Managing Director – Powering Opportunity

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Brazil.

📋 Description

• Spearhead the design and implementation of GEA’s Powering Opportunity strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, beginning with Brazil.

• Tailor successful Powering Opportunity models and facilitate knowledge sharing across various programs.

• Ensure alignment of Powering Opportunity with regional initiatives such as the Universal Access Coalition.

• Establish annual objectives, budgets, and targets while aligning results reporting with the global framework.

• Support communication initiatives and position GEA as a central convener in the energy sector.

• Direct GEA’s Brazil strategy through the PODER initiative.

• Develop and expand the PODER coalition involving government, utilities, the private sector, financial institutions, donors, NGOs, and community organizations.

• Act as a senior liaison to Brazilian federal and state governments and lead technical cooperation agreements.

• Cultivate trustworthy partnerships and align institutional priorities.

• Formalize partner collaborations into joint projects and funding opportunities.

• Link energy access with Amazon bioeconomy value chains, livelihoods, and investments.

• Coordinate fundraising efforts and provide technical content for proposals, concept notes, and donor materials.

• Represent GEA in national, regional, and international forums.

• Translate strategy into actionable work plans, budgets, and milestones, leading the delivery process.

• Offer technical support and supervise project execution.

• Organize and manage partner grant pipelines and oversee implementation.

• Ensure projects are in compliance with Brazilian energy and electrification policies.

• Identify risks, gaps, and delays, proposing necessary adjustments.

• Lead the transition of PODER from pilot projects to scalable public programs.

• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and learning for the portfolio.

• Consolidate Brazil strategy, PODER governance, and partner networks.

• Manage current and future pilot projects and partner grants.

• Establish senior-level working relationships with federal and state counterparts.

• Engage in discussions with donors and co-funders, maintaining these relationships.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 13-15 years of relevant experience, including senior leadership positions overseeing teams and multi-partner programs in energy, development, or climate.

• Strong connections with government entities in Brazil and an extensive network in the energy sector, encompassing utilities, civil society, and the private sector.

• Experience in structuring energy projects from concept to bankable or fundable proposals.

• Background in designing and/or implementing projects related to productive energy uses or local economic development.

• Proven ability to create partnerships and coalitions, ensuring diverse partners remain aligned and engaged around common goals.

• Demonstrated success in converting strategy into results through the design of plans and leading their implementation to achieve measurable outcomes.

• Full professional proficiency in both Portuguese and English.

• An advanced degree in economics, development policy, engineering, energy, or a related field.

• Willingness to travel frequently, estimated at up to 50% of the time, including rural and remote areas.

• Familiarity with the Amazon bioeconomy or experience working in the Legal Amazon is a plus.

• Experience in fundraising or donor engagement for complex programs is advantageous.

• Experience in other Latin American and Caribbean countries and working proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

• Current knowledge of energy access, electrification, and renewable energy in Brazil, as well as the connections between energy, livelihoods, and economic development.

• A strong commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

• A dynamic and inclusive work environment.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.