Managing Director

Smart4 Energy is seeking a Managing Director in Nairobi, Kenya, responsible for overall leadership and performance of the organization in the energy sector. The role involves strategic direction, operational oversight, governance, stakeholder engagement, and financial management, focusing on renewable energy and sustainability. Candidates should have a relevant degree, a minimum of 15 years of experience, including 5 years in senior management, and strong leadership skills in the energy sector.
Role Purpose The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the organisation, ensuring the effective implementation of Board‑approved strategies, policies, and objectives. The role provides strategic direction and operational oversight within the energy and renewable energy sector, ensuring reliable, sustainable, and commercially sound energy delivery in line with regulatory, environmental, and stakeholder expectations.


Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Lead the formulation and implementation of organisational strategy, with a strong focus on energy generation, renewable energy growth, and sustainability
.
Translate Board directives, policies, and strategic plans into actionable operational and commercial outcomes.Provide leadership on energy transition initiatives, renewable technologies, and long-term asset optimisation.
Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
Implement Board decisions and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the Board.Engage effectively with regulators, government entities, investors, financiers, development partners, and industry stakeholders.Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, environmental, and governance requirements applicable to the energy sector.
Operational & Financial Management
Oversee safe, efficient, and reliable operation of energy generation assets, with particular attention to renewable energy facilities.Ensure sound financial management, including budgeting, cost control, capital investment planning, and financial sustainability.Lead the execution and delivery of major capital projects, including renewable energy developments and infrastructure upgrades.
Sustainability, ESG & Risk Management
Embed environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across the organisation.Ensure alignment with climate change mitigation, decarbonisation, and sustainable energy objectives.Identify, assess, and manage operational, financial, regulatory, and environmental risks.
People & Organisational Leadership
Provide strong, ethical, and values‑based leadership to a skilled and technical workforce.Develop executive and senior management capability, succession planning, and performance management.Foster a culture of safety, accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in
Engineering, Energy, Economics, Business, Finance
, or a related discipline.


A relevant Master’s degree (MBA, Energy Management, Engineering Management, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.Membership of a recognised professional body is an added advantage.
Experience
At least
15 years of relevant professional experience
, with a minimum of


5 years at senior or executive management level


.


Proven leadership experience in the energy, renewable energy, utilities, power generation, or infrastructure sectors
.
Demonstrated experience managing large, capital‑intensive operations or projects
, particularly in renewable energy.
Experience operating within a regulated environment
, engaging with Boards, regulators, and government stakeholders.
Key Competencies
Strong understanding of energy and renewable energy marketsStrategic leadership and execution capabilityGovernance, compliance, and ethical leadershipFinancial and operational management expertiseStakeholder engagement and communication skillsChange leadership in complex technical environments