At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SolarAid in advancing universal energy access and driving impactful partnerships.
- 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: Be part of a mission-driven culture promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy access and influence global policies for a sustainable world.
- 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 in London employer: Acevo
SolarAid is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a transformative movement towards universal energy access while working in a hybrid environment from the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a mission-driven culture, SolarAid fosters an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to impactful change across sub-Saharan Africa.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy access and charity sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with someone from SolarAid or any other organisation, make sure to express why universal energy access matters to you. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation’s impact and current projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailoring your responses will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at SolarAid and making a difference in the world of energy access.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what SolarAid is all about. Dive into their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you craft a compelling narrative that resonates with them.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the CEO role. Use keywords from the job description to show you’re a perfect fit for leading SolarAid into its next phase.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your past roles, focus on the impact you’ve made rather than just listing responsibilities. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead through change and drive partnerships, especially in international development or energy access.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to advance universal energy access!
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 impact 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, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to empower teams and build trust, as these are key attributes for this role.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategy and scaling impact. Think about how you would approach partnerships and influence policy in the energy sector. Be ready to discuss your vision for SolarAid and how you would align resources with high-impact opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
SolarAid values emotional intelligence in its leaders. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with stakeholders, managed conflicts, and fostered a positive organisational culture. Showing that you can connect on a personal level will set you apart.
