Independent Verification Expert - RBF Claims & Digital Platforms at Allied Talent Partners
Allied Talent Partners · Johannesburg, South Africa · Onsite
- Senior
- Office in Johannesburg
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
Client:
Our client has launched a Results-Based Financing (RBF) facility to expand distributed renewable energy (DRE) access across Eastern and Southern Africa. The first cohort of five companies operates in seven countries - DRC, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia - and requires independent verification of results through end-to-end digital platforms linked to client's Odyssey system, ensuring RBF claims are transparent, reliable, and embedded in companies’ financial reporting.
Project:
The Independent Verification Expert will lead this process by reviewing company digital platforms, verifying that RBF claims align with financial data, and designing a tiered verification protocol (from remote checks to ground verification as needed). Deliverables include company verification notes, a consolidated report, and structured inputs for the client's impact reporting, alongside advice on data flows, API integration, and system strengthening. The role also involves advisory sessions with SME leadership and support to the client and the World Bank in refining the verification model for scale-up.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Independent Verification Expert - RBF Claims & Digital Platforms
Direct Report: Programme Manager
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Direct Report: Programme Manager
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
- Inception Note (within 2 weeks of contract signing): confirming understanding of objectives, methodology, verification protocol, and work plan.
- Verification Protocol – documented framework for escalating verification (remote → documentation → phone → field).
- Platform Review Notes (Months 1–3): company-by-company assessments of digital systems, APIs, and data flows.
- Rolling Verification Notes & Updates (biweekly /monthly): rapid assessments of RBF claims, with feedback loops for corrections.
- Interim Verification Reports (Months 2–5): verification of initial RBF claims, clearance for disbursements, identification of gaps.
- Advisory Notes & Leadership Sessions (Months 2–5): practical recommendations for companies and structured discussions with SME executives.
- Impact Reporting Input Pack (Months 5–6): consolidated data on verified results, connections enabled, and displacement metrics for program reporting.
- Final Verification Report (Month 6): consolidated findings, disbursement verification, and recommendations for scaling up.
Requirements
Experience Required:
- Proven expertise in independent verification for results-based financing (RBF) or other performance-linked mechanisms.
- Strong understanding of SME accounting systems and their integration with audited financial statements.
- Hands-on knowledge of digital platforms, APIs, data pipelines, and smart metering/CRM systems.
- Experience in distributed renewable energy (DRE) or related energy access programs preferred.
- Prior work with World Bank, IFC, AfDB, or other MDB-funded programs strongly desirable.
- Ability to work across multi-lingual African contexts (Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone), even if English is the working language.
- Experience engaging at both executive leadership level (CEOs/COOs) and operational/technical levels.
Technical Requirements:
- Ability to design and apply verification protocols that balance efficiency and credibility.
- Capacity to assess data integrity and API integration between company systems and Odyssey.
- Knowledge of digital verification tools, audit technology, and IoT-enabled tracking systems.
- Experience producing structured datasets and impact reporting inputs aligned with donor/DFI requirements.
Other Skills:
- Strong executive presence to engage company leadership while addressing sensitive internal systems.
- Ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
- Collaborative approach, balancing independence with partnership across TDF, World Bank, Odyssey, and SMEs.
- Ability to deliver under time pressure with rapid feedback cycles.
Working Arrangement
Location: Remote
Travel: Potential short field visits required
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: ASAP
Contracting Period: 30 – 40 working days across 6 months
Location: Remote
Travel: Potential short field visits required
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: ASAP
Contracting Period: 30 – 40 working days across 6 months
