The Access to Energy (A2E) Solution Architect will be a core member of the A2E English-Speaking Africa team, driving high-impact electrification and energy-access projects across the region. Based in Nairobi, this role involves leading the design, technical proposal development, customer engagement, and execution of A2E solutions, including solar PV, microgrids, hybrid systems, and energy-storage technologies. This role is ideal for a passionate engineer eager to combine technical expertise with project leadership and customer impact in an international, multicultural environment.
Key Responsibilities (What will you do?)
- Lead and manage technical-commercial tenders and quotations for the Access to Energy business.
- Drive end-to-end project/tender cycles, coordinating across Business Development (BD) teams, customers, partners, and R&D to ensure high-quality and timely bid submissions (technical & commercial).
- Develop techno-commercial proposals, including system design, architecture solutions, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
- Create electrical designs and drawings using Electrical AutoCAD.
- Engage closely with customers to understand their energy needs and develop optimized technical solutions.
- Oversee on-ground implementation of pilot and showcase projects.
- Work with global A2E and R&D teams to align product use, specifications, and system capabilities.
- Deliver technical support to customers and partners on system integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting (solar PV, storage, hybrid, off-grid solutions).
- Identify opportunities for product improvement and new solution development based on market and customer insights.
- Support and deliver technical training for internal teams, customers, and partners.
Skills and Capabilities (What skills and capabilities will make you successful?)
- Strong theoretical and hands-on knowledge of solar products and solutions (inverters, charge controllers, solar VFDs, microgrids, etc.).
- Proficient in technical drawing using Electrical AutoCAD.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects and collaborating with international teams.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work across all levels within the A2E ecosystem.
- The role is Nairobi-based but requires frequent travel (2–3 months annually).
Reporting Structure
This position reports directly to the A2E Business Director, AAF & Performance Management. The role is an individual contributor position, working collaboratively across the English-Speaking Africa (ESA) region and engaging with cross-functional stakeholders within the Access to Energy ecosystem.
Qualifications (What qualifications will make you successful for this role?)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering (Project Management experience is an added advantage).
- 6–12 years’ experience in the design, installation, and commissioning of off-grid and on-grid PV systems.
- The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to performance, a high level of customer focus, an entrepreneurial mindset with leadership capabilities, and a collaborative team spirit, while thriving in a multicultural and international environment.
- Strong MS Office skills, including presentation and report-writing capability.
- Excellent communication skills and a positive, solutions-driven attitude.
- Knowledge of Microgrid architectures.
- Knowledge of Off-grid and on-grid PV products.
- Experience with PV-diesel hybrid system design & Solar irrigation systems.
- Ability to prepare optimized techno-commercial offers.
