Off-Grid Regulatory & Policy Specialist

Tetra Tech is Leading with Science® to implement clean energy projects and policies that advance global climate and decarbonization goals. We advise national energy transition initiatives and structure finance to deploy clean energy solutions. We help create sustainable utilities and modern power grids. We promote equality and inclusivity in the global energy sector. We improve lives and livelihoods in the biggest cities and smallest villages, and at the intersection of energy-health and energy-water-food.

Project Summary: 

Tetra Tech is implementing the recently awarded, five-year USAID Power Africa Empower West Africa (EWA) Activity. Building on a decade of Power Africa success, EWA aims to close the energy poverty gap in the region by increasing supply of and access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity. By 2029, EWA aims to establish six million new electricity connections; reach financial close for 2,500 megawatts of new generation capacity; construct 1,500 kilometers of new power lines; and achieve sales of 40,000 productive use of energy (PUE) devices.

Position Summary: 

Tetra Tech is recruiting an Off-Grid Regulatory and Policy Specialist who will support the USAID Power Africa Empower West Africa Activity team in enhancing the regulatory and policy environment for off-grid energy solutions in West Africa. The specialist will collaborate with sector associations to identify policy bottlenecks and develop advocacy strategies to promote regulatory reforms. This position will report to the Off-Grid Energy Access Lead and provide technical assistance to public sector partners, engage with policymakers, and collaborate with private sector entities to foster a market-driven approach to off-grid energy deployment. This position is full-time, and hiring is contingent upon USAID approval. Interested candidates must be based in and eligible to work in Ghana, Senegal or Côte d’Ivoire. Regional travel may be required.

Position Responsibilities:

Support the Off-Grid Energy Access Lead to:

• Develop and implement a strategy for improving the regulatory and policy environment for off-grid energy solutions in West Africa.
•  Engage with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and government agencies to provide technical assistance on developing and refining policies, regulations, and standards that promote off-grid energy access.
• Collaborate with sector associations, including energy cooperatives and trade organizations, to identify policy bottlenecks and regulatory challenges that hinder the growth of the off-grid energy market.
• Develop and coordinate advocacy campaigns in collaboration with sector associations to promote policy reforms that support off-grid energy solutions and align with USAID Power Africa Empower West Africa Activity’s objectives.
• Analyze existing regulatory frameworks across USAID Power Africa Empower West Africa  Activity countries and identify gaps, barriers, and opportunities for policy reforms that support the growth of the off-grid energy market.
• Collaborate with private sector stakeholders, including off-grid energy companies and investors, to identify regulatory challenges and advocate for policy changes that enhance market conditions.
• Draft policy briefs, regulatory guidelines, and recommendations to facilitate the adoption of best practices and harmonization of off-grid regulations across the region.
• Coordinate with USAID Power Africa Empower West Africa Activity senior technical leads and external partners to integrate off-grid regulatory and policy considerations into broader energy sector planning and activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of regulatory changes and advocacy efforts on off-grid market development, collecting data and reporting on key performance indicators to inform future policy advocacy.
• Develop and maintain a database of regulatory and policy frameworks, best practices, lessons learned, and advocacy initiatives to support knowledge sharing and capacity building among stakeholders.
• Support the organization of workshops, policy dialogues, and stakeholder consultations to build consensus and promote alignment on regulatory issues.
• Work with the communications team to prepare outreach and thought leadership materials such as presentations, policy briefs, success stories, fact sheets, case studies, and digital content.
• Contribute to weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual report to the USAID. 
• Perform other duties to help accomplish activity objectives as assigned by the Off-Grid Energy Access Lead and senior management.