This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Nairobi. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
About the program:
African cities are at a turning point: the urban population will reach 1.5 billion by 2050, yet infrastructure and services already fall short, especially in informal settlements. Over half of sub-Saharan city residents face unsafe air pollution, while floods, heatwaves, and droughts intensify climate risks. With three-quarters of 2050 infrastructure yet to be built, there is a unique opportunity to shape cities that are low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient. Our goal is to transition Africa’s urban systems to provide better quality of life and health through equitable access to jobs and services — especially for the underserved — while achieving climate neutrality by 2050. In Kenya, the Small Vehicles E-Mobility project demonstrates this vision by advancing electric two- and three-wheelers, reducing emissions, cutting fuel costs, improving air quality, and creating green jobs through local assembly and manufacturing. WRI drives this transformation by equipping city leaders, investors, and partners with the knowledge and tools to deliver healthier, more sustainable cities for all.
Job Highlight:
Reporting to the Project Stakeholder Engagement Lead, you will be responsible for mobilizing and engaging private sector stakeholders, fostering partnerships, and supporting private sector investment in the e-mobility ecosystem in Kenya. This work is central to achieving a robust market for electric two- and three-wheelers and related infrastructure in Kenya.
What you will do:
Private Sector Engagement and Partnership Development-(50%):
- Identify, engage, and build partnerships with key private sector stakeholders, including manufacturers, assemblers, charging infrastructure providers, and battery management companies in addition to coordinating with other donor initiatives in e-mobility in Kenya
- Facilitate collaboration between private entities and project stakeholders, including WRI, Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF), and government partners.
- Develop strategic partnerships that enhance the uptake of small e-vehicles
- Conduct outreach and engagement with key stakeholders, Support communication and advocacy efforts to highlight private sector contributions and project impacts in emission reductions, job creation, and industry growth
Investment Facilitation and Financial Mobilization (40%):
- Support the deployment of financial instruments such as instruments for catalysing debt financing facilities to mobilize private sector investment
- Engage with financial institutions to promote loan portfolio guarantees aimed at financing e-2Ws and e-3Ws
- Collaborate with AGF to ensure the successful mobilization of debt financing and leverage private sector resources
- Conduct market assessments to identify barriers and opportunities in the e-mobility ecosystem, with a focus on increasing private sector involvement
- Support capacity-building initiatives for private sector stakeholders to promote local manufacturing, assembly, and battery management. Provide technical input for the development of standards, best practices, and incentives for sustainable e-mobility
- Advocate for policies that address market barriers, such as high upfront costs and limited access to financing for electric vehicle purchases
- Support the project’s technical assistance team in aligning policy interventions with private sector needs and priorities
Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning (10%):
- Develop and implement a framework for monitoring private sector engagement and investment outcomes
- Prepare regular reports on private sector engagement activities, challenges, and successes.
What you will need:
- Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related field. Relevant work experience is accepted in lieu of a degree
- Experience: You have 6+ years full-time relevant work experience, working with diverse stakeholders—including private sector players, financial institutions, community groups, and government agencies—preferably in the clean energy, e-mobility, or sustainable transport sectors
- Proven track record in research, community engagement, and facilitating partnerships or investments in Kenya
- Experience engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders—from local communities to high-level institutional partners
- Proven ability to translate complex technical or financial concepts into clear, actionable language in both English and Swahili
- Proven research and analysis skills, with experience conducting market studies, identifying barriers to private sector participation, and recommending practical, context-sensitive solutions
- Experience conducting market assessments, analyzing private sector barriers, and recommending actionable solutions to enhance engagement
- Demonstrable understanding of Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, business environment, regulatory frameworks, and community dynamics—especially as they relate to clean energy and sustainable mobility
- Proven familiarity with Kenya’s business environment, regulatory framework, and e-mobility ecosystem is highly desirable
- Languages: Written and spoken proficiency in English. Written and spoken proficiency in French is desirable
- Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.
Potential Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 2 October 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
- A competitive salary
- Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
- The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
- A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
- The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
- Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
- Generous leave days that increase with tenure.
About Us:
World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.
Our mission and values:
WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.
Our culture:
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Our People team carefully reviews all applications.
