Job description

About Power For All:

Power for All is a global campaign to accelerate the end of energy poverty by encouraging the deployment of distributed renewable energy (DRE) and catalyzing market transformation of the global energy sector. Nearly 2 billion people in the world today do not have access to reliable energy. Dismayed by the lack of urgency to achieve SDG 7, Power for All emerged from the DRE sector itself, to help with category creation and market conditioning to help build the demand for DRE — and a faster end to energy poverty — in the global south.

Since Power for All’s beginning in 2014, the campaign has challenged business-as-usual (BAU) energy service delivery alongside building confidence in the ability of decentralized renewable energy companies to make a meaningful contribution to the global energy mix. Today, Power for All mobilizes networks of partners across the energy ecosystem — including civil society, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, utilities, and local changemakers in developing countries—that work together to accelerate the adoption of decentralized renewable energy (DRE). Collectively, the Power for All network drives awareness, activates markets, and catalyzes advocacy to help transform the way energy is used, generated, and paid for to #EndEnergyPovertyFaster

Power for All is both a movement and a call to action that galvanizes a network of over 500 companies, governments, trade associations, and CSOs to advocate for DRE across the Global South. By engaging policymakers, investors, donors, and other market actors in achieving a shared vision, Power for All is a consistent and proactive advocate for both a clean energy foundation and a just transition that will meet the needs of the next generation without compromising our planet’s future. Unlike a trade association or a traditional CSO, Power for All is the only organization dedicated to promoting the entire DRE sector (not just paying members or one type of technology) in a way that benefits international as well as indigenous organizations and consumers. A trusted, third-party campaign focused on the public good of energy access—with no profit incentive—that works at the nexus of energy and development, Power for All has a proven ability to galvanize the energy access ecosystem to achieve the kind of tangible needed transform the energy access timeline.

In the 10 years since launching at the United Nations, Power for All has:

• Led pro-DRE country campaigns across the Global South including Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, including task forces, action plans, and trade associations.
• Launched thought leadership initiatives underpinned by original research that supports the dividends of faster energy access through DRE, including Powering Jobs, Power for Health, and Powering Agriculture and Utilities 2.0
• Worked with local change-makers to support pro-DRE policies and regulations, established productive relationships with government officials around the world, and created a network of local champions in energy-poor countries.
• Helped drive billions of “opportunities to view” (OTV) or media impressions for the sector and its companies, including features on CNN, CNBC Africa and The Economist.
• Garnered a range of awards that elevate the role of DRE in national economies and energy systems, including the Ashden Award, African Energy Elites, and Real Leaders. 

About the Role:

Power for All is seeking a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as part of a planned transition to the next generation of leadership. The role requires a strong executive who can build on Power for All’s past successes and take it to the next level of growth and influence. This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader and change-maker to drive and catalyze the organization’s next phase of growth and impact, by leveraging Power for All’s global reach and influence to have a large-scale impact on an urgent global problem. 

Scope of Work:

The CEO is responsible for establishing strategic direction, ensuring financial health, and raising the profile of the Power for All message. As “visionary in chief,” the CEO must have a thorough understanding of and complete commitment to the campaign’s mission, and the ability to translate the vision into strategy and action. This role will shape the future of Power for All and drive the organization's influence within the energy ecosystem and beyond. The CEO must be a relentless advocate for systems-level solutions to eradicate energy poverty, an activist for energy equity, and a promoter of DRE’s role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The CEO serves as a leading voice of the Power for All message and must be a persuasive advocate and powerful communicator, including both the written and spoken word. The CEO provides leadership in fundraising and business development, including the identification, cultivation, development, and launch of new initiatives. The position reports to the international Board of Directors but is also accountable to both funders and partners of the coalition.

Key Responsibilities:

Advance Power for All’s Mission. In consultation with the Board of Directions, partners, and the broader energy access ecosystem, set the strategic direction for the critical countdown to 2030. Once set, translate strategy into impact through an interconnected set of campaigns and initiatives.

Ensure Financial Health and Operational Stability. In coordination with the global team and Board, identify, cultivate, and support Power for All’s donors and financial partners, fostering a collaborative culture of fundraising. Oversee and manage the annual budget and ensure financial health and compliance with charity regulations (including audits).

Influence the Global Energy System. In unison with Power for All’s goals and objectives, serve as one of Power for All’s lead spokespeople and DRE advocates at global events (e.g., N.Y. Climate Week), in international forums (e.g., the U.N., IRENA), national convenings and to the media, both within and outside the energy community.

Generate Powerful Collaborations and Innovative Ideas. As a brand ambassador, establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations that strengthen the use of Power for All’s message and pro-DRE evidence. In alignment with the global team, ensure continuity of key initiatives and design new campaigns and collaborations to help #EndEnergyPovertyFaster. 

Facilitate Excellence Across Global Teams. Through collaborative practices and inclusive leadership, oversee effective implementation of all campaigns and initiatives. In coordination with the leadership team, build trust and cohesion in a culturally and geographically diverse team of 15-25 people, including mentoring and training.

Role Requirements:

Strategic Communications: This role requires an ability to develop and communicate a vision that leads to inspired and enthusiastic adoption among internal teams and external partners. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in social marketing, thought leadership, and communications. 

Fundraising: The CEO must oversee the financial health of Power for All, including the identification and cultivation of donors (ranging from foundations to individuals). Proven fundraising skills and donor management is a must, with experience in the management and tracking of multiple donor streams (>$2 million).

Stakeholder Engagement: This role requires an ability to identify, develop, and when necessary, convert stakeholders into advocates for DRE. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships across business, impact, scientific, and political communities, resulting in collaborations that make a permanent change for the greater good. 

Leadership: The CEO will have proven inclusive leadership and management skills, in a distributed working environment across multiple time zones and cultures. This role requires a strong ability to listen, convene, and influence a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, inspire, and galvanize disparate organizations is a plus.

The Ideal Candidate:

Power for All is open to candidates with the right skills from a range of sectors and geographic backgrounds. Given Power for All’s focus, some combination of experience in Africa, or in the climate change and energy sector would be a strong plus.

Job Location & Travel Requirements:

Flexible location, with frequent travel (up to 50 percent of the time) to effectively implement campaign prerogatives and sector priorities, and foster collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders globally and in priority countries. Ability to lead, manage, and influence across multiple time zones.