Energy Economist

Energy Economist Department: Energy Employment Type: Contract / Temp Location: Africa Reporting To: Head of Technical, Reforms and Economic Analysis

Description 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.

High-Level Overview

Our client is seeking an Energy Economist to lead economic and financial analysis across the sector, support strategic planning, and provide evidence-based recommendations to inform energy policy and investment decisions. The role will assess project viability, model demand and supply scenarios, evaluate tariff and subsidy reforms, and analyse the economic impacts of sector interventions.

Working closely with government counterparts, technical experts, and development partners, the Energy Economist will contribute to long-term energy planning, ensure alignment between sector strategies and national objectives, and support effective, data-driven governance.

Role and Responsibilities Role: Energy Economist Direct Report: Head of Technical, Reforms and Economic Analysis Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

Economic & Financial Analysis of the Sector Assess energy demand trends and their economic impacts in coordination with internal teams and sector agencies. Analyse the costs, benefits, and economic viability of priority energy projects under the national program. Support development of short-, medium-, and long-term project development plans. Identify opportunities for resource optimisation and improved investment efficiency.

Energy Planning & Modelling Develop economic models for forecasting energy demand and supply. Build forward-looking scenarios incorporating different energy mixes, financing structures, and risk conditions. Conduct sensitivity analyses to guide strategic and investment decision-making. Analyse tariff reforms, affordability measures, subsidy needs, and loss-reduction impacts from an economic perspective.

Policy & Regulatory Support Prepare economic policy briefs and recommendations for government decision-makers. Contribute to the design of economic incentive mechanisms that support investment and private-sector participation. Assess the socio-economic impacts of proposed or ongoing energy-sector reforms. Support alignment of policy recommendations with national development and sector strategies.

Coordination, Reporting & Communication Prepare technical reports, memos, briefing materials, and analytical recommendations for leadership. Support dissemination of economic analyses to sector stakeholders and development partners. Participate in technical and coordination meetings, providing analytical input as required. Collaborate closely with relevant ministries, agencies, and experts within the coordination unit.

Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer Participate in training and skills-transfer workshops for sector personnel. Contribute to institutional strengthening by supporting adoption of economic modelling tools and methodologies. Ensure documentation and transfer of analytical processes, tools, and findings to internal teams.

Key outputs:

Economic and financial analysis reports Demand forecasting models and planning scenarios Tariff and affordability assessments Socio-economic impact analyses Policy briefs and recommendations Mapping of investments, existing studies, and data gaps Inception and Completion Report

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in economic and financial analysis within the energy sector.

Energy Sector Economic & Financial Analysis – Extensive experience assessing the economic and financial viability of energy-sector projects, including cost–benefit analysis, least-cost planning, long-term scenarios, tariff and subsidy reform, cost-of-service analysis, and utility financial modelling.

• Energy Planning & Modelling – Proficiency in developing demand forecasts, supply scenarios, and long-term planning models using tools such as LEAP, TIMES, PLEXOS or advanced Excel-based platforms.

Investment Structuring & Sector Reform – Experience evaluating or structuring investments involving private sector participation (IPPs, PPPs, blended finance) and assessing economic implications of policy and regulatory reforms. Policy Analysis & Strategic Advisory – Strong capability in producing economic policy briefs, synthesising analytical findings, and advising senior decision-makers on sector incentives, financial mechanisms, and reform measures. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination – Experience working with government institutions, technical agencies, and development partners, ensuring coherent economic analysis and alignment across multiple actors.

Technical Requirements:

Master's or Doctorate in Energy Economics, Applied Economics, Public Finance, or related field Proficiency with economic modelling tools (LEAP, TIMES, PLEXOS, advanced Excel) Strong quantitative and financial analysis skills Ability to produce high-quality analytical reports and strategic recommendations Understanding of energy-sector planning, regulatory frameworks, and investment structures

Other Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving capability Excellent written and verbal communication High attention to detail and documentation discipline Ability to manage competing priorities Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams

Working Arrangement Location: Lomé, Togo (or any other location agreed in advance)

Terms of agreement:

Start Date: January 2026 Contracting Period: 12 months, with potential extension Includes a 3-month initial evaluation period