🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)

Freetown | Sierra Leone Posted 2 weeks ago Posted on Executive / Management, Procurement / Purchasing

The Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Director of Distribution & Access

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2.) Director of Environmental and Social Performance

3.) Director of Power Sector Reform Project

4.) Procurement Specialist

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Director of Distribution & Access

Compact Program Summary

The Millennium Challenge Account-Sierra Leone (MCA-Sierra Leone), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) — an agency of the United States Government, is implementing a $500 million Compact to address key development challenges in Sierra Leone. The Compact funds three major projects: the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project, and the Distribution and Access Project.

The Birches Group LLC, serving as the recruitment consultant, is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Distribution and Access Project at MCA-Sierra Leone.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) for Projects, the Director of Distribution and Access Project will lead the planning and implementation of the Distribution and Access Project that is designed to increase the reliablilty of the distribution network, reducing technical and commercial losses, and supports increasing access to grid electricity in Sierra Leone.

The Director’s role is central to MCA-Sierra Leone’s mission and is critical to building a reputation for quality and reliability in national development. The Director will oversee project design and execution, ensuring alignment with the Compact’s objectives and responsiveness to evolving challenges. The Director will also sustain the relevance of the project and will position the MCA-Sierra Leone to deliver on the objectives of the Compact. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong adaptive capacity, engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, and actively resolve issues as they arise.

This full-time position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of the Distribution and Access Project, including preparation of terms of reference, cost estimates, technical evaluation reports, bid reviews, and contract awards — ensuring alignment with the Compact’s objectives and Sierra Leone’s national development priorities.
Provide strategic guidance to the project team on resource management, planning, and implementation approaches that align with MCA-Sierra Leone’s broader program strategies, frameworks, and budgets.
Collaborate with the Management Oversight Social and Environmental Support (MOSES) consultant team to ensure effective oversight of activities, development of deliverables, and efficient implementation of MOSES-related work under the Distribution and Access Project.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government counterparts, local authorities, project beneficiaries, and other local stakeholders to foster active participation in, and support for, project implementation.
Represent the Distribution and Access Project at meetings, conferences, and public events to showcase achievements, share best practices, and strengthen support for the Compact and project’s objectives within the broader development community.
Ensure compliance with MCC’s policies and procedures as well as the Compact’s requirements, including procurement and contract management, financial management, environmental and social safeguards (coordinating with other MCA-Sierra Leone Directors and Specialists), social analysis considerations (i.e., the application of social science to examine social, cultural, political economy and institutions to inform project design and achieve the intended results), and other applicable policies and guidelines.
Support monitoring and evaluation of project performance, through ensuring compliance with environment and social requirements, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and any other MCC or government-related requirements. Proactively address emerging issues, risks, and/or opportunities to sustain overall project performance and impact.

Requirements (Education, Experience, and Competencies)

Education

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Sector Planning, or Energy Economics
Preferred Education: Advanced degree (e.g., Master's or PhD) in one of the above fields, project management certification and training in FIDIC consulting and works contracts

Experience

Project Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of experience managing the development and implementation of large-scale power/energy infrastructure projects in emerging markets, with demonstrated experience in electricity distribution projects.
Leadership Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years in a managerial role, with responsibility for supervising teams and overseeing project development and implementation.
Contract Management Experience: Minimum of five (5) years in contract and contractor performance management, including developing terms of reference, awarding contracts, monitoring project quality and performance, and negotiating amendments and/or claims.
Experience in working with diverse communities (rural/urban) and engaging with their leadership to build and strengthen partnership and responding to their concerns and resolving issues.

Technical Competencies

Technical Expertise: Proven experience in power system operations, distribution dispatch management, distribution reliability and distribution planning at national and/or regional levels.
Program Management: Demonstrated ability to manage large programs with an average annual budget (or annual turnover) of at least $5 million.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective collaboration across departments and with international teams.

Proven ability to build and maintain effective work relationships with government stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s energy sector.

Donor-Funded Projects:
- Demonstrated experience and familiarity with international norms and standards in managing donor-funded projects with organizations such as the MCC, the World Bank, and/or other international development agencies.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred/Desirable Experience and Skills

Preferred experience in distribution generation (DG), independent power producers (IPP) interconnections to distribution grid.
Supervisory and/or mentoring experience.
Experience working directly with MCC-funded projects or within MCC’s operational framework.
Experience in managing International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) consulting and works contracts.
Experience in capacity building or institutional strengthening within the energy sector.

Fluency in Krio, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

For more information on MCC and the Sierra Leone Compact, please go to:

Sierra Leone Compact | Millennium Challenge Corporation (mcc.gov)

Disclaimer: Qualified candidates will be offered a competitive salary, with opportunities for compensation adjustments within the MCC-approved pay bands, in compliance with MCC guidance and the MCA-Sierra Leone Human Resource Policy. Additional benefits will include a rent allowance of 25% of the basic salary, annual leave allowance of 25% of the basic salary, transportation allowance of 30% of the basic salary, medical insurance, annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, sick leave, holiday leave, and social insurances required by law.

Application Procedure:

All interested applicants are required to duly fill-out the Application Form through this link: https://tinyurl.com/z5amw4u7

Please note that only applications submitted through the online application form will be processed.

Should you encounter any problems with the form, please contact: support@pinpointhq.com

All applications are to be submitted by mid-night (23:59) Sierra Leone time, on 5 January 2026.

Kindly note that applications received after the deadline, submitted in different formats than the given Application Form, or in languages other than English shall not be considered. Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

All MCA-Sierra Leone employees will be selected based on an open and competitive recruitment and selection process in accordance with the provisions of the Compact. In addition, the recruitment of all employees of MCA-Sierra Leone will be carried out in accordance with the principles and indications stipulated by the constitutional and legal provisions, including equal opportunity, merit, competency, transparency, and non-discrimination under all its forms.

Note: MCA-Sierra Leone and its employees do not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, and/or any other step).

2.) Director of Environmental and Social Performance

Compact Program Summary

The Millennium Challenge Account-Sierra Leone (MCA-Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – an agency of the United States Government, is implementing a $500 million Compact to address development challenges in Sierra Leone. The Compact funds three major projects: the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project, and the Distribution and Access Project.

The Birches Group LLC, serving as the recruitment consultant, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Environmental and Social Performance (ESP) Director at MCA-Sierra Leone.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) for Projects, the ESP Director provides strategic and technical leadership to MCA-Sierra Leone project directors, implementing partners, and stakeholders to ensure performance consistent with Sierra Leone and MCC’s environmental and social performance standards across all Compact-funded projects and activities.

The Director will play a key role in ensuring that program activities comply with relevant national environmental and social laws and regulations, MCC environmental guidelines, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards. The Director will oversee the integration of environmental, social, resettlement, stakeholder engagement, resilience, and health and safety measures across project planning, procurement, implementation, and monitoring. The Director will also represent MCA-Sierra Leone in engagement with relevant government ministries and agencies in the power sector, regulatory bodies, international donors, and implementation partners to support the effective and sustainable delivery of the Compact.

This is a full-time position based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities

Identify risks, opportunities and management actions to strengthen ESP performance and resolve implementation challenges.
- Develop and implement strategies and workplans to achieve strong environmental and social performance of the Compact investments, consistent with the requirements of the Government of Sierra Leone’s laws and good international practices (i.e., the IFC Performance Standards). This includes, but is not limited, to meeting requirements for the assessment and management of environmental and social risks, public and occupational health and safety, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, sustainable management of living natural resources, and cultural heritage.
- Oversee the preparation, review, and implementation of key ESP tools, such as Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Resettlement Policy Frameworks (RPF), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans, and Health and Safety Management Plans, and Hazardous Waste Management Plans.
- Maintain and manage ESP data to support consistent performance tracking across environmental, social, resettlement, and health and safety domains.
Manage the MCA-Sierra Leone ESP team and contractors, including staff working on environmental and social impact, resettlement, health and safety, and stakeholder engagement.
Advise MCA-Sierra Leone project directors and technical teams on ESP matters to ensure coordinated approaches across all Compact activities.
Collaborate with MCA-Sierra Leone, MCC, donors, and government entities to incorporate ESP considerations into project planning, design, procurement, budgeting, and implementation.

Requirements (Education, Experience, and Competencies)

Education

Required Education: University degree in one of the following fields: environmental science, environmental planning, environmental management, environmental law and policy, environmental heath, biology, ecology, geography or geographic information systems, engineering (environmental or civil), social sciences (including sociology, anthropology, developmental studies, and community development), natural resource management, land use development or planning, sustainability studies, and urban and regional planning.
Preferred Education: Advanced degree (e.g., Master's or Ph.D.) in any of the fields listed above.

Experience

Minimum seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in the environmental and social management of infrastructure projects. This may include the following elements:
- Identifying environmental and social risks, opportunities, and management actions throughout the life cycle of infrastructure projects. This may include experience in the development and implementation of strategies and workplans for the assessment and management of environmental and social risks, public and occupational health and safety, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, sustainable management of living natural resources, and cultural heritage associated with infrastructure projects.
- Developing or overseeing the preparation, review, and/or implementation of environmental and social performance tools to identify and manage the risks and opportunities associated with infrastructure projects, such as the Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Resettlement Policy Frameworks (RPF), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), Stakeholder Engagement Plans, and Health and Safety Management Plans, Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), and Hazardous Waste Management Plans.
- Managing environmental and social professionals, including the management of work plans, staff and project performance plans and metrics, and budgets.
- Providing advisory and strategic planning support on environmental and social performance relevant to infrastructure. Engaged colleagues and/or contractors to deploy coordinated and integrated approaches.
- Collaboratively engaging project stakeholders. This may include project affected communities, project sponsors and donors, government entities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Identified stakeholder perspectives on environmental and social aspects of a project and to help resolve the concerns through the project planning, design, procurement, budgeting, and implementation processes.
- Identifying, obtaining, and managing relevant environmental and social data (which may include data on environmental, social, health and safety, resettlement and stakeholder engagement).
- Overseeing applying environmental and social requirements for large infrastructure or capital development projects, including coordination with contractors or project teams on implementation, contract oversight, budget management, quality assurance, and compliance monitoring.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong leadership, including demonstrated ability to communicate complex environmental and social challenges and opportunities clearly and concisely in writing and verbally.
- Strong team management skills, including the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams toward high-quality outcomes, support staff development, and resolve challenges withing a team.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and an integrated management structure with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and ability to use digital tools for reporting and data management.

Preferred/Desirable Experience and Skills

More than 7 years of experience in E&S management of infrastructure projects.
Relevant professional experience in Sierra Leone or the broader Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Experience applying at least one internationally recognized environmental and social safeguards framework, such as:
- IFC Performance Standards, or
- World Bank Operational Policies/ Environmental and Social Framework (ESF),
- African Development Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies or
- Other environmental and social safeguard systems used by major bilateral or multilateral donors.
Experience meeting the requirements of Sierra Leone's environmental and social legislation, particularly those relating to public health and safety, consultation, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement, and environmental impacts of infrastructure projects.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government stakeholders in Sierra Leone. This may include experience presenting technical information to senior government officials, donors, or external stakeholders.
Experience in the energy or power sector, including environmental and social risk management for transmission, distribution, or generation projects.
Experience in institutional strengthening, capacity building, or training for government counterparts or implementing partners.
Experience using project management software or tools (e.g., MS Project or similar).
Working knowledge of GIS platforms such as Google Earth, ArcGIS, or QGIS.
Fluency in Krio and/or another widely spoken language in Sierra Leone (e.g., Mende, Temne, Kono, Kissi, Kuranko, Limba, Fula, Madingo, and Susu), with strong written and verbal communication skills.

For more information on MCC and the Sierra Leone Compact, please go to:

Sierra Leone Compact | Millennium Challenge Corporation (mcc.gov)

Application Procedure:

All interested applicants are required to duly fill-out the Application Form through this link: https://tinyurl.com/55hnu7ae

Please note that only applications submitted through the online application form will be processed.

Should you encounter any problems with the form, please contact: support@pinpointhq.com

All applications are to be submitted by mid-night (23:59) Sierra Leone time, on 5 January 2026.

Note: MCA-Sierra Leone and its employees do not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, and/or any other step).

3.) Director of Power Sector Reform Project

Compact Program Summary

The Millennium Challenge Account-Sierra Leone (MCA- Sierra Leone), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) — an agency of the United States Government is implementing a $500 million Compact to address key development challenges in Sierra Leone. The Compact funds three major projects: the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project, and the Distribution and Access Project.

The Birches Group LLC, serving as the recruitment consultant, is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Power Sector Reform Project at MCA-Sierra Leone.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Power Sector Reform Project is responsible for leading the successful implementation of the project from initiation through execution. The Director will manage project staff, coordinate with other departments involved in project implementation (e.g., procurement, environmental and social oversight), and ensure robust risk management, adherence to project work plans, budgets, and achievement of targeted outputs.

The Director will provide clear and timely reporting to the CEO and MCC counterparts, while fostering collaborative relationships with MCA-Sierra Leone colleagues and key stakeholders in the power sector. A critical aspect of the role is navigating the political economy landscape — engaging reform champions and managing potential detractors — to ensure alignment with Compact and project objectives and the effective use of resources.

This full-time position is based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead the planning and execution of the Power Sector Reform Project, including the preparation of the terms of reference, cost estimates, technical evaluation reports, bid reviews, and contract awards —ensuring alignment with the Compact’s objectives and national development priorities.
Provide strategic guidance to the project team on resource management, planning, and implementation approaches that align with MCA-Sierra Leone’s broader program strategies, frameworks, and budgets.
Monitor and evaluate project design and implementation, identifying and addressing operational and programmatic issues to sustain project performance and meet project objectives and targets.
Collaborate with the Management Oversight Social and Environmental Support (MOSES) consultant team to ensure effective oversight of activities, development of deliverable, and efficient implementation of MOSES-related work under to the Power Sector Reform Project.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with government counterparts, local authorities, project beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure that their perspectives are captured and considered in the design and planning of activities, and to foster their active participation in, and support for project implementation.
Represent the Power Sector Reform Project at meetings, conferences, and public events to showcase achievements, share best practices, and strengthen support for the Compact and project’s objectives within the broader development discourse.
Assess effectiveness of project management, planning and budgeting in meeting objectives and achieving project metrics in a timely manner.
Assess project components and impact against Compact’s strategies and frameworks to ensure delivery metrics in terms of quality are met and sustained, consistent with Environmental and Social Performance (ESP), Social Analysis, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Economic Analysis (MEEA), and MCC’s requirements.
Ensure compliance with MCC’s policies and procedures as well as the Compact’s requirements, including procurement and contract management, financial management, environmental and social safeguards (coordinating with other MCA-Sierra Leone specialists), and other applicable policies and guidelines.

Requirements (Education, Experience, and Competencies)

Education

Required Education: University degree in Public Policy, Management, Economics, Electrical Engineering, International Infrastructure Policy, or a related field relevant to power sector management and policy.
Preferred Education: Advanced degree (e.g., Master's or PhD) in Public Policy, Economics, or a related discipline to those listed above. Project management certification is a plus.

Experience

Minimum of ten (10) or more years of professional experience in electricity sector policy, regulation, public utility governance, and/or planning.
Minimum of eight (8) years in a leadership role, with experience in program management and team supervision.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in contract and contractor performance management, including developing terms of reference, awarding contracts, monitoring performance, and negotiating amendments and/or claims.

Technical Competencies

In depth knowledge of electricity sector policies, regulations, and operations, including international best practices in regulation, tariff setting, utility governance, least-cost investment planning, and private sector investment frameworks.

Experience working with utilities, regulators, and government ministries to advance policy agendas and improve institutional performance.
Experience in capacity building or institutional strengthening within the energy sector.
Experience implementing institutional change management and reforms.

Demonstrated success in managing and delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
Experience managing large and complex projects, preferably with international development agencies or organizations.
Experience reporting on project results using performance indicators and targets.
Proven ability to coordinate and influence diverse stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Interpersonal Skills

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of effective collaboration across departments and with international teams.

Proven ability to build and maintain effective work relationships with government stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s energy sector.

Donor-Funded Projects

Demonstrated experience and familiarity with international norms and standards in managing donor-funded projects with organizations such as the MCC, World Bank, USAID, or other international development agencies.

Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Supervisory and/or mentoring experience.

Experience working directly with MCC-funded projects or within MCC’s operational framework.
Experience with competitive electricity markets and regional power pool integration.

Experience with internationally competed procurements.

Fluency in Krio, with strong written and verbal communication skills.

For more information on MCC and the Sierra Leone Compact, please go to:

Sierra Leone Compact | Millennium Challenge Corporation (mcc.gov)

For more information on MCC and the Sierra Leone Compact, please go to: Sierra Leone Compact | Millennium Challenge Corporation (mcc.gov)

Application Procedure:

All interested applicants are required to duly fill-out the Application Form through this link: https://tinyurl.com/yvrura9t

Please note that only applications submitted through the online application form will be processed.

Should you encounter any problems with the form, please contact: support@pinpointhq.com

All applications are to be submitted by mid-night (23:59) Sierra Leone time, on 5 January 2026.

Note: MCA-Sierra Leone and its employees do not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, and/or any other step).

4.) Procurement Specialist

Compact Program Summary

The Millennium Challenge Account-Sierra Leone (MCA-Sierra Leone), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – an agency of the United States Government is implementing a $500 million Compact to address development challenges in Sierra Leone. The Compact funds three major projects: the Power Sector Reform Project, the Transmission Backbone Project, and the Distribution and Access Project.

The Birches Group LLC, serving as the recruitment consultant, is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Procurement Specialist at MCA-Sierra Leone.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Procurement Director, the Procurement Specialist will ensure that procurement transactions assigned to him or her are implemented in accordance with the MCC Procurement Policy and Guidelines (PPG) and the MCA-Sierra Leone Procurement Operations Manual (POM).

The Procurement Specialist will consolidate and perform procurement activities, monitor progress, and report on the implementation status of procurement activities assigned to him or her. The Procurement Specialist will support the Procurement Director in liaising with the Procurement Agent, MCC, and external stakeholders across various specialized sectors. A key aspect of this role involves facilitation coordination across all elements of the procurement process, ensuring that both the substantive and procedural aspects of procurement activities are effectively synchronized

This is a full-time position based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee the implementation of assigned procurement services, ensuring that the quality of services meets MCA-Sierra Leone’s organizational needs and complies with MCC’s procurement policies and procedures.
Apply and maintain procurement policies, procedures, and systems, in compliance with the MCC PPG, the POM, and international best practices.
Coordinate with MCA-Sierra Leone management and technical staff to ensure they understand their respective roles and responsibilities in procurement execution, recognize the importance of timely and accurate inputs, and are aware of the consequences of delays or non-compliance.
Work closely with the Procurement Agent to plan and implement procurement and tendering processes, ensuring transparency, compliance (with the MCC PPG as well as ensuring quality of goods and suppliers), and proper documentation.
Review procurement packages and outputs to ensure alignment with procurement plans, contractual terms and conditions, the MCC PPG, and the MCA-Sierra Leone POM.
Monitor procurement workflows and contract amendments and/or modifications, in coordination with MCA-Sierra Leone Directors, the Procurement Agent, and MCA-Sierra Leone management to identify and address issues affecting procurement delivery, efficiency, and timeliness.
Track the progress and performance of procurement activities against Procurement Implementation Plans and the Procurement Action Lead Times, supporting the Procurement Director in identifying opportunities to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.

Requirements (Education, Experience, and Competencies)

Education

Required Education: University degree in Business Administration, Acquisition Management, Law, Contracting, Engineering, and Procurement.

Experience

Relevant professional experience is the most important requirement.

Candidates must have a minimum of five (5) years of specialized or diverse experience in procurement management, including the development and implementation of procurement policies s and contract administration.
Demonstrated experience in the preparation and/or review of procurement documents, including bidding documents, evaluation reports, and contracts across all procurement categories (i.e., goods, works, and services).

Technical Competencies

Proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with, and foster collaboration across, diverse teams and stakeholders.
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and familiarity with procurement management information systems.

Fluency in English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred/Desirable Experience and Skills

Fluency in Krio, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
Possession of an internationally recognized procurement qualification or certification, such as NIGP-CPP, CPPO from UCCPP, MCIPS, CPSM, or CPSD.
Prior experience working with international donors or development agencies.
Strong understanding of project management methodologies and the ability to apply procurement principles in a project-based environment.
Familiarity with the SAP Procurement Management Information Systems.
FIDIC (Fédération Internationale des Ingénieurs Conseils) contracting experience.

For more information on MCC and the Sierra Leone Compact, please go to:

Sierra Leone Compact | Millennium Challenge Corporation (mcc.gov)

Application Procedure:

All interested applicants are required to duly fill-out the Application Form through this link: https://tinyurl.com/37hptspm

Please note that only applications submitted through the online application form will be processed.

Should you encounter any problems with the form, please contact: support@pinpointhq.com

All applications are to be submitted by mid-night (23:59) Sierra Leone time, on 5 January 2026.

Note: MCA-Sierra Leone and its employees do not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training, and/or any other step).