About PIE 

The Pooled-fund on International Energy (PIE) is an international grant-making and strategy platform. PIE collaborates with foundations, peer re-granting organizations (such as Tara and ECF), and more than 200 civil society partners to promote clean energy and phase out coal and gas, all within the framework of a just transition. Established in 2013, PIE is hosted by the European Climate Foundation. The PIE team consists of a small, dedicated group of exceptional individuals based around the world. 

Context of the role   

PIE's core mission involves international and transnational efforts to achieve carbon-free power sectors globally by 2040 and to initiate a global effort to accelerate the decarbonization of the iron and steel industries. The role involves identifying and working with partners to co-develop strategies, make grants, convene actors and initiatives, and build forward-looking strategies, particularly in grantmaking, based on robust facts and analysis. 

We seek an experienced strategist and a networker to lead the implementation of the energy strategy in North Africa, pushing for the achievement of our goals and those of our partners. The ideal candidate is passionate about energy work and responsible for recommending strategies to core partners and managing the implementation of the energy transition program in North Africa. 

They will have solid knowledge and deep interest in the power sector and strategic focuses understanding the North Africa region. They will understand and value collective impact and the roles of grassroots organizing, public campaigning, technical analysis, finance, government diplomacy, and engaging all economic sectors equally to effect change. They will be a brilliant strategist and networker with the instincts and experience to be a responsible grantmaker and partner to our network. Additionally, they will oversee and support the development of a communication narrative for the program. 

The Head of Energy Strategy in North Africa will report to the Director of the Africa portfolio. 

Key responsibilities 

The Head of Energy Strategy in North Africa will be responsible for co-developing strategic frameworks and managing the implementation of PIE’s Africa workstream, collaborating with other members of the program team involved in both geographic and transnational work. They will also build strategies and plans with our close re-granting partners, who are responsible for the region and key international themes, with a particular emphasis on coordination among the re-grantors. Additionally, the role might manage team members, primarily consultants or Advisors supporting the work in Africa

Responsibilities include:  

 Strategic development 

• Formulate and recommend a technical energy strategy for the work in Africa addressing campaigns, communication, technology innovation, transition, and economic drivers, with a strategic focus on North Africa (countries to be agreed part of the annual strategic focus and the 5 years plans). 

Grantmaking and implementation 

• Lead the execution of the relevant part of the PIE 5-year strategy and its grantmaking with the rest of the Africa team. 
• Lead grantmaking on the theme of the energy program and ensure well-aligned grantmaking from the regional climate foundation partners. 
• Support the funders’ initiative in advising philanthropic foundation in Africa strategy and align foundation engagement on the priority of decarbonization 
• Oversee grantmaking with support from the PIE operations team and ECF finance team, including monitoring performance and evaluation. 

Strategy advising and intelligence 

• Liaise with philanthropic foundations to advise on strategy for North Africa (and/or MENA), prepare grant proposals, and assist in aligning foundation engagement in the region. 
• Support any consultants to be hired in the delivery of the strategy and work on aligning it to the PIE Africa strategy.
• Develop a data-driven approach to strategy, providing relevant and timely intelligence to inform PIE’s plans and those of our partners. 

Team Management 

• Oversee the performance and wellbeing of direct reports, managing when applicable any staff members. 

External relations 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external actors and opinion formers across civil society, labor, business, and government to inform strategy and improve effectiveness. 
• Collaboration: Support the Director (or the Executive Directors) in the networking needed across regional climate foundations on the Africa strategy. 
• Representation: Represent the program externally to promote its goals and achievements where needed. 

Research and convening 

• Commission impactful research and organize stakeholder and partner engagements. 
• Convene and develop a field of partners as co-developers of strategy; maintain productive relationships with grantees and other partners to support strong collaboration and innovative problem-solving. 

Experience and competencies  

Experience and education 

• At least 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in driving change through public campaigning, advocacy, network mobilization, or roles within agencies, businesses, or government. 
• Ideally includes exposure to campaigning and communication strategies. 
• University degree or equivalent. 
• A thorough knowledge of Arabic (C1 level) is required. Knowledge of spoken North African dialects would be an advantage.

Essential knowledge: 

• Understanding of the Energy Sector and its function and how an energy policy or system needs to be set up.
• Advocacy and campaigning: deep knowledge and practical experience of how advocacy and campaigning can impact policy processes is an asset AND/OR diplomatic and government insight: in-depth knowledge of diplomacy, government priorities, and the impact of NGO campaigning on these processes can also be an asset. 
• Climate politics and policy: strong understanding of international climate politics and policy can also be an asset. 
• Regional knowledge: understanding of the power sector in North Africa and decarbonization options is desirable but not essential. 

Skills 

• Demonstrated ability to maintain trusting professional relationships across different sectors and diverse cultural contexts. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English with the ability to crystallize complex issues into effective and readable strategy documents. 

Competencies 

• Excellence in strategic thinking, with the ability to translate strategy into implementation. 
• Demonstrable ability to self-manage and self-organize, establishing your own workspace and schedule. 

What we offer 

• A unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic international team that combines passion for making a difference with a rigorous approach to work. 
• Access to an extensive network of close partners with technical expertise, strong international and local change-making experience, and deep knowledge of grantmaking and strategy development. 
• A highly flexible, self-managed approach to day-to-day work arrangements. 
• An attractive salary at general market rates, cell phone and subscription, laptop. 

Location 

This is a flexible, home‑based role. The successful candidate must be able to operate effectively in alignment with North African business days and working hours.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is 31 August, 2026, by 17:00CEST

Applicants are encouraged to upload their CV and motivation letter as one combined document.