Sector Leader Energy

We are SNV 
SNV is a global development partner, deeply rooted in the countries where we operate. Driven by a vision of a better world where all people live with dignity and have equitable opportunities to thrive sustainably, SNV strengthens capacities and catalyses partnerships that transform agri-food, energy, and water systems. We help strengthen institutions and effective governance, reduce gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enable adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises. With 60 years of experience and a team of approximately 1,600 people, we support our partners in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia, tailoring our approaches to different contexts to achieve large-scale impact and create more equitable lives for all. 

Our CARE principles—Committed to Impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Differences, and Expertise in Practice—are at the heart of who we are and the work we do. These principles are embedded in our vision, mission, and strategy, which serve as our compass guiding us towards 2030. 

 For more information on SNV, please refer to our website: www.snv.org 

We are currently looking for a Sector Leader Energy in Mozambique.

• Contract duration: 3-year initial contract      
• Maputo, with frequent travel to Nampula Province
   

Overview of the assignment
This strategic leadership role focuses on positioning SNV as a sector leader in the energy space within a complex international context. You will oversee a portfolio of three active energy projects — including a unique solar component — and lead the design and development of new projects in the pipeline. Leading and coaching a diverse 30-person team, you will drive program delivery, donor engagement, and private sector collaboration. The assignment offers a unique opportunity to shape high-impact, mission-driven programs that contribute to climate adaptation, gender equality and food systems transformation.

Overview of the position
As the Sector Leader you will be collaborating on strategic growth, quality, and innovation of SNV Mozambique’s Energy sector towards a clean and sustainable energy future for Mozambique.
In this role, you will collaborate across teams and contexts, applying the behavioural principles of Committed to Impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Difference and Expertise in Practice —core to SNV’s CARE principles—to help deliver meaningful and sustainable results.

With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a deep affinity for the energy sector you will be at the forefront of SNV Mozambique’s mission, leading, managing, and overseeing our energy projects and advocacy. In this role you bring the ability to work across diverse thematic areas and perspectives—connecting the dots between local realities, global trends, and climate adaptation needs.

In this pivotal role, you lead the design and development and delivery of energy programmes, identifying new opportunities and crafting compelling proposals that respond to emerging challenges and donor priorities. You will actively engage with partners, donors, and stakeholders to position SNV as a trusted and visionary development actor, while also serving as a core member of the SNV Mozambique Country Management Team (CMT). You will report directly to the Country Director and maintaining a direct functional line with the Global Energy Sector Head.

Your key responsibilities:

  Strategic Sector Leadership and Positioning:

• Lead and provide strategic oversight across the energy sector and support development of the nexus program lens, aligned with SNV Mozambique multi-annual strategic plan.
• Align sector strategy with SNV’s Mozambique long-term outcomes, ensuring cross-sectoral integration of climate adaptation, gender equality, and private sector engagement. 
• Oversee the design and implementation of high-quality programs, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and SNV standards. 
• Drive learning and reflection using Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks to continuously improve program outcomes and partner with Global Technical Expertise teams on frameworks and knowledge management. 

Team Leadership and Staff Development 

• Lead, coach, and mentor a diverse team project managers and indirectly project staff of technical advisors and project managers, building capacity for adaptive and inclusive approaches. 
• Serve as project manager for designated projects when required and take on project management responsibilities when necessary. 
• Nurture a collaborative and performance-oriented culture, promoting the professional development of staff. 
• Ensure the wellbeing and safety of staff, adhering to SNV’s policies and procedures. 

Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation 

• Represent SNV to government institutions, donors, development partners, and the private sector, establishing SNV as a thought leader in the energy sector and ensure climate adaptive positioning.  
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with national and international stakeholders to promote SNV’s work and influence policy dialogue. 
• Position SNV as a thought leader in food systems transformation and energy innovation.
• Cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and civil society.

Business Development and Fundraising 

• Lead the development of project proposals and concept notes, collaborating with internal teams and partners. 
• Identify new funding opportunities and maintain a healthy project pipeline to ensure continued program innovation and growth. 
• Monitor sector trends and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors to secure future funding. 
• Lead the exploration of innovative approaches to expand and diversify our portfolio and unlock new opportunities in climate funding and renewable energy.

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Develop and implement a national knowledge and learning agenda for the energy sector.
• Lead cross-project learning and innovation efforts in collaboration with the global sector team.
• Promote dissemination and uptake of SNV’s evidence, tools, and success stories at national and global levels.

Who you are

You are a strategic and entrepreneurial leader with deep expertise in the energy sector, with extensive experience in designing, leading and delivery of quality programmes, particularly in solar home systems, clean cooking solutions, and green mini-grids. With a strong background in international development and innovation, you are recognised as a thought leader in this field. You have a proven track record of managing complex portfolios and leading professional teams, with the ability to align national processes with global strategies and drive operational excellence in dynamic environments.

You work with a high degree of independence, taking full ownership of the development and implementation of sector products at the national level. Your leadership directly influences the quality and coherence of sector implementation and as a member of the Country Management Team and advisor to the Country Director, you contribute meaningfully to overall country performance.

Entrepreneurial by nature, you are quick to identify opportunities for new services and products, taking measured risks to foster innovation. Your conceptual thinking enables you to break down complex challenges, understand their components, and maintain a clear overview of the broader context. You are highly result-oriented, taking decisive action to achieve and exceed objectives.

You bring not only the skills and experience to succeed in this role; you bring also a way of working that reflects to our CARE principles.

To be considered for this role, you should demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

• You have a proficiency level equivalent to a Master’s degree in a specialised and relevant technical field.
• You bring a minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in international development, including integrated programming and nexus approaches in preferably Mozambique.
• Proven ability to mobilize, inspire, lead and guide multidisciplinary teams, enabling performance and impact through effective planning, delivery oversight, and adaptive management. 
• Track record of coaching and developing towards high-performing teams, with a commitment to capability -growth, well-being, and promoting inclusive, value-based leadership. 
• Proven experience managing and attracting large-scale, donor-funded programs in the energy sector. Your experience includes working closely with the private sector, particularly in small home solar systems, clean cooking, and green mini-grids.
• Deep understanding of systems strengthening climate adaptation, gender equality, and inclusive market development. 
• Strong experience in business development, proposal writing, and donor engagement. 
• You possess a solid sector background and a proven track record in development work, acting as a national-level leader capable of steering diversified activities such as sector conceptualisation, advisory support, and innovation.
• You have a professional level of Portuguese, which is required for this position.

Additional Information

• Type of contract: International contract
• Initial contract duration: 3 year initial contract
• Location: Maputo, Mozambique     
• Expected start date: January 2026

Working at SNV 
At SNV we challenge and inspire and offer continuous growth. We offer meaningful opportunities to shape the future, expand your skills, and collaborate with a vibrant, global network of experts. At SNV your contribution matter, and your development is our priority.

We are home to 57 cultures working in 22 countries, with about 95% of our team members holding the nationality of the respective countries we work in. We promote (international) career development. Our workforce consists of a mix of both people with longstanding tenure, willing to share their institutional knowledge, as well as people with external backgrounds and experience. All with an inquisitive view and united in ‘ONE SNV’ working towards our purpose.

Together, we are committed to the effective and efficient stewardship of resources and maximising positive, lasting impacts. Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, technical knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

At SNV, inclusivity is at the heart of our ethos. We celebrate the diversity of our workforce and uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on factors such as disability status, religion, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, and more.

How to apply 
If you meet the key requirements and feel inspired by this opportunity, we warmly welcome your application. Please submit your CV and motivation letter by 21st September 2025 via SmartRecruiters.

To ensure a focused and respectful recruitment process, we kindly ask that you apply only if you meet the essential qualifications and are available to work in the specified location.

If this role isn’t the right fit but you’re interested in joining SNV in the future, we invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and our career page Vacancies | SNV to stay updated on new opportunities that match your profile.

Reference & vetting check
At SNV, our belief in the CARE principles — Commitment to impact, Adaptive to Context, Respecting Difference and Expertise in Practice — shapes how we work with each other and every interaction we have with our colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. These values guide how we welcome new team members, ensuring our workplace remains a place of trust, safety, and dignity for all.

As part of our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace, we carry out reference and background checks for all internationally determined positions, with particular attention to safeguarding. You will be invited to provide the contact details of [two] referees, and we will only approach them once you have given your permission. We handle this process with care, empathy, and strict confidentiality, using the information solely for purposes related to your application and the role you have applied for.

In line with our safeguarding commitments — and as a proud participant in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) — SNV will also request a “Statement of Conduct” from your previous employer(s). This request covers any substantiated findings of misconduct, including sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, as defined by the Scheme. This process is not only a safeguard for our organisation, but also part of our shared responsibility to protect those we work with and to ensure that integrity, respect, and compassion remain at the heart of everything we do.