Managing Director

Job Vacancy

MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR FINANCING FACILITY SUPPORTING OFF-GRID ENERGY COMPANIES OPERATING IN DISPLACEMENT SETTINGS OF UGANDA

July 2025, Uganda

Job title: Managing Director

Job type: Full-time, in-country

Location: Kampala, Uganda

Employer: Humenergi Uganda Ltd (under incorporation)

Position summary

Mercy Corps is seeking a managing director to operationalize a financing facility focused on providing concessional loans to off-grid energy companies who serve refugee settlements. Humenergi, the financing facility, is a separate commercial entity of which Mercy Corps is the primary shareholder which is currently being licensed.

We are looking for an accomplished and driven individual to establish and lead Humenergi, overseeing all facets of its operations, strategic direction, and organizational growth. The role will involve defining the facility’s vision and mission in alignment with Mercy Corps’ programmatic objectives and ensuring operational autonomy through comprehensive strategic planning, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and effective program delivery. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with significant experience at the intersection of the finance, energy, and development sectors.

About Humenergi Uganda Ltd

Mercy Corps implements the Transforming Humanitarian Energy Access (THEA) program in partnership with Ashden and the Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA). THEA is funded with UK Aid from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform and managed by the Carbon Trust. Its aim is to identify and promote alternative models to deliver clean energy in displacement settings in Uganda, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

In Uganda, THEA aims to design, establish, and operationalize a domestic financial entity with a dedicated mandate to providing concessional loans to off-grid energy companies (OGECs) operating within displacement settings (the “Facility” or “Humenergi”). The Facility will collaborate closely with Mercy Corps, the primary shareholder, which will also support the facility’s investees through programmatic interventions. These interventions include delivering market intelligence, facilitating expansion initiatives, stimulating demand for off-grid solutions among refugees, host communities, and businesses, and offering comprehensive logistical and technical support to OGECs.

Although Humenergi is affiliated with the programmatic interventions of Mercy Corps and Ashden in the target areas, which aim to provide technical support to the same OGECs receiving financial assistance from the Facility, it will largely function independently and operate on a commercial basis. The intention is for the facility to eventually become self-sustaining and expand its operations within Uganda and the wider region through a flexible and streamlined structure, with a defined vision and mission to support OGECs working in displacement settings.

Key Responsibilities of the Managing Director

• Lead the establishment and strategic direction of Humenergi: Take overall responsibility for launching and shaping the facility, articulating its vision, mission, and operational roadmap in line with the investment philosophy. Set the tone for organizational growth and ensure the facility evolves into a self-sustaining, impactful enterprise.

• Develop and implement financial products and procedures: Design and oversee the deployment of concessional loan products tailored to the needs of off-grid energy companies (OGECs) operating in displacement settings. Ensure robust risk management, transparent approval processes, and continuous product refinement to maximize impact.

• Foster collaborative partnerships: Work closely with Mercy Corps, Ashden, donors, government entities, and local and regional stakeholders. Coordinate cross-sectoral initiatives that stimulate market demand, deliver market intelligence, and provide technical support to investees and partner organizations.

• Oversee organizational operations and compliance: Set up and manage all operational systems, including staffing, policies, and procedures. Ensure sound financial management, regulatory compliance, and timely reporting to stakeholders and funders.

• Drive business development and scaling strategies: Identify and pursue opportunities for growth and expansion within Uganda and the broader East African region. Build a commercially sustainable model that positions Humenergi as a leader in financing off-grid energy access in displacement contexts.

• Represent the organization and build visibility: Act as the public face of Humenergi at industry events, conferences, and with the media. Advocate for the facility’s mission, cultivate relationships across public and private sectors, and champion innovative approaches to sustainable energy finance.

• Monitor, evaluate, and report on impact: Establish metrics for success and a framework for ongoing assessment of Humenergi’s performance and outcomes. Regularly review progress, adapt strategies as needed, and communicate results and lessons learned to all stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of five years’ proven experience in managing financial institutions, such as microfinance organizations or commercial banks.
• Minimum of five year’s proven experience in lending to Ugandan MSMEs.
• Extensive knowledge of the Ugandan financial sector with a well-established professional network.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience setting up or scaling early-stage ventures.
• Comprehensive understanding of Uganda’s off-grid solar industry and energy project financing would be preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of Uganda’s refugee policies and operations in refugee settlements would be preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement multi-year strategic plans, incorporating measurable KPIs, resource allocation frameworks, and systems for monitoring progress.
• High-level expertise in financial management, including budget formulation, cash flow forecasting, investment appraisal, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven capacity to identify market gaps, design innovative financial products, and quickly adapt to evolving policy or market landscapes.
• Experience in raising finance and capital, both philanthropic and commercial, would be preferred.
• Master’s degree or higher in finance, business, economics, engineering, or a related field; specialized training in energy access, impact finance, or refugee market solutions is advantageous.
• Strong alignment with organizational values and mission, demonstrated by previous work advancing sustainable energy access and social impact, particularly within underserved communities or mission-driven entities.
• Ugandan nationality or an established residency in Uganda exceeding five years.

Application Information

Applicants are requested to send a CV and cover letter to recruitment@humanitarian.energy with the subject “Application_MD_Humenergi_Last name, First name”.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the ideal candidate is found. First interviews are tentatively scheduled for the week of 4 August. Women and candidates with lived experience of forced displacement are strongly encouraged to apply.