1.    Project Context

Ecuador’s electricity sector faces significant structural challenges that threaten both energy security and the country’s transition towards a low-carbon energy system. The sector remains highly dependent on hydropower, which accounts for around 72% of installed capacity, making the system particularly vulnerable to droughts and climate change. This vulnerability was exposed in 2024, when hydropower generation fell by an estimated 30–40%, leading to power outages of up to 14 hours per day and economic losses exceeding USD 1.9 billion. At the same time, electricity demand increased by around 20% between 2019 and 2023, while installed capacity grew by only 2%, reflecting a significant investment gap. Renewable sources such as solar and wind still account for only around 7% of installed capacity, despite Ecuador’s considerable potential.

These challenges are compounded by constraints in the national transmission network, which limit system security and the connection of new generation projects. Addressing these needs requires significant investment, particularly in renewable generation and transmission infrastructure. Ecuador has increasingly sought to mobilize private investment to complement public financing, but investors continue to face difficulties related to the regulatory, contractual and financial framework, including the bankability of power purchase agreements with public distribution companies.

Currently, the country is facing significant pressure to bridge the gap between energy supply and demand as well as transmission and distribution capacity, with augmenting concerns of potential near term energy shortages.

It is in this context that Expertise France will implement the €4.7M program entitled “Supporting the Energy Transition in Ecuador”, financed by AFD through EU funding. It addresses two key constraints to the development of the sector: limited capacity among public institutions to prepare renewable energy and transmission projects to international standards, resulting in a defined pipeline of investment-ready projects suitable for international lenders; and institutional and regulatory weaknesses, which create uncertainty and constrain long-term sector planning and the integration of renewable energy.

The program is supporting two complementary components:  

• Project Preparation Facility – EUR 2.7 million: preparation of renewable energy and transmission projects through technical and environmental & social feasibility studies, with the aim of developing a credible pipeline of investment-ready projects.
• Institutional Strengthening Facility – EUR 2 million: strengthening the capacity of Ecuador’s electricity-sector institutions and supporting the large-scale integration of renewable energy.

The program works with key public and sector institutions, including the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), CELEC, CENACE, ARCONEL, ElecAustro, distribution companies and other relevant local institutions. It contributes to Ecuador’s objectives on energy security, renewable energy deployment and decarbonization, including the target of reaching a 90% renewable share in the electricity mix by 2030. It is also aligned with Ecuador’s climate commitments under its NDC and with the EU Green Deal and Global Gateway priorities.

Expertise France is the French public agency for international technical cooperation. It supports the implementation of development policies and humanitarian aid by providing expertise, technical assistance, and capacity-building to partner countries. With a strong focus on sustainable development, governance, and crisis management, Expertise France works closely with international organizations, governments, and local actors to promote inclusive and resilient societies.

The French Development Agency (AFD) is a public financial institution that implements France’s policy on development and international solidarity. It finances and supports projects that foster economic growth, social development, and environmental protection in developing countries and French overseas territories. Through its expertise in various sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, and climate action, AFD contributes to building sustainable and equitable societies worldwide.

2.    Position Summary

Expertise France is recruiting a Team Leader to lead the day-to-day coordination of the program and operational implementation of the Technical Assistance (TA) program Supporting Ecuador’s energy transition, as well as of the project preparation component. Based full-time in Quito, the Team Leader will act as the main operational focal point between Ecuadorian beneficiary institutions, AFD, the EU and technical experts/service providers.

The Team Leader will oversee the implementation of both program components, project preparation and institutional strengthening, ensuring effective coordination with beneficiaries, national authorities, international finance counterparts, as well as the quality and timely delivery of activities, monitoring and reporting, and the follow-up of experts and service providers.

The Team Leader will report to Expertise France’s country representative based in Quito, and will work in close coordination with the project support unity (USP) in Bogotá, and the geographical project manager in Paris, who will provide support on project management, internal procedures, reporting and donor requirements. Together, they will ensure effective planning, monitoring and reporting, as well as coordination with AFD and the EU.

3.    Key Responsibilities

Based in Quito, the Team Leader will be responsible for the overall operational coordination and follow-up of the program, including:

Programme Coordination & Implementation

·       Coordinate and manage the implementation of the TA program in line with its objectives, workplan, budget, procurement and contractual requirements.

·       Monitor progress, quality, timelines and deliverables, identify implementation risks and propose corrective actions.

·       Ensure effective coordination with program beneficiaries and their ownership of activities and deliverables.

·       Prepare and coordinate steering committee meetings (agendas, materials, minutes, action follow-up).

·       Ensure coordination between the Project Preparation and Institutional Strengthening components.

·       Regarding TA activities:

o   Translate the needs expressed by the beneficiaries (MAE, CENACE, Arconel, distribution companies, GADs,…) into concrete, prioritized activities,

o   Have this list validated by the steering committee

o   For each activity selected, draft or review the terms of reference as the case may be, recruit the service provider or expert who will carry it out, and then monitor the execution of this service until the deliverable is validated by the beneficiary concerned and AFD

·       Regarding project preparation activities:

o   Coordinate with beneficiary institutions and AFD to identify and prioritize renewable energy and transmission projects requiring preparation support.

o   Assess the maturity, feasibility and financing potential of proposed projects, and facilitate their selection and validation in coordination with beneficiaries and AFD.

o   Have this list validated by the steering committee.

o   Define the scope of required feasibility studies, prepare or review terms of reference and coordinate the recruitment of consultants and service providers.

o   Support the procurement process for project preparation studies and related services, ensuring that the deliverables comply with AFD standards and requirements.

o   Oversee the execution of studies, ensuring timely delivery, quality and validation by beneficiaries, with the aim of developing investment-ready projects meeting international financing standards.

Institutional Coordination

• Maintain regular working-level dialogue with key Ecuadorian energy-sector institutions and facilitate coordination among program stakeholders.
• Ensure activities respond to beneficiaries’, AFD’s and EU’s priorities and are aligned with Ecuador’s energy transition objectives and sector reforms.
• Organize and participate in technical and coordination meetings and ensure follow-up of agreed actions.
• Ensure close coordination with the AFD representant in Quito providing regular updates and aligning on program orientations.
• Facilitate and support strategic dialogue with the EUD delegation in Quito and other international donors active in the electricity sector.

Monitoring & Reporting

• Monitor program results, indicators, activities and deliverables and ensure the quality of project documentation.
• Lead the preparation of monthly, semi-annual and annual technical and financial reporting in coordination with Quito Country Representative and Expertise France headquarters.
• Identify lessons learned and contribute to program capitalization.

Team Management

• Recruit, coordinate and supervise experts, consultants and service providers involved in program activities.
• Coordinate the local project team and ensure effective collaboration with the Project Manager at headquarters, Expertise France's Country Representative for Ecuador and the USP in Bogota.

Representation 

• Represent Expertise France in relation with EF Country Representative and the program with public institutions, development partners and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication and information sharing between Ecuadorian partners, Expertise France, AFD, the EU and technical experts.

The above responsibilities are not exhaustive and may evolve according to the needs of the program.