Energy Sector PPP Expert, Sierra Leone

High-Level Overview

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

To accelerate energy sector development and increase private investment in power generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, the client is seeking a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Expert – Energy Sector to support the Government of Sierra Leone in structuring, preparing, and implementing bankable PPP transactions.

The Energy Sector PPP Expert, Sierra Leone will focus specifically on energy-sector PPPs, including grid-connected generation, independent power producers (IPPs), transmission and distribution investments, and renewable/off-grid solutions where relevant. The role will strengthen institutional capacity within relevant ministries, regulators, and utilities while supporting transaction preparation and investor engagement.

This assignment supports the client’s objective of improving energy access, financial sustainability of the power sector, and mobilisation of private capital aligned with national energy strategies.

Sierra Leonean nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Role and Responsibilities

The Energy Sector PPP Expert, Sierra Leone will report to TBD, with one candidate required for this role.

Key Deliverables

Specific deliverables will be finalized once the client scope is published, but generally include:

• Energy PPP Strategy & Policy Advisory: Provide technical advice on PPP frameworks specific to the energy sector, supporting alignment with national energy policies and electrification strategies. Advise on regulatory and institutional arrangements affecting private participation, and support the development of energy-sector PPP guidelines and model agreements (e.g., PPAs, concession agreements).
• Project Identification & Structuring: Support identification and screening of priority energy PPP projects (generation, renewables, mini-grids, transmission and distribution investments). Conduct or oversee pre-feasibility and feasibility analyses (technical, financial, legal, environmental, and social), advise on value-for-money and affordability assessments, and recommend risk allocation frameworks suitable for Sierra Leone's energy context.
• Transaction Advisory & Procurement Support: Structure bankable PPP transactions, including IPP models, Build-Own-Operate (BOO) or Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) structures, and concession arrangements. Provide input into tender documents, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and draft Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Support competitive procurement processes, evaluation, negotiation, and ensure compliance with transparency requirements.
• Financial Structuring & Bankability: Develop or review financial models for proposed energy PPP projects. Assess tariff structures, payment security mechanisms, and revenue frameworks. Advise on risk mitigation instruments such as guarantees, escrow arrangements, sovereign support, and viability gap funding. Engage with development finance institutions, commercial lenders, and investors to enhance project bankability.
• Institutional Capacity & Knowledge Transfer: Provide on-the-job advisory support to the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance, PPP Unit, and relevant utilities. Develop templates and tools for energy PPP preparation and contract management. Conduct training sessions on PPP structuring, fiscal risk management, and energy project finance. Support strengthening of contract monitoring and performance oversight systems.

Key Outputs

• Inception Report outlining understanding of the assignment, proposed methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, key risks and assumptions, and detailed workplan.
• Technical inputs to energy-sector PPP policies, guidelines, and institutional frameworks.
• Energy PPP project screening notes and structuring recommendations.
• Transaction advisory inputs, including draft documentation and financial analysis (as applicable).
• Periodic progress reports and briefing notes.
• Capacity-building materials and workshop outputs.
• Completion Report summarising achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Requirements

Experience Required

• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in energy-sector PPPs, infrastructure finance, or power-sector project development.
• Demonstrated experience supporting government-led PPP initiatives in low- or middle-income country contexts.
• Proven experience advising on energy infrastructure transactions, including IPPs or renewable energy projects.
• Experience with financial modelling and bankability assessments for energy projects.
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments involving government, development partners, private investors, and financiers.

Technical Requirements

• Master’s degree in Energy, Finance, Engineering, Economics, Public Policy, Infrastructure Management, or related field.
• Strong understanding of PPP models such as BOO, BOT, and concession arrangements in the energy sector.
• Knowledge of tariff structures, payment security mechanisms, and fiscal risk considerations.
• Familiarity with donor-funded energy programmes is an asset.

Other Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex financial and contractual concepts into practical recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports and briefing materials in English.

Working Arrangement

• Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
• Travel: Periodic domestic travel

Terms Of Agreement

• Start Date: To be confirmed (expected April/May 2026)
• Contracting Period: 12 months, with possibility of extension subject to performance and funding availability.

Key skills/competency

• PPP Structuring
• Energy Sector Development
• Project Finance
• Financial Modeling
• Policy Advisory
• Transaction Management
• Capacity Building
• Risk Assessment
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Renewable Energy