About the role

The Senior Manager will lead a dynamic portfolio of clean energy programs, driving strategic vision, high-quality implementation, and measurable impact. In this pivotal role, they will guide multiple program teams providing mentorship, coaching, and leadership to ensure each member thrives and grows professionally. They will also manage key relationships with senior stakeholders across the energy access ecosystem, including CEOs, donors, and government representatives. This requires a high level of diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to navigate complexity while advancing shared objectives.

Working closely with CLASP’s Senior Director for Africa, the Senior Manager will shape and oversee the delivery of several flagship initiatives, including the Energy Access Institutions Facility and the Productive Use Financing Facility ensuring high-quality delivery and impact. They also will contribute to the overall organizational direction and strategy for CLASP’s Clean Energy Access portfolio.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in clean energy market development, particularly in emerging markets, and a strong track record of leading complex, multi-country programs from design to execution. They are both strategic and hands-on, able to operate effectively across cultures and geographies. This role calls for exceptional communication and collaboration skills, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a commitment to impact and results, all delivered with curiosity, humility, and a sense of humor.

Key dimensions of the role 

The Senior Manager, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will have responsibilities including, but not limited to:

Team Leadership (team of 8)

Lead and mentor a high-performing, multicultural team across multiple countries.

Support professional development in technical, leadership, and program management skills.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Program Oversight & Execution

Provide strategic direction and day-to-day oversight of key CEA programs, including planning, budgeting, performance management, and results reporting.

Address implementation challenges and ensure adaptive, high-quality delivery.

Define and refine program impact and learning metrics.

Contribute to organizational strategy and regional collaboration.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

Manage senior-level relationships with CEOs, donors, trade associations, and government partners.

Navigate complex stakeholder dynamics with diplomacy and emotional intelligence.

Communications & Advocacy

Work with the communications team to share insights, stories, and research.

Represent CLASP in industry events and high-level policy forums.

Act as a thought leader on market development for efficient appliances.

Business Development

Lead and support fundraising efforts, including proposal development and donor engagement.

Serve as a key liaison with existing and prospective funders.

Skills and experience

The ideal candidate will possess, but is not limited to:

At least 10 years of experience leading international programs; background in business development, partnerships, or fund management is required.

Proven track record managing large, multi-country initiatives in clean energy or related development sectors.

Hands-on experience designing and implementing programs in distributed renewable energy; knowledge of African markets or appliance/tech policy is a plus.

Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset with strong problem-solving and execution skills.

Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-impact partnerships.

Systems thinking approach with experience supporting clean tech companies to scale.

Proven ability to grow and develop high-performing teams.

Strong balance between big-picture thinking and attention to detail.

Composure and adaptability under pressure; collaborative and good-humored.

Excellent interpersonal, listening, and persuasive communication skills.

Fluency in written and spoken English.

Key attributes include:

Collaborative team leader and coach with a passion for growing others.

Comfortable managing asynchronously and supporting autonomous, remote teams.

Experienced in managing and motivating mid-level managers.

Skilled in senior-level stakeholder engagement and relationship management.

Creative, adaptable problem-solver who thrives in ambiguity.

Experienced in leading multi-country programs with strong systems thinking.

Deep understanding of inclusive finance or market development mechanisms.

Strong communicator with ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared goals.