Rural Electrification Expert - Chad

Department: Energy

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: CDMU Lead

The client is seeking a Rural Electrification Expert to support implementation of rural access objectives under the national Energy Compact. The role will focus on scaling renewable-based mini-grids, strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks, improving financing mechanisms, and enhancing coordination among rural electrification stakeholders. The consultant will work closely with the rural electrification agency, energy regulator, and private operators to accelerate off-grid deployment.

Role: Rural Electrification Expert

Direct Report: CDMU Lead

Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables: Rural Electrification Diagnostics & Strategy

• Assess the current state of rural electrification and identify requirements to achieve Compact objectives.
• Support development, adoption, and implementation of a national rural electrification strategy.
• Develop and operationalise a national mini-grid strategy promoting effective PPP participation.
• Propose low-cost and scalable rural electrification solutions.

Financing & Business Model Development

• Support stakeholders in establishing financing mechanisms for green mini-grids.
• Strengthen rural operator business models and sustainable financing approaches for universal access.
• Provide analytical inputs to improve investment conditions and private sector participation.

Institutional Strengthening (ADERM & ARSE)

• Develop and implement a capacity-building programme for ADERM to strengthen its ability to develop and supervise green mini-grid projects.
• Support ADERM and ARSE in coordinating and harmonising rural electrification interventions.
• Strengthen institutional capacity in technology standardisation and certification.
• Support establishment of supervision and control mechanisms for public service delegation agreements under PPP frameworks.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen the regulatory framework and improve investor confidence.

Procurement & Systems Strengthening

• Prepare procurement documentation for acquisition of equipment, tools, and software related to rural electrification projects.
• Strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems and rural electrification information systems.
• Contribute to Compact monitoring and reporting processes.

Key Outputs

• Rural electrification diagnostic report
• Mini-grid strategy and roadmap
• Financing framework recommendations
• Capacity-building programme
• Monitoring system strengthening plan
• Completion Report

Experience Required:

• Master's degree in economics, engineering, business administration, geography, geoinformatics, or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant professional experience in rural electrification through mini-grids.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in renewable energy project development and implementation in off-grid areas, including experience across at least five developing countries.
• Demonstrated experience supporting mini-grid deployment within public-private partnership or regulated environments preferred.
• Professional experience in solar home systems programmes or distributed renewable energy solutions.

Technical Requirements:

• Strong knowledge of mini-grid design, deployment models, and rural electrification planning.
• Understanding of rural energy financing mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems and rural electrification information systems.

Other Skills:

• Strong stakeholder coordination skills.
• Policy advisory capability.

Location: N'Djamena (Chad)

Language: Fluency in French required; Good command of English desirable.

Travel: Frequent travel to rural areas

Start Date: Expected Q2 2026

Contracting Period: 12 months, with possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability