Senior Utility Specialist – South East Asia Smart Power Program

Research Triangle Institute (RTI) has over 30 years’ experience assisting governments, communities, and the private sector. As a non-for-profit, independent research institute based in North Carolina, USA, RTI has roughly 5,000 employees with global experience implementing international development projects in energy and other disciplines. Around the globe, RTI International is working to develop and implement low emission energy technology alternatives, raise private financing for energy infrastructure, bring efficiency to utilities, work with governments on legal and regulatory reforms to alleviate bottlenecks in energy generation and consumption, and increase access to green energy to sustain economic growth and reduce poverty. We serve as a chosen partner for USAID’s Power Africa program in sub-Sahara Africa and have a growing international energy portfolio of over $200 million across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

Project Description

The purpose of the $50-99.9M USAID Southeast Asia’s Smart Power Program (SEA Smart Power) is to enhance the energy security in Southeast Asia by creating open and transparent energy markets, promoting energy trade, and transforming the energy sector to improve access to clean, reliable, affordable energy. SEA Smart Power will support the Indo-Pacific Vision and Asia EDGE initiative. The anticipated program will be based in Bangkok, Thailand and provide regional support across seven countries.

Position Description

To build upon these efforts, RTI is seeking a Senior Utility Specialist for the anticipated USAID SEA Smart Power in Southeast Asia, headquartered in Thailand. The countries of focus include Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. This will be a senior level position, and candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and the ability to navigate complex political environments.

Responsibilities of the Senior Utility Specialist include, but are not limited to:

• Lead technical and non-technical loss reduction, operational efficiency, peer-to-peer training, financial viability, business process improvement, efficiency improvement in customer connections, and the overall commercialization of utilities.

• Identify existing donor resources and platforms to convene across the region.

• Assist utilities to increase efficiency of generation, transmission and distribution.

• Design and implement utility assessments and strategic plans for improved efficiency and preparation for increased trade throughout the region.

• Work with governments and utilities to modernize/expand transmission networks.

• Lead cost-reflective tariff reform efforts for regulators/governments/utilities.

• Oversee planning improvement efforts, including integrating least-cost/risk-based planning.

• Work across established regional utility associations to address challenges shared across utilities in the region and establish institutional frameworks for bi-lateral and trilateral partnerships.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, business management, law or other relevant discipline and 12 years of experience, Master's degree and 10 years of experience, PhD and 6 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 10 years’ of relevant experience in the power sector with a focus on public policy, power utility reform and improvement of utility financial viability, operational improvements, and corporate governance, with a preference for experience in Southeast Asia.

• Experience managing and coordinating across large teams and projects.

• Strong understanding for how to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and augment financial viability of utilities.

• Strong oral/written communication skills and ability to communicate at multiple levels in the organization.

• Ability to coordinate activities with officials from host country government, US Government, NGO’s, and other agencies.

• Ability to build effective relationships with all clients, peers, and stakeholders, and high-level government officials.

• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team.

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team-oriented setting.

• Strong preference for candidates currently based in Southeast Asia.

• Strong verbal and written English communications skills.

To apply, the applicants go to RTI Web here: Senior Utility Specialist (South East Asia Smart Power) - RTI International Careers (selectminds.com)