Head, Climate Change & Energy

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Climate Change & Energy to lead one of its flagship program areas. This senior leadership role is central to driving ACBF’s work on climate adaptation, green energy transitions, institutional strengthening, and innovative capacity-building approaches across Africa.

The incumbent will lead program design and delivery, manage teams, oversee results and impact, expand strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources to grow the portfolio. Based in Accra, Ghana, s/he will report to the Director of Programs & Impact.

If you are a seasoned professional with deep thematic expertise, proven program leadership experience, and the ability to collaborate effectively with governments, development partners, private sector actors, and research institutions across the continent, this role is for you.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Delivery

• Provide strategic direction for ACBF’s Climate Change & Energy, ensuring alignment with ACBF’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027).
• Lead the design, development, and rollout of high-impact regional initiatives that strengthen climate adaptation and expand access to green energy for productive use.
• Oversee implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all projects under the program.

Partnerships & Business Development

• Build and sustain strategic relationships with governments, regional institutions, donors, private sector entities, and research partners.
• In collaboration with ACBF’s Business Development team, contribute to resource mobilization efforts, including preparing high-quality funding proposals.
• Represent ACBF at high-level forums, conferences, and technical dialogues across Africa and internationally.

Knowledge Management & Thought Leadership

• Guide knowledge generation, documentation of best practices, and dissemination of insights across ACBF’s networks.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, narratives, and opportunities in climate change and green energy.
• Promote evidence-based programming and continuous learning.

Financial & Operational Management

• Lead budgeting, work planning, procurement inputs, and reporting for all program activities.
• Ensure compliance with ACBF’s internal policies and donor requirements.
• Produce timely monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports.

People Management

• Lead, mentor, and supervise the program team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Oversee staff performance management, professional development, and team engagement.
• Maintain a positive and empowering work environment anchored on ACBF values.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Climate Change, Environmental Management, Energy Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive professional experience, including leadership roles in climate change, energy, or related development programs.
• Demonstrated track record in cross-country program design, management, and delivery.
• Experience working with donors, investors, and development partners; knowledge of market-based solutions is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of Africa’s political, socio-economic, and institutional landscape.
• Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities and skills, with full proficiency in English. At least, working capabilities in French is an added advantage.
• Ability to travel frequently across Africa, and internationally.

Personal Competencies

• Visionary, intellectually curious, and committed to Africa’s development.
• Empathetic and inclusive leader with strong interpersonal skills.
• Agile, adaptive, creative, and solutions oriented.
• High integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Strong coalition-building skills and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating in dynamic contexts.

Compensation

The African Capacity Building Foundation offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The Foundation provides a generous package of benefits, including international medical cover, retirement benefit, and mobility allowance, among others.

About the African Capacity Building Foundation

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is the leading capacity development institution in Africa and has become the African Union’s specialized Agency since 2017. Since 1991, ACBF has empowered over 100,000 professionals across the public and private sectors, civil society, and academia, while building institutions in more than 40 member states. Through strategic partnerships and impactful programs, the Foundation builds human and institutional capacity and generates and disseminates knowledge to advance Africa’s sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ACBF’s current strategic plan focuses on key impact areas such as Climate Change and Energy for productive use, Agribusiness and Food Sovereignty, Trade as an engine for economic development, and Economic and Social Governance. The Foundation is headquartered in Harare, with regional offices in Accra and Nairobi and a Liaison Office at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa.

How to Apply

To apply for this position please submit in confidence a resume and a cover letter that details why you are a good fit for this position to recruitment@theacbf.org with the subject Head, Climate Change & Energy by 4 January 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The African Capacity Building Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.