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The Global Distributors Collective is hiring a Policy and Research Consultant: Apply Now

Ednah Carrick May 9, 2026

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Closing Date: 15 May 2026

The Global Distributors Collective is hiring a Policy and Research Consultant: Apply Now

The Global Distributors Collective (GDC) is looking for a Policy and Research Consultant to lead the design and delivery of a brand new GDC research project aimed at generating actionable recommendations to ensure that Mission300 financing mechanisms are inclusive, effective, and aligned with the needs of last mile distributors.

Terms of Reference (ToR): Policy and Research Consultant

Project title: Making Mission 300 Work for the Last Mile – Insights from Locally-Owned Energy
Distributors

Background

Global Distributors Collective is a collective of over 300 last mile distributors (LMDs) operating in 60+ countries, reaching an estimated 64.5 million people. The majority of these enterprises are locally owned (88%) and nearly half are women-led (47%), serving predominantly rural and low-income populations.
LMDs play a critical role in delivering first-time energy access and clean cooking solutions. However, despite their reach and impact, they face persistent structural barriers, particularly in accessing finance, and are often excluded from large-scale initiatives.

The Mission 300 aims to accelerate energy access for 300 million people, including 125 million in underserved African contexts where distributed renewable energy is often the most viable solution. However, current financing mechanisms risk overlooking smaller, locally led distributors, limiting the initiative’s effectiveness and inclusivity. Building on insights from the GDC State of the Sector 2025 report, this research will generate actionable recommendations to ensure that Mission 300 financing mechanisms are inclusive, effective, and aligned with the needs of LMDs.

Objectives

Capture first-hand insights and lessons learned from LMDs engaging with large- scale programmes (e.g. World Bank initiatives) and make these voices heard.
Map Mission 300 financing mechanisms and country-level compacts.
Identify gaps and barriers affecting LMD participation, particularly for smaller, locally owned, and women-led enterprises.
Develop actionable recommendations for funders, governments, partners and LMDs.
Support LMD inclusion through targeted advocacy and dissemination.
Equip GDC members – and other LMDs – with guidance on engaging with large scale programmes such as Mission 300

Deliverables

Final research report / white paper
Funder brief and policy recommendations
Stakeholder workshop(s) and summary report
GDC member guidance materials
Additional outputs to be defined at project inception

Desirable Qualities for the Consultant

A) Sector Knowledge and Experience

Deep understanding of last mile distribution, energy access, and/or clean cooking markets in emerging economies.
Familiarity with financing mechanisms for SMEs and small enterprises (grants, RBF, debt, equity).
Experience engaging with large-scale energy access programmes or donor initiatives (e.g., Mission 300, World Bank, DFIs).
Knowledge of locally-led business models and gender inclusion in the energy access sector.

B) Research and Analytical Skills

Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including conducting virtual interviews, desk reviews, and data synthesis.
Ability to translate complex insights into practical, actionable recommendations, tailored for different stakeholders.
Experience in policy analysis, gap analysis, or programme evaluation

C) Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation

Proven ability to build trust and engage with diverse stakeholders, including local entrepreneurs, government officials, funders, and NGOs.
Skilled in facilitating workshops, roundtables, or multi-stakeholder convenings.
Effective communication and negotiation skills, including handling sensitive or politically complex issues.

D) Strategic Thinking

Capacity to see the big picture and understand ecosystem-level dynamics.
Ability to identify opportunities for coordination, advocacy, and influence within multi- actor systems.
Creative in proposing innovative solutions to structural barriers facing LMDs.

How to Apply

Send your CV, day rate and a short covering email – or maximum one A4 page motivational statement – to [email protected], with subject line GDC Policy and Research Consultant, by 9am BST on Friday 15th May 2026.