Senior Energy Advisor

Period of Performance: This is a 12-month position with the potential for two two-year extensions. Location: Hybrid Schedule (3 days on-site in Washington D.C.) Venatôre seeks a Senior Energy Advisor to support the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and its mission to enhance energy security and transform Ukraine's energy sector into a modern, market-oriented, EU-integrated engine of growth. This position will focus on advancing the development of the electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, and district heating sectors, addressing energy sector reform, cybersecurity, and clean energy adoption while fostering integration with European Union energy markets. Duties and Responsibilities: This role will serve as a senior-level technical advisor within USAID's Europe & Eurasia Bureau, offering strategic leadership and guidance for energy sector reforms across Eastern Europe, with a primary focus on Ukraine. The candidate will be expected to: Serve as a subject-matter expert on energy reform, regulatory policy, and infrastructure modernization, with a focus on power sector transformation and market liberalization. Provide actionable guidance on legal and regulatory reforms to improve energy market operations and drive integration with EU energy systems and policies. Lead the design and implementation of complex energy sector initiatives, ensuring alignment with USAID's goals and U.S. foreign policy objectives. Advise on the development and execution of large power projects, including renewable energy deployment, utility modernization, district heating systems, and grid reliability improvements. Provide technical input and support for energy security strategies, ensuring affordability and reliability of services. Collaborate with high-level government officials, private sector partners, and international organizations to advance energy sector reforms and promote sustainable energy policies. Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and the broader international energy community. Establish robust metrics for measuring the success of USAID-funded energy programs and oversee their implementation. Conduct performance reviews of ongoing projects and provide recommendations for improvement or scale-up. Leverage deep knowledge of the Eastern European energy landscape, including political and regulatory challenges, to inform program strategy. Apply political acumen to navigate complex policy environments and facilitate high-level energy negotiations. To be considered for this role, you must possess at minimum: Candidates must possess at least five years of directly relevant professional experience that demonstrates: Proven success in navigating political and regulatory environments, particularly in international energy markets. Expertise in planning, managing, and implementing large-scale energy infrastructure projects, such as power generation, grid modernization, and renewable energy development. A strong track record of working with or for U.S. government agencies (preferably USAID) to advance energy sector goals. Additional qualifications include: Substantial experience working in Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine, with a strong understanding of regional energy challenges and reform processes is preferred. Hands-on experience with USAID-funded projects, including knowledge of USAID's operational framework, program design, and evaluation processes is preferred. Advanced skills in strategic planning, program management, and stakeholder engagement. Experience building and maintaining high-level business relationships with government and private sector stakeholders. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to engage diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and multidisciplinary teams. Flexibility and capacity to travel internationally up to 25% of the time. Conditions of Employment: Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance. This role follows a Hybrid work model, requiring employees to report onsite a minimum of 3 days per week while maintaining flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days. The specific onsite schedule will be determined based on team and project needs.