Project Manager – COMESA Project Preparation Facility (PPF)

• Set up and operationalise the COMESA PPF in close coordination with COMESA PIU and GET.invest

• Ensure compliance with operational, procurement, and reporting standards of COMESA as well as alignment with COMESA and ASCENT strategic goals

• Act as the central liaison between COMESA PIU, GIZ/GET.invest, and other service provider(s) related to the PIU

• Manage day-to-day coordination, planning, and delivery oversight of TA and grant support

• Monitor performance, review deliverables, and ensure quality

• Prepare external and internal reports, facilitate knowledge sharing, programme learning and continuous improvement as well as facilitate public communication and outreach

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement across governments, DFIs, TA providers, and relevant donor initiatives, etc in close cooperation with COMESA PIU responsible for partnerships management

• Where needed, on behalf of COMESA, represent the PPF at key events and engagements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced university degree (or additional two years of experience) in a relevant field, preferably in Development Finance, Project or Corporate Finance, Economics, or Business Administration, with a focus on energy or private sector development

• At least 10 years of experience managing large donor - or government-funded programmes, funds, or technical assistance facilities—ideally supporting private sector investment readiness

• Deep understanding of the decentralised renewable energy (DRE) and clean cooking market in Sub-Saharan Africa; hands-on experience in financing DRE / clean cooking businesses is highly desirable

• Strong track record in engaging with government stakeholders, development finance institutions (DFIs), and regional organisations

Other Skills and Attributes

• Strong project management and coordination skills, including multitasking across stakeholders and workstreams

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey complex topics to diverse audiences

• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving orientation and attention to detail

• Proficient in MS Office Suite; experience with digital tools for programme monitoring or CRM is a plus

• Fluency in English; working knowledge of French or Portuguese is an asset

• Willingness for travel regionally across COMESA member states and internationally

• Experience in designing and managing TA grant facilities according to WB procurement procedures is considered an asset.

Marsha Schleutner