Lead a Movement Advancing Universal Energy Access
Location: UK - hybrid
Travel: c. 8-10 weeks per year (Africa programmes, partners, global forums)
Type: Full-time
About SolarAid
SolarAid is an ambitious international charity working to achieve a world where everyone has access to clean, renewable energy. With a strong track record of impact across sub-Saharan Africa, SolarAid has helped transform access to energy through solar solutions that improve lives, livelihoods and the environment.
Today, SolarAid is entering a pivotal new phase. Building on proven delivery models, the organisation is shifting towards systems change - scaling impact through partnerships, influencing markets, and shaping policy to accelerate universal energy access. Alongside this, SolarAid retains active operational programmes in countries such as Malawi and Zambia, ensuring deep, real-world insight informs its work.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with both credibility on the ground and growing influence at the highest levels.
What You Can Look Forward To
As CEO, you will lead SolarAid through an exciting transition - balancing external influence and internal leadership to unlock its next phase of impact.
You will:
* Shape and Deliver Strategy
* Bring clarity, focus and prioritisation to SolarAid's ambitions, ensuring resources are aligned to the highest-impact opportunities
* Drive Global Influence
* Act as SolarAid's primary ambassador, building credibility with governments, funders, multilaterals and partners
* Scale Impact Through Partnerships
* Expand and strengthen partnerships to deliver scalable, replicable models across sub-Saharan Africa
Why This Role Matters
* You will lead a mission that is fundamental to human development and climate progress
* SolarAid combines proven delivery with growing global influence
* You will have the opportunity to shape the future of energy access at scale
About You
SolarAid is seeking an experienced, credible and decisive leader - someone equally comfortable representing the organisation externally and leading it internally through change.
Skills and Experience
* Proven senior leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director or equivalent) within international development, social enterprise or a related field
* Experience of programme delivery in sub-Saharan Africa, with a deep understanding of operating contexts
* Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence with governments, funders, and global partners
* Track record of leading organisations through complexity, change or transition
* Strong strategic judgement, with the ability to prioritise and align ambition with capacity
Highly Desirable:
* Relevant sector expertise - in energy access, climate, or adjacent sectors
Personal Attributes
* Decisive and empowering, able to lead with clarity and confidence
* Credible and articulate ambassador, with presence at senior levels
* Emotionally intelligent, able to build trust and stability in a mission-driven culture
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