Hi, I’m
HERBERT MURUNGI
Kampala
Summary
I am an experienced Energy Economist and Technical Specialist with 6 years of demonstrated expertise in renewable energy project design, feasibility assessment, and implementation across Sub-Saharan Africa. I possess a proven track record providing high-level technical advisory support on sustainable energy technologies, including decentralized renewable energy systems, solar solutions, and clean cooking technologies in developing country contexts. I am skilled in supporting multi-country energy initiatives, coordinating technical implementation, and facilitating knowledge sharing to advance inclusive and just energy transitions. I am also experienced in designing bankable clean energy projects, engaging multilateral development partners, and translating research into evidence-based policy interventions. I have a strong background in climate finance mobilization, stakeholder partnerships spanning government, private sector, and civil society, and capacity building for vulnerable and displaced communities.
Overview
7
years of professional experience
Work History
AYAD Consult International Limited
Project Coordinator – Energy for Women and Youth Resilience
01.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Coordinated the implementation of USD 500,000 multi-country renewable energy capacity building and market systems development program (Uganda, Tanzania)
- Lead coordination of comprehensive market analysis and technical feasibility assessments of five renewable energy segments (solar systems, briquettes, improved biomass cookstoves, productive-use appliances, e-mobility), identifying business opportunities and technology barriers to inform programming strategy
- Provided high-level technical advisory support on decentralized renewable energy solutions and clean cooking technologies, guiding system design and implementation decisions across 450+ direct beneficiaries in off-grid solar and clean cooking value chains
- Established and managed 10+ multi-stakeholder partnerships with government ministries, universities, TVETs, energy regulators, and private sector actors, resulting in integration of renewable energy modules into TVET curricula
- Designed and delivered climate-smart entrepreneurship and green jobs training to 450 women and youth entrepreneurs; achieved 38% enterprise launch rate within 9 months, demonstrating effective capacity building for vulnerable populations
- Managed end-to-end monitoring & evaluation system, including digital survey design, supervision of 30+ enumerators, analysis of 1,300+ data points, and production of quarterly learning briefs and peer-reviewed case studies for knowledge dissemination and cross-country learning
- Oversaw procurement, financial management, and donor compliance, maintaining budget precision within ±5% of plan
ActionAid International Uganda
Technical Advisor – Livelihood Restoration and Food Security Program
04.2019 - 12.2022
Job overview
- Supported the implementation of a USD 1 million multi-donor project in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, West Nile sub-region
- Provided technical advisory support on renewable energy project design and implementation for refugee and host communities, assessing feasibility of solar and improved cookstove solutions in displacement contexts
- Conducted organizational capacity assessments and due diligence on implementing partners; prepared grant agreements and ensured compliance with ActionAid International and multilateral donor requirements
- Contributed to development of project proposals that successfully attracted additional funding for sustainable energy access initiatives, demonstrating ability to mobilize resources for clean energy solutions
- Facilitated capacity building training sessions for refugees (particularly women and youth) on renewable energy technologies, including briquette production, solar systems, and improved biomass cookstoves
- Represented ActionAid International Uganda at multi-stakeholder meetings and conferences, advocating for inclusive financing mechanisms for sustainable energy access in displacement settings
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Uganda
Programme Intern – Promoting Rural Development Program
08.2018 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Supported design of capacity-building materials for 100+ local leaders and stakeholders on renewable energy, agricultural value chains, and local economic development
- Coordinated multi-stakeholder engagement across 10 districts in refugee-hosting areas, managing logistics for 15+ workshops and stakeholder consultation sessions
- Assisted in procurement processes and bid evaluations, contributing to 25% improvement in transparency and cost efficiency
Education
Makerere University
Master of Energy Economics and Governance
01.2023
Makerere University
Bachelor of Arts from Economics
01.2018
Skills
- Technical Advisory on Renewable Energy Technologies
- Energy Project Design
- Feasibility Assessment
- Bankability Analysis
- Multi-Country Technical Coordination
- Implementation
- Climate Finance
- Project Management
- Market Systems Development
- Value Chain Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partnerships
- Knowledge Management
- Technical Documentation
- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Data Analysis
- STATA
- SPSS
- Excel
- Survey Design
Languages
English
Kiswahili
Research Experience And Publications
- Lead Author, Energy Policy Journal, 2025, Why is there low grid electricity access in rural Uganda? Evidence from the Uganda National Household Survey., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114652, Conducted econometric analysis of 10,000+ household survey responses using STATA to identify policy barriers to rural electrification. Research findings inform Uganda's National Energy Policy Review and multilateral donor investment priorities.
- Co-Author, Scientific African Journal, 2025, Economic and environmental assessment of alternative energy cooking technologies for households in Uganda., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2025.e02840, Conducted Controlled Cooking Test (CCT) experiments comparing electric pressure cookers, LPG stoves, and improved charcoal stoves, demonstrating technical superiority of clean cooking solutions. Findings inform Uganda's National Clean Cooking Strategy targeting 50% access, guiding donor and government investments in sustainable energy transitions.
Professional Development And Certifications
- The Electricity Transition Playbook, Climate Compatible Growth, 2025-05-01
- Modelling, Policy and Political Economy, Climate Compatible Growth, 2025-05-01
- Managing Successful Field Research, World Bank Group Institute, 2024-11-01
- Commonwealth Climate Finance Essentials, The Commonwealth, 2024-01-01
- Energy Economics, Environment and Policy, Asian Development Bank Institute, 2022-09-01
- Certificate of Achievement in Servant Leadership, USAID, 2023-09-01
Personal Information
Nationality: Ugandan
Timeline
Project Coordinator – Energy for Women and Youth Resilience
AYAD Consult International Limited
01.2024 - Current
Technical Advisor – Livelihood Restoration and Food Security Program
ActionAid International Uganda
04.2019 - 12.2022
Programme Intern – Promoting Rural Development Program
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Uganda
08.2018 - 03.2019
Makerere University
Master of Energy Economics and Governance
Makerere University
Bachelor of Arts from Economics