POSITION DETAILS 

Winrock International is seeking a Sustainable Livelihoods and Capacity Building Advisor to contribute as a key personnel position in the “Promoting Alternative Technologies and Fuels to Reduce the Use of Charcoal for Cooking” Activity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This USAID/CARPE-funded program aims to reduce reliance on charcoal by promoting cleaner and more sustainable cooking alternatives through behavioral change, market development, and the strengthening of supply chains.  

The Sustainable Livelihoods and Capacity Building Senior Advisor will lead activities under Intermediate Result 4, “Alternative sustainable livelihoods and charcoal production efficiency supported.” The Senior Advisor will lead capacity building for two types of stakeholders: 1) Cooking-fuel producers, to support them in enhancing their efficiency and using locally sourced raw materials; and 2) Organizations currently supporting alternative livelihoods, to expand and enhance their offering and impact. The Advisor will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and work closely with the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) to provide leadership and ensure effective program implementation. 

This position is contingent upon award. This role does not have expat allowances allocated to it.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support the COP in the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction to support alternative livelihoods in the DRC as well as improved charcoal production efficiency.  

• Design and lead capacity-building plans and provide technical assistance to companies that produce cooking fuels to enhance their efficiency and capacity to use locally-sourced raw materials, in the cities of Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani and their surrounding areas, including charcoal supply basins. 

• Provide technical assistance to NGOs and companies actively supporting alternative livelihoods in the cities of Kinshasa, Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani and their surrounding areas, including charcoal supply basins.  

• Coordinate and supervise expert consultants to mobilize specialized support, such legal or financial advisory, regulatory enforcement, and carbon financing.  

• Develop and oversee implementation of a GESI reflective practice program for organizations supporting alternative livelihoods in the DRC.  

• Supervise a team of regionally-based consultants in implementing capacity-building strategies for both companies producing cooking fuels and also organizations working in alternative livelihoods.  

• Ensure GESI integration within all activities and advisory services provided.   

• Ensure technical interventions are aligned with USAID objectives, program goals, and local energy regulations. 

• Travel to Goma, Bukavu, Kisangani and surrounding areas to meet with local charcoal producers, alternative livelihood organizations, and other companies and organizations.  

• Collaborate with stakeholders, including USAID, host government counterparts, local NGOs, clean energy technology providers, and financial institutions. 

• Assist in the development and oversight of implementation plans, deliverables, and program milestones. 

• Expertly collaborate with local stakeholders in ways that create local ownership and shared responsibility for and sustainability of results. 

• Responsible for technical activities under Intermediate Result 4 and monitors progress closely to ensure quality, efficiency, and impact. 

• Contribute to program reporting, documentation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 

• Provide input on capacity-building activities for stakeholders and beneficiaries. 

• Adapt program strategies and activities to changing security, political, or working environments. 

• Ensure program compliance with USAID regulations and Winrock’s policies and procedures. 

• Represent Winrock International and the program at public events, conferences, and meetings as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND BACKGROUND: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree (master’s preferred) in renewable energy, environmental science, engineering, business management, forestry, or a related field.  

Experience: 10 years of professional experience, with 5–8 years of experience specifically in clean energy, sustainable development, or a similar relevant sector.  

Required Qualifications:  

• Expertise in clean cooking technologies and fuels (e.g., biomass briquettes, sustainable charcoal, biogas, improved cook stoves).  

• Experience in market systems development for environmentally sustainable products, alternative livelihoods, and supply chain strengthening for clean energy solutions. 

• Demonstrated experience in leading GESI training and capacity building as well as working with diverse actors including private sector companies as well as NGOs.  

• Demonstrated experience managing programs in dynamic security, political, or working environments. 

• Experience implementing USAID-funded activities or similar donor-funded programs focused on clean energy or alternatives to charcoal strongly preferred 

• Previous experience working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or similar contexts strongly preferred 

• Understanding of the cultural, political, and economic dynamics related to energy use in the region.  

• Ability to effectively interact with USAID, host government counterparts, local professionals, international donors, and other implementing partners. 

• Advanced writing and speaking English and proficiency in French  

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements