. In their National Energy Compacts, each country identifies specific policy and regulatory measures to address constraints across the energy sector and sets its own targets based on its unique context. The National Energy Compacts are fully government-owned. Countries are encouraged to hold public consultations with the private sector, development partners, civil society and other relevant stakeholders to inform the development of the Compacts.

The National Energy Compacts set ambitious targets with timelines for implementation to:

1. Expand energy infrastructure at competitive costs;
2. Leverage the benefits of regional power integration;
3. Embrace distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions as critical elements of the access agenda;
4. Foster greater private sector participation to unlock additional resources, and;
5. Strengthen power utilities.

Countries which have already launched National Energy Compacts at the Africa Energy Summit include:

Chad Cote D'Ivoire Democratic Republic of the Congo Liberia Madagascar Malawi Mauritania Niger Nigeria Senegal Tanzania Zambia



Additionally, up to 20 more countries are likely to launch compacts this year.###

Purpose of Job

The Mission 300 Fellows will be placed in a range of roles over 24-month assignments within the newly established Compact Delivery and Monitoring Units (CDMUs), established within a high-level government entity with cross-cutting responsibilities across multiple ministries, including Energy and Finance. Fellows will contribute to a diverse set of activities, including assisting governments with coordinating efforts with other Mission 300 entities, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, the Rockefeller Foundation, RF Catalytic Capital, GEAPP and SEforALL

Fellows will support the CDMUs, including ensuring that there is proper interface with the Mission 300 Partners in reporting on progress related to the National Energy Compact and may be asked to develop and implement plans to advance reforms outlined in the Compacts, as well as plans to advance electrification projects that will advance the host country's Mission 300 goals including working with internal teams to identify capacity gaps in reform delivery and project bottlenecks.

Fellows will also play a key role in coordinating internal stakeholder engagement across Energy and other relevant ministries (e.g. Agriculture, Water, Health, Education) inter alia to ensure clean cooking and productive use of energy is integrated into compact implementation. They will also coordinate external stakeholder engagement with the private sector, civil society, the general public, other donors and development partners. In collaboration with working groups, Fellows will additionally provide hands-on technical assistance to advance compact commitments supporting production of policy papers, briefing documents, financial models, and documentation for RFPs, and providing advice on energy-related matters.

Total compensation, net of tax, will be approximately

USD 26,000

in the first year and

USD 28,000

in the second year. In addition to this amount, a housing allowance will be provided, which varies based on the cost of living in the assigned country. Each Fellowship will be tailored to the specific in-country needs that are aligned to Mission 300 priorities, providing Fellows with an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand experience addressing pressing country-needs while making meaningful contributions to the advancement of the energy sector in Africa under Mission 300.###

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

The Mission 300 Fellowship is open to candidates of African nationalities who have a master's degree in a field relevant and related to the power and energy sector.

Suitable specialized qualifications at postgraduate level include but aren't limited to economics, finance, law, energy, engineering, development, public policy, environmental science, geology, climate and sustainability, or related fields.

For those studying for a postgraduate degree at the time of application, the award of a fellowship is conditional upon the successful completion of the postgraduate degree.

Intellectual ability

Two to four years of professional experience, along with a solid understanding of economics, finance, energy systems, public policy, environmental science, geology, climate, and sustainability.


Able to demonstrate the ability to apply this interdisciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges in meaningful and practical ways.


An ability to analyse data and information and to solve problems


An ability to communicate complex technical ideas to non-specialists, both verbally and in writing


Strong command of English, as well as French in French-speaking countries and Portuguese in Portuguese-speaking countries

Personal qualities

Resilience and problem-solving skills to drive change and to work independently


Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and political acumen to work well within a diverse team, sometimes on politically sensitive topics


Patience and humility to learn about new contexts and accept advice


Adaptability and flexibility to work within a resource-constrained environment


Demonstrable passion and excitement for Africa's development, with a genuine commitment to driving inclusive and sustainable progress across the continent

Management and work-related skills

Prioritize and delegate work


Able to consult and advocate


Good time management


An ability to work without supervision


Project management


Report writing



Applications are strengthened by a demonstrable interest in public policy, relevant work or voluntary experience and strong IT skills.

Please note that we cannot accept any supporting materials (CVs, transcripts, etc). Due to the large number of applications received, candidates will be assessed on their application forms only.

You are asked to provide details of two references, but we will not contact any of them at this stage. If you are selected for an interview, we will ask you to follow up with references.###

About ODI Global

ODI Global is a leading global affairs think tank. We inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. We focus on research, convening and influencing, to generate ideas that matter for people and planet.