Program Manager (Pakistan Solar)

New Energy Nexus is hiring a Program Manager for its solar workforce initiative in Islamabad, Pakistan. The role involves building partnerships, developing workforce skills, and supporting clean energy entrepreneurs. The manager will lead initiatives to enhance the solar talent pipeline and design programs for clean energy startups. This position requires a strategic approach to connect stakeholders and influence market development, with a focus on Pakistan's clean energy ecosystem.
WHO WE ARE
New Energy Nexus (www.newenergynexus.com) is a global non-profit on a mission to support diverse entrepreneurs in accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. We provide funding, business acceleration, and access to a global network of innovators. Since launching in California, we’ve expanded to China, India, Uganda, UAE, Australia, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, boosting hundreds of startups annually while uplifting thousands more entrepreneurs. Since 2004, New Energy Nexus (up until recently known as California Clean Energy Fund) has deployed 94M in investment, supported over 1,200 clean energy startups, and launched industry-leading centers for solution collaboration.


South Asia has been a core focus for us since 2016, and now, we’re growing our team in Pakistan, a pivotal player in the global energy transition. With a strong partnership in place with Renewables First, a leading energy think tank, we’re building the country’s first-of-its-kind program to support solar energy entrepreneurs and workforce development.

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an entrepreneurial leader to help shape and scale Pakistan’s clean energy ecosystem. As Pakistan Program Manager (Solar Workforce), you will engage investors, government, and industry partners to build the enabling environment for climate innovation.


You will lead workforce and entrepreneurship initiatives while unlocking partnerships and capital to accelerate sector growth. This role goes beyond program delivery. It requires a strategic ecosystem builder who can connect stakeholders, influence market development, and position New Energy Nexus at the forefront of Pakistan’s energy transition.


Work location will be in Islamabad, Pakistan at the Renewables First’s office.




ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES1. Energy Skills & Workforce Development – Building Pakistan’s Clean Energy Talent Pipeline
Lead the expansion of New Energy Nexus’ solar workforce development platform to support Pakistan’s rapidly growing clean energy sector.



Develop and execute a national strategy to upskill solar installers, EPCs, and renewable energy professionals in alignment with industry demand.
Expand and localize our solar training platform in Pakistan, ensuring strong adoption and market relevance.
Build partnerships with TVET institutions, training providers, and certification bodies to enable scalable, hands-on training delivery.
Collaborate with industry associations, corporates, and government agencies to align skills development with workforce needs and national energy priorities.
Engage employers, developers, and financiers to ensure talent pipelines translate into real job placement and business opportunities.



2. Program Design & Implementation – Powering Energy Entrepreneurs
Design and deliver high-impact programs that support the growth of clean energy startups and entrepreneurs.



Lead the launch and execution of Pakistan’s clean energy startup incubator/accelerator, leveraging New Energy Nexus’ global platform.
Adapt global tools and methodologies to fit the local market, ensuring strong founder outcomes and commercial viability.
Design and facilitate workshops, bootcamps, and founder support programs that strengthen business models, investment readiness, and market access.
Engage mentors, investors, and industry experts to provide hands-on support to startups.
Develop communications and outreach strategies to attract top founders and showcase Pakistan’s climate innovation ecosystem.



3. Partnerships & Ecosystem Building – Catalyzing the Clean Energy Sector
Play a leading role in shaping Pakistan’s clean energy ecosystem by building strategic partnerships and unlocking collaboration across stakeholders.



Cultivate and manage relationships with investors, government agencies, industry associations, development partners, and corporates.
Identify and unlock funding opportunities, partnerships, and market pathways to scale both startups and workforce initiatives.
Represent New Energy Nexus in high-level forums, policy discussions, and industry convenings to position the organization as a key ecosystem builder.
Convene stakeholders across the value chain to foster collaboration, innovation, and deal flow within the sector.Track market trends, policy developments, and investment activity to inform strategy and identify new opportunities for impact.




Requirements




QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Requirements:



Deeply passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the future of energy.
Proven program & project management experience, you’ve successfully managed complex initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
4+ years of experience in either solar company or renewable energy industry.
A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently while staying connected to a global team across multiple time zones.
Fluent in Urdu and English, with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.




Preferred Qualifications:



Deep expertise in the clean energy sector, whether through work experience, education, or a burning personal interest.
Experience in startup ecosystems, including incubators, accelerators, investors, and entrepreneur support organizations.
Prior entrepreneurship experience is a plus!
Background in management consulting, business strategy, or market development.
Highly resourceful and creative, able to design innovative solutions and make things happen even in challenging environments.
A multi-tasker with exceptional project management skills


Benefits




What We Offer

The opportunity to build something from the ground up. This is your chance to lead a pioneering clean energy initiative in Pakistan.
A high-impact role in a fast-growing global organization shaping the future of energy.
A dynamic and supportive international team, with opportunities for learning and collaboration across countries.
Competitive compensation aligned with local market standards.
A 1-year contract with the possibility of extension, based in Islamabad.



TO APPLY, TIMELINE, AND PROCESS

Submit your resume, cover letter and responses to our application question.
Click the “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” button below to begin your application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait. This is your chance to make history. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.




New Energy Nexus is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law. New Energy Nexus hires and promotes individuals on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. We strongly encourage diverse applicants to apply.