Making Markets Work – Session 2

Making Markets Work | Models for Private Sector Engagement in Humanitarian Energy

Session 2: Speaking from experience: ‘Private sector learnings from engaging in humanitarian energy’

Facilitator

Susie Wheeldon, Head of Communications and Insights, GOGLA Susie leads GOGLA’s research activities and programmes, including the multi-country, multi-company Powering Opportunity impact series. Prior to GOGLA, Susie held roles as the Senior Communications Manager at Power for All and Campaigns Manager at SolarAid. Before her move into the off-grid industry, she spent 12 years in the finance sector at Lloyd’s of London, working in a variety of research, advisory and management roles, and as a consultant to the insurance industry ClimateWise group -- facilitated by the University of Cambridge. Susie holds an MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London, and a BA Hons in History and Politics from Warwick University. Individual’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: Susie has worked with GOGLA for a number of years, after holding roles at Power for All and SolarAid. Organization’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: GOGLA is the Voice of the Off-Grid Solar Industry. We represent over 200 members, assisting the industry to build sustainable markets and profitable businesses to deliver quality, affordable off-grid electricity products and services to the 800 million who lack access. Through our work, we strive to reach SDG7 by 2030 – a target that cannot be met without increasing energy access for displaced populations.

Panelists

		Olivier Jacquet, Business Development VP, Access to Energy, Africa, Middle-East and South Africa – Sustainable Development – Schneider Electric Olivier Jacquet studied electrical engineering at University College, London UK, and at the French High School Centrale-Supélec. After he graduated his MSc, he also studied his MBA at College des Ingénieurs in Paris, France. Since 1998, Olivier hold various positions at Schneider Electric in solution sales, manufacturing, and entered general management roles since 2004, as Factory Manager in Western France, then as Zone Manager in Vietnam Philippines and Cambodia, and lately Senior Vice President for international projects in EMEA region.
		Stefan Grundmann, COO, FINCA International Stefan is currently COO of FINCA International. Through March 2020, Stefan led BrightLife, a social enterprise by FINCA International in Uganda. BrightLife provides last-mile distribution and end-user financing for basic service products, including solar home systems and improved cookstoves. Individual’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: Stefan holds a master’s degree in Global Human Development from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, with a focus on private sector development and social enterprises and holds a BA in African Studies from Dartmouth College. Organization’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: In 2019, BrightLife launched solar home system sales in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement in Uganda, with support from USAID under the “De-Risking Pay-As-You-Go Solar Home Systems in Uganda Refugee Settlements” Project.
		Cecilia Ragazzi, Senior Advisor Access to Energy Lead, Mercy Corps Cecilia is a Senior Advisor and Access to Energy Lead at Mercy Corps and provides technical assistance on community energy services, private sector partnerships and innovative financing solutions to teams working on Energy Access across Mercy Corps. Prior to joining her current role at Mercy Corps, she project managed a multi-country EU-funded program that focused on women’s economic development through renewable energy - reaching 4,650 small-medium enterprises and 21,000 women. Individual’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: Having lived and worked in 20 countries, Cecilia has more than 12-years experience in humanitarian and development contexts, with a focus on social inclusion (energy, financial services, and protection). Cecilia is passionate about the catalytic potential that access to energy offers in terms of increased well-being and she believes in the scaling power of partnerships with the private sector to offer quality products and services. At Mercy Corps, she provides technical support to design and deliver highly impactful programs and is active in the global humanitarian energy community of practice. Organization’s experience in the humanitarian/energy sector: Mercy Corps’ Energy Access portfolio spans over 15 countries, providing clean, affordable and reliable access to energy to the world's most vulnerable communities. Our approach to energy access is rooted in innovative, market-based programming that supports resilient livelihoods. Projects range from last-mile distribution of certified solar and clean cooking products, to energy efficiency, rural electrification, and grid scale productive power projects.