Nairobi, Kenya | Full-time | Minimum of three months, with potential of renewal up to one year

About the Organization

CLASP serves at the epicentre of collaborative, ambitious efforts to mitigate climate change and in the global movement for clean energy access through appliance efficiency. Our mission is to improve the energy and environmental performance of the appliances & equipment we use every day, accelerating our transition to a more sustainable world. We work hand-in-hand with governments, experts, industry, consumers, donor organisations and others to propel policies and markets toward the highest-quality, lowest resource-intensive appliances possible.

CLASP has worked in more than 100 countries since its inception in 1999. CLASP is headquartered in Washington, DC, with teams in Europe, Kenya, India and Indonesia. We’re mission-driven and committed to a culture of diversity, transparency, collaboration, and impactful work. See our Team Page to learn more about us.

About the Role – Clean Energy Access Health Fellow

CLASP seeks an early-career research professional ready to take their experience to the next level with our growing team. The Fellow will support CLASP’s Clean Energy Access Research team, which works in partnership with stakeholders across Africa and South Asia to improve markets for energy-efficient, high-quality appliances on and off the grid. Our team provides world-class technical and advisory services to develop global off-grid appliance markets.

The Fellow will primarily support research and analysis under the LEIA program of the Efficiency for Access Coalition. Efficiency for Access is a global coalition that promotes high-performing appliances that contribute to clean energy access for the world’s poorest people. The Fellow will primarily support the Medical Appliances for Clinic Electrification research project.

Background:

In 2021, CLASP published a report presenting a preliminary assessment of the technical and commercial barriers to large-scale deployment of medical equipment in energy-constrained clinics, along with actionable recommendations to make progress against these barriers. As the report makes clear, medical equipment presents a unique set of technical and commercial challenges for stakeholders involved with clinic electrification. Existing products are often highly inefficient, not designed for use in harsh environments, and incompatible with distributed renewable energy systems.

Scope:

To better understand the current medical equipment landscape and identify opportunities for improvement, CLASP is launching a first-of-its-kind effort to assess the efficiency and performance of select appliances and devices currently in use in select off- and weak-grid clinics across Kenya. This effort will include site visits to a set of Kenyan clinics that lack reliable access to electricity to identify the medical device types currently deployed in field setting. After identifying a suite of commonly used appliances and devices, CLASP will procure the same or similar models for the purpose of conducting energy and performance testing. This testing will take place at Kijani Testing Limited, a test lab in Kisumu, and will utilize CLASP’s Rapid Product Assessment test method, designed to assess the suitability of appliances for use in harsh environments with limited and/or inconsistent access to electricity.

The results of the performance testing process will represent one of the first attempts to assess the off-grid suitability of conventional medical devices and appliances. CLASP will use the results as an input to a report on the current state of the medical device sector with regard to clinic electrification efforts, and the need for more investment into the development of medical devices intended for use in off- and weak-grid settings.

Responsibilities

The Fellow will be responsible for a variety of internal and external facing research activities including, but not limited:

• Conduct desk research and data analysis on 1) clinic electrification efforts with a specific focus on medical equipment needs in energy-constrained settings, and 2) the current landscape and global supply chains for relevant medical equipment types. Potential utilization of advanced analytics techniques to extract meaningful insights from large datasets.
• Participate in site visits to a set of Kenyan clinics that lack reliable access to electricity to identify the medical device types currently deployed in field setting.
• Coordinate the administrative components of the product testing process at Kijani Testing Limited.
• In collaboration with CLASP’s research leads, contribute to producing a high-quality public-facing research output highlighting the current state of the medical device sector and the need for increased.
• Support other related CLASP research projects as needed.

CLASP is a fast-paced, international, and highly collegial work environment. The right candidate will be able to move creatively and strategically from idea to implementation, know how to prioritise and re-prioritize in a fast-paced work environment, move between the small details and the big picture with skill, bring well-honed listening and interpersonal skills, and can filter many streams of information for the best process or product.

The Ideal Candidate

• Current or recent post-graduate student studying data analytics/ data visualization or research-based degree and/or 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Knowledge of the public health sector in the Global South; knowledge of solar powered appliances and the off-/weak-grid context preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong work ethic and an ability to take the initiative; a drive to learn and grow on the job.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; proven ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and interpret trends and patterns in data and support informed decision-making processes.
• Professional demeanour, including the ability to comport in a diverse, international work environment.
• Experience in public health, renewable energy, economics or analogous sectors preferred.
• Intellectual agility and a commitment to professional development.

Compensation and Location

CLASP is accepting candidates, based in Nairobi, Kenya. CLASP provides a competitive hourly rate and will also reimburse for expenses in the performance of the work. Payments are limited to authorised travel and purchase of software of research subscriptions as required and permitted. Occasional travel (domestic and international), as well as evening hours, may be necessary.

How to Apply

If you believe you meet the attributes and skills above, please fill in the enclosed application form (URL: https://forms.gle/shGNgRdcTmqWVx6w9). If you have any questions, kindly email mphilip@clasp.ngo. Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.

CLASP seeks to fill this role as soon as possible; the deadline for application is the 14th of June 2024, and assessment will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

CLASP is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. Each person is evaluated based on personal skill and merit.