At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SolarAid in advancing universal energy access and shaping impactful strategies.
- Company: Join a pioneering charity transforming lives through renewable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and the chance to make a global impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence policy and build partnerships across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of energy access and climate progress on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in international development and strong strategic judgement.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 € per year.
Lead a Movement Advancing Universal Energy Access
Location: UK - hybrid
Travel: c. 8–10 weeks per year (Africa programmes, partners, global forums)
Salary: c. £100k
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
Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.
Chief Executive Officer employer: Acevo
SolarAid is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a transformative movement towards universal energy access. With a strong commitment to impact and sustainability, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth through strategic partnerships and global influence. Located in the UK with hybrid working options, this role allows for meaningful engagement in international development while making a tangible difference in communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy sector, especially those involved in international development. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for clean energy! When you get the chance to chat with someone from SolarAid or similar organisations, make sure to express your commitment to universal energy access. Share your ideas on how to scale impact and influence policy – it’ll show you’re not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching SolarAid’s current projects and partnerships. Understand their operational context in sub-Saharan Africa and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the world of renewable energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand SolarAid's mission and the role of CEO. Dive into our website, read up on our projects, and get a feel for our values. This will help you tailor your application to show how you can lead us in advancing universal energy access.
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for renewable energy and social impact. Use your own voice and experiences to connect with us on a personal level.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant work in international development or energy access. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the challenges we face at SolarAid. We’re looking for someone who can navigate complexity and drive change, so make that clear!
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, following the process shows us you’re detail-oriented and serious about joining our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acevo
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into SolarAid's mission and recent projects. Understand how they’ve transformed energy access in sub-Saharan Africa. Being able to discuss specific examples of their work will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Prepare to share examples of how you've led organisations through change, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to empower teams and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Build Credibility
Think about your past experiences where you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders, be it governments or partners. Be ready to discuss these instances in detail, showcasing your ability to build trust and credibility in high-stakes situations.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic judgement and prioritisation skills. Reflect on how you would align SolarAid’s ambitions with its resources. Consider potential challenges they might face and how you would address them to scale impact effectively.
