Welcome to the 45th episode of the #MyEnergyLife series, a weekly LinkedIn feature designed to highlight, engage with, and empower emerging energy professionals across Africa. Through a series of articles, we will explore the many career paths that exist in the energy industry. Our aim is to provide valuable insights and counsel to support the career aspirations of young professionals in the energy industry.
In this episode, we meet Gift Chunda, a Carbon Operations Lead at UpEnergy Group. Gift Chunda shares his story of how he got started in the energy industry, detailing his initial challenges and offering invaluable advice to fellow young professionals seeking their path in this dynamic industry.
Full Name
Gift Chunda
Current Company Name
UpEnergy
Current Job Title
Carbon Operations Lead – Malawi, Zambia & Mozambique
Specialization
Carbon Finance, Clean Cooking and Off-Grid Solar
Country of Origin
Malawi
Tell us about your journey in the energy industry.
I commenced my professional journey as a Research and Publication Assistant Intern at the Africa Energy Policy Research Network in Nairobi, Kenya. During school breaks in 2013 and 2014, I had the privilege of working on various cogeneration and agri-clean energy projects implemented across Africa. Subsequently, in 2015, I joined the global energy program “Energising Development” by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as an intern.
I worked at GIZ for 8 years and my role at GIZ involved program development, management, administration, and grant management for sustainable energy market development projects. These initiatives aimed at enhancing private sector engagement in the clean cooking and off-grid solar sectors. I served as a senior technical advisor and twice stepped into the role of Team Leader during my tenure.
In July 2021, I took a hiatus from full-time employment but continued to contribute to GIZ through part-time consultancy starting October 2021. In this capacity, I provided technical backstopping and quality control support for monitoring and evaluation, as well as concept development. As of 2022, I expanded my consultancy roles to engage in various energy projects, leading country baseline assessments for Water Energy Food Nexus Projects under GCCA+ SADC initiatives in Malawi and Namibia. Additionally, I conducted climate-smart agriculture training in Malawi.
My involvement extended to projects financed by the International Solar Alliance. As the National Advisor for the Design of a Blended Finance Facility for the Off-grid Solar Sector, I dedicated three months to this endeavor. Simultaneously, in 2022, I began providing consultancy support to UpEnergy Group for a carbon financing project focused on clean cooking and safe water purification in Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. In this capacity, I oversee carbon operations cycles, monitor reporting and verification of projects, ensure quality control, and manage data and carbon teams.
My work consistently aligns with the broader goals of contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting gender inclusivity, delivering energy-efficient products, and minimizing the carbon footprint. Currently, I hold the position of Carbon Operations Lead for Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
What do you do in your current role at your company?
My current role covers several facets spanning across leading in-country carbon processes, project development and management, leading and coordinating fascinating and talented teams that manage data and carbon processes. In my role, I have the opportunity to oversee the financial management of the project, including budgetary planning, approving project activities.
My role also involves managing stakeholder engagements, supporting stakeholder missions, facilitating stakeholder consultation for existing and upcoming projects. I cultivate and manage relationships with pertinent Ministry staff in the respective countries, actively engage and update them on project impacts and activities within their jurisdiction.
Further to this, in my role I also manage baseline assessments, monitoring activities, research – this also involves the planning, development of terms of work, identification of experts to support the activities, and knowledge management of the same.
Could you describe your typical day at work?
My day begins with a thorough status review of tasks and planning for the day’s activities. This involves examining emails, project planners, and trackers to ensure alignment with current priorities.
Subsequently, there is engagement with country teams, data specialists, and carbon teams to coordinate efforts and ensure seamless collaboration. This includes having weekly virtual and physical meetings.
Depending on the period, my day may also include planning and managing ad-hoc carbon activities, and addressing emerging needs as they arise. Additionally, time is also allocated for desk reviews, providing a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects and facilitating informed decision-making.
“My work anchors on improving lives by essentially contributing towards sustainable development goals, keying into customer satisfaction, and protection – that creates a positive environmental and social impact.”
What are some of the challenges you have faced in the industry?
I faced numerous challenges that necessitated problem-solving skills and resilience to navigate successfully.
Adapting to new technologies: In an industry characterized by rapid evolution, I frequently encountered the challenge of adapting to new technologies and software. To address this, I proactively participated in training sessions, workshops, and online courses to enhance my skills and remain informed about the latest developments. Additionally, I sought assistance from colleagues who were well-versed in the new technologies.
Managing tight deadlines: One significant challenge was juggling multiple projects with stringent deadlines. To tackle this, I prioritized tasks according to their urgency and importance, developed a comprehensive project plan, and maintained effective communication with team members to ensure alignment and progress.
Working in a diverse team: Collaborating with team members from various backgrounds and cultures can pose challenges in communication and teamwork. To mitigate this, I promoted a culture of inclusivity and respect, actively listened to diverse perspectives, and encouraged open dialogue. I also organized team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal relationships and enhance collaboration.
What is the most fun thing you love about your work?
My work drives positive change and has a way of putting a smile on people’s faces. It is heartwarming during project missions to hear and see end-users accessing high-quality energy products and experiencing positive benefits on their health, income, and productivity. The impacts are a great motivation to further engage in the same industry.
How do you balance work and life?
I prioritize setting boundaries by adhering to allocated work hours and avoiding work-related tasks at home, unless absolutely necessary. Additionally, I emphasize effective scheduling and planning to ensure that my various activities do not interfere with each other, maintaining a balanced and organized approach to both work and personal commitments.
What are the core hard skills someone in your field should have?
It makes things easier and efficient for someone to have some perspective and knowledge and skills in project management; data analytics; survey and research management; concept development and management, energy and carbon financing.
What soft skills should someone in your field have?
One should have a diversity of soft skills, that focus on team engagement, collaboration adaptive, problem solving, time management, skills and as well interpersonal communication skills.
What is the best thing about your work?
My work anchors on improving lives by essentially contributing towards sustainable development goals, keying into customer satisfaction, and protection – that creates a positive environmental and social impact. In addition, my work also allows me to network, get to meet new people in the various markets I engage in. Networks which I can leverage for potential partnerships, making my work efficient.
What would you consider a highlight of your career?
With as little experience I had the privilege of joining an energy global partnership known as Energising Development implemented by GIZ at a tender age. Being at the institution has played a pivotal role, exposing me to diverse aspects of program management, and environmental and energy.
“My work drives positive change and has a way of putting a smile on people’s faces.”
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I am passionate about innovating and finding ways how I can be contributing towards communities and to fellow industry players and colleagues through voluntary work. Aside from my energy experience, I am fascinated in ICT, and have the passion in sharing knowledge in the topic, and research in the topic.
How do you think that your work makes a difference in the energy space?
Well, my work and the organizations I am involved with play a pivotal role in contributing to sustainable development in the energy space.
The projects I have been involved in strengthen sustainable energy market development by considering the entire market value chain, including supply, demand, and the regulatory framework. This involves positively contributing to policy revisions, advocacy work, and providing market linkage support for products produced by partners. We also create partnerships and encourage income generation.
These projects include the provision of high-quality and/or energy-efficient products. This is helping to increase the adoption of these products, encourage the transition from traditional energy sources to improved versions, and contribute to increased productivity and cost savings.
We also provide subsidized products to encourage affordability and access to energy products for all.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Knowledge and experiences can be transferred and extracted. Engage with other peers in the field, network, explore mentorship programs, research and, spend time to increase your knowledge and do not be afraid to ask for support.
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See you in the next article!
