At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SolarAid in advancing universal energy access and driving impactful change.
- Company: Join a pioneering charity transforming lives through renewable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, travel opportunities, and the chance to make a global impact.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven culture with a focus on human development and climate progress.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy access and influence global policies for good.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in international development and strong strategic judgement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 € per year.
Lead a Movement Advancing Universal Energy Access
Location: UK - hybrid
Travel: c. 8-10 weeks per year (Africa programmes, partners, global forums)
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.
CEO employer: SolarAid
SolarAid is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a transformative movement towards universal energy access. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a collaborative work culture, the organisation empowers its leaders to make a significant impact in the field of renewable energy while fostering partnerships that drive real change. Located in the UK with hybrid working options, SolarAid provides a dynamic environment where innovative ideas thrive, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the energy access and international development sectors. Attend events, join relevant 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 potential employers or partners, make sure to express your enthusiasm for clean energy and universal access. Share your insights on how you can contribute to their mission and why it matters to you personally.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their current projects, challenges, and successes. This will not only help you answer questions but also allow you to ask insightful ones that show you’re genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities at SolarAid, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and really keen on being part of our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace CEO
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 impact. 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 international development. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for leading our movement.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your leadership experience and any relevant work in sub-Saharan Africa. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive change and influence partnerships. This is your chance to show us how your background aligns with our goals!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at SolarAid
✨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, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to empower teams and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Build Credibility with Real Examples
Be ready to discuss your experience working with governments, funders, and partners. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you’ve built relationships and influenced stakeholders in the international development sector, especially in energy access or climate-related fields.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Anticipate questions about strategy and prioritisation. Think about how you would align SolarAid's resources with high-impact opportunities. Be prepared to discuss your approach to scaling partnerships and influencing policy to enhance energy access.
