At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SolarAid in advancing universal energy access and driving impactful partnerships.
- Company: Join an ambitious charity transforming lives through renewable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, travel opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on human development and climate progress.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy access and influence global change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in international development or social enterprise.
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
- 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 in London employer: SolarAid
SolarAid is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a transformative movement towards universal energy access while working in a hybrid environment in the UK. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a culture that values impact and innovation, SolarAid empowers its leaders to shape strategies that drive meaningful change across sub-Saharan Africa. Join a passionate team dedicated to making a difference, where your leadership will directly influence global partnerships and policies for a sustainable future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO in London
✨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 forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners or mentors. You never know who might help you land that CEO role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for clean energy! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, make sure to highlight your commitment to renewable energy and how it aligns with SolarAid's mission. Authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into SolarAid’s work and impact. Familiarise yourself with their programmes in Malawi and Zambia, and think about how your experience can contribute to their next phase of growth. Tailor your insights to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply 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 the SolarAid team and making a difference in the world of energy access.
We think you need these skills to ace CEO in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for renewable energy and universal access shine through. We want to see how your values align with SolarAid's mission, so don’t hold back on sharing why this cause matters to you!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in international development or social enterprise. We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of sub-Saharan Africa, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, clarity is key! Keep your application focused and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and impact at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out!
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, especially in complex environments. Highlight your ability to empower teams and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Build Credibility
Think about your past experiences working with governments, funders, or global partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships and influenced stakeholders in the international development sector. This will demonstrate your capability to act as SolarAid's ambassador.
✨Align with Their Vision
SolarAid is entering a pivotal phase, so it’s important to express your understanding of systems change and scaling impact. Prepare to discuss how you would align resources with high-impact opportunities and your vision for advancing universal energy access.
