Technical Project Manager – Energy Access & GIS (French-speaking)

Your mission:
Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Project Manager with a strong background in energy access in Africa, combined with knowledge of GIS and data science. The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects, coordinating technical and operational activities, and ensuring successful delivery of outcomes that support sustainable energy access and geospatial planning.
This role requires a blend of project management expertise, technical understanding of geospatial and data-driven solutions, and experience working with governments and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Leadership

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of energy access projects where geospatial technologies are applied, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Act as the primary point of contact for VIDA’s customers and partners/stakeholders, including governments, donors, development partners, and local institutions.
• Ensure clear documentation, reporting, and communication across all project phases.
• Coordinate cross-functional delivery with VIDA’s Data Solutions team (Data Scientists) and other internal contributors.• Translate partner needs into clear scopes, workplans, and technical requirements.
• Plan and track Data Solutions workstreams (e.g., analyses, datasets, QA, inputs to platform configuration) against project milestones.
• Facilitate prioritization, trade-offs, and risk mitigation with internal team leads and project stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with mainly Francophone government institutions, development agencies, and private sector stakeholders (mainly in Africa).
• Facilitate workshops, trainings, and meetings to ensure alignment and adoption of project outcomes — primarily in French for Francophone country engagements.
• Coordinate with business teams to ensure Key Accounts relationships are strong and value is regularly created.

Technical & Geospatial Oversight

• Oversee integration of GIS and data science methods into project design and execution.
• Support the collection, validation, and analysis of geospatial data.
• Collaborate with data science teams to ensure analyses inform decision-making (e.g., least-cost electrification, national electrification strategies and plans, mini-grid viability analysis, etc.).
• Ensure project outputs (VIDA software and data products, reports) meet technical quality standards and are accessible to end-users.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Track progress toward deliverables and provide timely project updates to management and partners.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements.
• Prepare high-quality presentations and reports for diverse audiences.

Is it you we’re looking for?:
Qualifications

Essential

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, Geography, Data Science, or related fields.
• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in energy access projects in Africa, with governments and donors (World Bank, AfDB, UN, bilateral donors).
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated experience leading multi-partner initiatives.
• Familiarity with GIS tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) and basic understanding of data analysis concepts, and preferably applied experience in Python and/or SQL).
• Experience engaging with government agencies, regulators, and development partners in Africa.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluency in French (Level C1 for oral and written), as much as English.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of programming languages and cloud-based workflows for geospatial/data analysis (e.g. Python, R, SQL, GCP / BigQuery).
• Previous experience with climate risk projects.
• Familiarity with energy sector planning tools (e.g., electrification models, demand forecasting).

Competencies

• Strong leadership and coordination skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and translate into actionable insights.
• Excellent intercultural communication and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in dynamic, multi-country contexts.
• Commitment to advancing sustainable and inclusive energy access in Africa.

Location & Travel

• Location: Flexible / Remote within Africa and/or from our Nairobi office, with occasional travel to project countries.
• Ability to work across time zones and in multicultural environments.

What we offer:
• Mission: VIDA is more than just another software company. As our work goes beyond lines of code and interfaces you’ll have the chance to create tangible impact in real lives.
• Impact & growth: It’s an exciting time to join us! Shape our success story and company culture from the ground up and see the direct influence of your work.
• Diversity: Our team's diversity is truly exceptional. With more than 15 nationalities on board already today and team members spread across the globe, you'll connect and learn from a wide range of perspectives.
• Participation in our VSOP program: At VIDA, all team members are included in our VSOP program, ensuring everyone shares in our success.
• Fully remote working & flexibility: We're strong advocates of autonomy and flexibility. We allow you to determine when and where you get your stuff done most effectively.
• Tech & tools: We understand the importance of having the right tools to empower your work and will provide you with the latest technology and tools.
• Educational & setup budget: 500€ educational budget per year that you can use for any kind of learning resource & 500€ setup budget for any equipment of your choice.
• 28 vacation days + public holidays in your country of residence.

Sounds exciting?:
If you're passionate about leveraging the power of technology to drive meaningful social impact and joining a mission-driven environment, we would love to hear from you.

Learn more about VIDA and our current projects at vida.place or on LinkedIn.

We're looking forward to receiving your application! 
In case your experience doesn’t fit all of the criteria, make sure to get in touch anyways!