Associate, Country Delivery, Vietnam

The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) brings together philanthropy including the IKEA Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation and the Bezos Earth Fund, governments, technology, policy and development partners, and the private sector to tackle the twin challenges of energy access and transition in emerging and developing countries. By 2030, we aim to expand clean energy access to one billion people, enable 150 million new jobs and reduce 4 gigatons of future carbon emissions. We believe clean energy is development: without it, every other form of progress is undermined so we’re building a movement to unlock a new era of inclusive green economic growth that accelerates universal energy access while enabling the global community to meet critical climate goals during the next decade.  

Position Overview

GEAPP is working directly in key markets to support country-led energy transitions, and energy access to spur socio-economic development. Vietnam is one of the top priority countries for the initiative. GEAPP has committed to supporting the government in achieving national goals to accelerate energy transition through the implementation of Battery Energy Storage Solutions and support the development of renewables including areas that are primarily powered by diesel generators. This energy transition will enable the use of green energy sources to improve the livelihoods of the most vulnerable and contribute to avoiding carbon emissions and hence reducing the impact of global warming.

Scope of work

The Associate will support the Country Lead and Country Manager, in the development, deployment, and execution of country engagements, leveraging the full capacities of the Alliance to drive transformative energy transition through energy storage systems, renewable energy and emobility in Vietnam. This role will contribute to the in-country capacity of GEAPP to co-create, develop, and drive transformative initiatives in Vietnam, working alongside key partners. Working with colleagues, governments, multilateral donors, and private sector players, the Associate will help the team to identify and validate project pipelines or partnership opportunities, and oversee the work of in-country partners, grantees, and contractors.

Accountabilities:

Specifically, the Country Associate will be responsible for the followings:

• Supporting the Country Manager with the development and implementation of ambitious strategies for energy transition in Vietnam, including support BESS, offshore wind and other GEAPP priority projects
  
• Supporting the development and implementation of detailed plans, budgets, and timelines for the deployment of GEAPP’s country strategy, aiming to deliver on the vision and achieve key goals.
• Assessing existing programs and identifying opportunities for leveraging the Alliance’s philanthropic capital to amplify and accelerate progress.
• Researching and drafting proposed work scopes for in-country partnerships and projects 
• Carrying out appropriate grant and contract management procedures
• Reviewing the work of grantees, contractors, and partner organizations, to ensure the quality of their outputs and delivery against the goals of the country strategy.
• Working closely with country leads and their teams in the Asia region and providing links to GEAPP’s work in Vietnam and the region.
• Liaising with in-country stakeholders, including government, utilities, development partners, private developers, and others.
• Working closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning team/partner to ensure the right data is being collected and we are tracking results effectively over time and adjusting our strategy as needed. 
• Creating internal content, presentations, briefing memo, short write ups as well as external content as required. 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree in engineering, International Development, or a related field such as battery storage, wind is preferred.
• Good understanding of political economy and context of energy transition in Vietnam.
• 5-7 years of highly relevant experience, preferably with a focus on the environment, energy, climate change, and other relevant sectors, including managing and analyzing data.
• Ability to review and evaluate the content of technical reports or analyses in the energy sector. 
• Previous work experience in a complex, fast-paced, and highly professional role, within a highly collaborative, dynamic organization and in an entrepreneurial environment where building policies, programs, and processes are necessary.
• Demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills in real-life situations.
• An ability to identify, prioritize and manage project development and partnership opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills deployed effectively in developing positive and productive relationships with partners.
• Proven experience working effectively independently, as well as within a team-oriented, collaborative, and collegial environment.
• Proven excellent project management and organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, accurate work on time. 

Behavioral Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Decision-making; Able to distill key insights from a large amount of information and frame distinct choices; Can think creatively and bring new ideas to the table; Has the ability to evaluate risks and opportunities; Uses analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Execution: Takes initiative and drives for results; Has strong project management skills; manages their own time well and provides the necessary guidance and direction to others; has a sense of urgency and takes responsibility for their work; is able to multi-task and works well under pressure; employs attention to detail with their work and has high standards for accomplishing their work. 
• Influence and Communication: Excellent communication skills both verbal and written with the ability to frame complex topics for executive discussion and act as a credible representative of the Foundation’s work and values both internally and externally. 
•  Partnership and Relationship Building: Has strong professional presence and can act as a key representative of the alliance; has cultural context and knowledge and appreciation; and possesses strong strategic partnership-building skills. 
• People Management: Strong project and people management skills and the ability to be flexible, and adaptable under uncertain and changing conditions. Approaches managing people as one that employs team building, skill building, and overall staff development and engagement. 
• Travel: Willingness to travel (~20-30%) 

We operate from a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do. It is not only the right thing to do – we could not make an impact without our team members' diverse perspectives and experiences. We expect all GEAPP employees to contribute by developing their unique perspectives and talent, challenging conventional wisdom through evidence and reason, and amplifying marginalized voices.  

 GEAPP LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, the organization ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status, or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.  

GEAPP LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.