Senior Energy Advisor

Background :

Nickol Global Solutions (NGS), on behalf of USAID's Europe and Eurasia (E&E) Technical Support Office (TSO), is seeking a Senior Energy Advisor. The E&E TSO is responsible for planning and executing USAID's energy and infrastructure programs in the region. The Senior Energy Advisor will play a critical role in advising and supporting both the public and private sectors toward improving regional energy security. The role includes overseeing the development of transparent energy markets aligned with European Union standards, as well as enhancing energy sector governance, efficiency, and operations. The advisor is expected to contribute technical expertise to USAID's energy portfolio and foster cross-sectoral integration of democracy, governance, and environmental issues.

SOW Objective :

The objective of this position is to secure an expert in energy security who can provide advanced technical advice and hands-on support to USAID's energy security initiatives in the Europe and Eurasia region. The advisor will be responsible for providing guidance on complex energy issues and working with USAID field missions to design, implement, and monitor effective programs.

Scope of Work:

The Senior Energy Advisor will complete the following activities:

1. Program and Project Development and Management (50%):

• Serve as a technical authority in the design and execution of politically important and highly visible energy sector projects focused on: Natural gas and electricity market reforms, Infrastructure development, Environmental sustainability, and Cybersecurity in energy operations.
• Provide technical support to USAID field missions, focusing on energy market operations, governance, and policy reforms.
• Design and propose bilateral and regional technical assistance programs aimed at improving energy security in the E&E region.
• Prepare detailed reports and analytical documents that summarize trends and best practices in energy markets and energy sector reforms.
• Integrate other technical areas such as democracy, economic growth, and gender considerations into energy-related assistance programs.

2. Geographic Area or Region-Wide Technical Resource (30%):

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to senior Bureau leadership and USAID field missions on energy sector development and policy reforms.
• Serve as a key liaison between the Bureau, field missions, and external stakeholders, including other U.S. government agencies, donors, and private-sector partners.
• Analyze energy project proposals, assess technical and economic feasibility, and provide recommendations for USAID funding.
• Review and advise on field mission strategies, ensuring consistency with broader Agency goals and priorities in energy security.
• Represent USAID at high-level meetings with foreign government officials, private sector leaders, and multilateral organizations.

3. Strategic Planning (20%):

• Provide strategic guidance and analytical assistance to Bureau leadership in developing long-term plans for energy sector assistance across the E&E region.
• Review and analyze country-specific data in collaboration with relevant USAID units to inform energy policy reforms.
• Formulate a research agenda addressing energy security, infrastructure, and environmental challenges to guide future USAID programs.
• Develop recommendations for resource allocation and project prioritization, ensuring alignment with USAID's strategic objectives in energy security.

Additional Tasks & Responsibilities:

The Senior Energy Advisor's tasks and responsibilities include:

1. Decision-Making and Authority:

• The Senior Energy Advisor is responsible for exercising sound judgment in dealing with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring compliance with USAID's policies, rules, and regulations.
• The advisor's decision-making capacity extends to technical recommendations for energy security projects, providing inputs on strategic direction, project design, and implementation.
• The advisor will report to the Division Chief for Energy and Infrastructure and is expected to consult with other senior leadership on major programmatic decisions, ensuring that USAID's objectives are achieved effectively.

2. Personal Contacts:

• The Senior Energy Advisor will have regular contact with high-level officials within USAID, as well as external partners such as contractors, government counterparts, and private sector representatives.
• These contacts are essential for influencing decisions on programmatic improvements and securing stakeholder buy-in on critical energy security initiatives

Deliverables:

• Technical Reports - Comprehensive reports on energy security trends and program impacts, submitted on a quarterly basis.
• Strategic Planning Documents - Strategic recommendations for energy sector reforms and USAID's energy assistance programs.
• Training Materials - Training materials developed for USAID field missions and partners, focusing on energy governance, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity.
• Monthly Contract Activity Report - Due by the 5th each of each to the Senior Program Manager with details of the month's work activities.

Level of Effort :

The total Level of Effort expected for this activity is estimated at 1999 hours/250 days.

Place & Period of Performance:

The period of performance for this position is anticipated to be 6-12 months with potential options for extension based on performance and Mission needs. This position will be located in Washington, DC with three (3) days a week in the office at the Ronald Reagan Building. There is also expected travel to Ukraine.

Reporting:

The Senior Energy Advisor reports directly to the Senior Program Manager at NGS.

Requirements

Requirements

• A master's degree in engineering, physical sciences, economics, business management, international relations, or political science.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in international development projects or energy/infrastructure program design and management.
• Experience working with public and private sectors to improve energy sector operations and governance.

Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of USAID's operational processes, both in Washington and in the field.
• Strong ability to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners, including government and non-governmental entities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, manage competing work priorities, and lead cross-functional teams in the implementation of complex energy programs.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of USAID implementing partners and contractors.
• Proficiency in applying both qualitative and quantitative methods for program assessment and improvement.
• This position requires a Secret Clearance.