Enabling Environment & Partnership Advisor – ABC project (Readvertised)

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner, rooted in the contexts and societies where we work. Inspired by the transformational principles and objectives set out by the SDGs, we are committed to building resilient agri-food systems that deliver food security and adequate nutrition; to increasing the reliability and availability of water and sanitation at an acceptable quantity and quality; and to improving access to affordable and sustainable energy for all. In doing so, we aim to strengthen institutions, markets and effective governance within and across the agri-food, energy, and water sectors, reducing gender inequalities and barriers to social inclusion, and enabling adaptation and mitigation to the climate and biodiversity crises.

We are one team of over 1,600 people, the vast majority of whom come from the contexts where we work, in more than 20 countries in Africa and Asia. In Uganda SNV operates through a decentralised approach with a country office in Kampala and regional offices in Fort Portal, Lira, Jinja, Kabale and Mbarara. SNV implements donor-funded activities across more than 100 districts in Uganda, ensuring broad and diverse impact.

Our ability to deliver results rests on our robust foundation of experience, knowledge, evidence and learning; our commitment to strengthening capacities and catalysing partnerships; and the relationships and trust of those we work alongside.

Our core values of people-centeredness and respect, equity and equality, and diversity and inclusion, are fundamental to who we are, and what we do. This is reflected in our vision and mission, and strategy, which sets out our aspirations and commitments as our compass towards 2030.

For more information on our operations in Uganda and SNV visit our website: www.snv.org

Background to ABC- UG project

The Africa Biodigester Component (ABC) Project seeks “to achieve a sustainable, stable and growing market for biodigesters that significantly contribute to achieving national sustainable agricultural production, energy access and climate targets, by following a market-based approach to triggering demand, promoting the supply of high-quality technology and services and improving the enabling environment.” Specifically, the project aims to facilitate a shift in the biodigester market from its pioneering to the expansion phase.

The project is implemented by a consortium between the SNV as lead Implementer overseeing execution of the supply and demand sides’ project strategies. And responsible for the overall project management and stakeholder coordination, financial and technical support to and cooperation with Biodigester Solutions Uganda Limited (BSUL).GIZ a consortium partner , through Energising Development (EnDev) Uganda, drives the project’s enabling environment interventions for biodigesters in  Uganda with technical backing of Ministry of energy and Mineral Development including undertaking key sector and policy assessments to inform relevant capacity building activities for selected sector associations, and support (advocacy for) policy formulation and development of regulations and sector and technology standards.

Job Purpose:

The Enabling Environment and partnership Advisor is key in establishing, implementing and strengthening the enabling environment, which will foster sector-driven development for biodigester technologies. He/she advisor will play a crucial part in working closely with line ministries and other key stakeholders to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance partnerships, and build the capacity of sector associations and biodigester enterprises to support the growth and sustainability of the biodigester sub-sector. This position emphasizes advocating for favorable policies, engaging key stakeholders, in advocacy reform for scaling of biodigester technologies, particularly for smallholder farmers and Biodigester companies.

1. Policy Coordination:

• Work closely with representatives from the respective government ministries (e.g., MEMD, MAAIF), regulatory bodies, and sector associations to that enhance the uptake of biodigester technologies.
• Tariff Barrier Advocacy: Advocate for the removal of tariff barriers on biodigesters where possible to promote accessibility and affordability.
• Standards: Support the implementation of biodigester standards to ensure compliance with current technological and safety standards.
• Association Strengthening: Strengthen biodigester sector associations to enhance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and industry standards.
• Advocacy and Capacity Building: Lead advocacy efforts, influence policy decisions, and develop capacity-building sector programs to support the growth and sustainability of the biodigester sector.
• Analyse existing policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks, identifying gaps in existing standards and opportunities to enhance the enabling environment for biodigester. 
• Prepare position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials to promote biodigester technologies at national and district levels, for regulatory reforms that benefit the biodigester sector.
• Coordinate with Project Partners to develop and promote biodigester incentives, including financial mechanisms such as subsidies and carbon credits.
•  Organize and facilitate annual sector meetings that bring together stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions related to biogas adoption.

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Build and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and Sector associations to identify and address barriers impeding growth of the biodigester markets, such as regulatory burdens and inefficiencies.
• Represent the ABC Project at sectoral meetings, working technical committees, and public forums to influence decisions that affect the biodigester- sub sector.
• Provide technical support on matters like policy development, sector regulation, technical standards, and Sector association to provide strategic input into policy frameworks.
• Assist enterprises in navigating regulatory requirements and understanding compliance needs related to biodigester technology deployment.
• Identify opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and collaborative initiatives that support the growth of the biodigester sector, address policy constraints to increased Biodigester Installation.
• Guide on research of potential new initiatives or areas of engagement, to decide whether new initiative areas are viable and in line with the project’s goals

1. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

• Lead efforts of capacity-building initiatives targeting policymakers, government officials, & stakeholders to improve their understanding of biodigester and its benefits.
• Organize training sessions, workshops, and seminars on creating an enabling environment for the biodigester sector.
• Disseminate lessons learned and best practices across sectors to foster replication and scaling of successful biodigester models.
•  Design and deliver capacity-building programs for government officials, private sector players, and other stakeholders on biodigester technologies and sector opportunities.
• Support knowledge-sharing activities &promote best practices across the biodigester value chain.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Develop frameworks to monitor the impact of policy changes, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagements on the biodigester sector’s growth.
• Prepare progress reports, policy briefs, and other documentation to keep stakeholders informed of key milestones and challenges as per the established KPI’s.
• Measure and report on the contribution of the biodigester sector to broader goals such as renewable energy adoption, carbon reduction, and sustainable agriculture.
• Closely monitor the progress of ongoing and planned biodigester activities and key industry developments, under the EE component and provide updates to the project manager and team.

• Master’s degree in agriculture engineering, Environmental science, Public Policy or Energy related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience in Policy development, regulatory affairs, or advisory roles within the renewable energy sector, preferably in biodigester or related sectors.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies, donors, and private sector actors with a focus on enabling environment, partnerships, or capacity-building.
• Proven track record in building partnerships across public, private, and non-profit sectors, influencing policy and institutional frameworks to promote sustainable energy or agriculture solutions.
• Experience in donor-funded projects, particularly those involving renewable energy, agriculture, or environmental sustainability.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships (PPPs) and financial incentive structures (e.g., subsidies, carbon credits).
• Experience working with industry associations and providing technical assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), preferably in biogas or renewable energy sectors.

Additional requirements

Leadership: The ability to provide direction and guidance to a group of people and to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective.

Planning and organising: The ability to determine goals and priorities and to assess the actions, time and resources needed to achieve those goals.

Decisiveness: The ability to make active decisions or to commit oneself by speaking one’s mind and taking position.

Problem analysis: The ability to detect problems, recognise important information and link various data to trace potential causes and look for relevant details.

Result orientation: The ability to take direct action in order to attain or exceed objectives.

Focus on quality: Setting high quality standards and striving for continuous improvement and quality assurance.

How to apply

If you believe that your credentials meet the outlined profile, we invite you to apply by uploading your CV and motivation letter in English. Deadline is Monday 20th January 2025.

Working at SNV

We offer a challenging work environment, opportunities to lead and innovate, and a commitment to growing your skills in a fulfilling and diverse working environment. Our staff benefit from and contribute to an international global network of experts. For more information, please visit our website: www.snv.org.

NB: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We do not appreciate third-party mediation based on this advertisement.