Partnerships Associate Francophone West Africa (Bilingual)

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Associate Francophone West Africa (Bilingual)

🔹 Company: Sun King

🔹 Location: Cameroon (with frequent travel to Senegal)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Sales & Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with frequent travel)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Identifying and developing new business opportunities in the renewable energy sector
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships with partners
• Driving sales and partnership initiatives, particularly in the solar and clean energy markets
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to manage partner inventory and orders
• Compiling reports on account progress and projections for stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive and results-oriented individual with a strong background in sales or business development, preferably in the renewable energy sector. Proficiency in both French and English is crucial for success in this role.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Research and source new partners

✅ Identify and develop new business opportunities

✅ Drive onboarding of new partnerships

✅ Grow existing accounts and plan ongoing engagement with partners

✅ Address and resolve partners’ complaints

✅ Interact with internal cross-functional teams to provide partner inventory projections and process partner orders

✅ Compile reports on account progress, goals, and projections for stakeholders

✅ Develop a thorough knowledge of partners’ needs and requirements

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of travel, particularly to Senegal, where the job is based. Candidates should be comfortable with frequent travel and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Renewable Energy, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in sales or a similar role (experience in renewable energy is a strong plus)

Required Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English
• Strong data skills and problem-solving abilities
• Proven experience in account management
• Ability to handle multiple client accounts
• Strong negotiation skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Ability to work well in a team and with less supervision
• Strong people management skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in customer relationship management
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant software

ASSUMPTION: While a background in renewable energy is not strictly required, it would be beneficial for candidates to have some understanding of the industry and its market dynamics.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is estimated to be between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, based on industry standards for similar roles in the region. This is an estimate and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Professional growth in a dynamic, rapidly expanding, high-social-impact industry
• An open-minded, collaborative culture with enthusiastic colleagues
• A multicultural experience with people from different geographies, nationalities, and backgrounds
• Structured, tailored learning and development programs through the Sun Center for Leadership

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for travel and project demands.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Sun King offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes professional development opportunities and a dynamic work environment.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Sun King operates in the renewable energy sector, specifically focusing on off-grid solar solutions. The company is a leader in its industry, powering over 20 million homes in more than 40 countries across the globe.

Company Size: Sun King is a mid-sized company with approximately 1,000-5,000 employees globally. This size allows for a dynamic work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Sun King was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become a major player in the global renewable energy market.

Company Description:

• Sun King designs, distributes, installs, and finances solar energy solutions for consumers who cannot reliably access or afford traditional electrical grid connections
• The company is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities worldwide
• Sun King's mission is to power access to brighter lives in Africa, Asia, and beyond

Company Specialties:

• Off-grid solar solutions
• Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) solar systems
• Solar home systems
• Solar lighting and power solutions

Company Website: https://sunking.com/

ASSUMPTION: Sun King's focus on renewable energy and its commitment to providing affordable energy solutions to underserved communities make it an attractive employer for candidates interested in making a social impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for early to mid-career professionals with 2-5 years of experience in sales or a similar role. The role offers opportunities for growth and development within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Associate will report directly to the Partnership Manager, Francophone West and Central Africa.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with frequent travel to Senegal. Candidates should be comfortable with regular travel and willing to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Sun King continues to expand, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to take on more responsibilities or move into management roles
• The company's focus on professional development and learning opportunities through the Sun Center for Leadership provides ample opportunities for career growth

ASSUMPTION: While this role is focused on sales and business development, there may be opportunities for the successful candidate to gain experience in other areas of the business, such as operations or marketing, as they grow within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Sun King's office in Cameroon is a modern, collaborative workspace that reflects the company's dynamic and innovative culture.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in Cameroon, with frequent travel to Senegal. The specific office address in Cameroon is not provided in the job listing.

Geographic Context:

• Cameroon is located in Central Africa and is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages
• The country has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C (70°F to 90°F) throughout the year
• Cameroon's economy is largely based on agriculture, with a growing services sector that includes renewable energy

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for travel and project demands. The work schedule may vary depending on the candidate's specific needs and the demands of the role.

ASSUMPTION: While the job listing does not specify the exact office location in Cameroon, candidates can expect a modern, collaborative work environment that reflects Sun King's dynamic and innovative culture.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the regional director
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Sales and business development skills
• Communication and negotiation skills in French and English
• Problem-solving and data analysis skills
• Cultural fit with Sun King's values and mission

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the renewable energy sector and Sun King's mission
• Prepare examples of your sales and business development successes, as well as any challenges you've overcome
• Be ready to discuss your proficiency in French and English, and how you've used these skills in previous roles

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Sales, Customer Relationship Management, MS Office Proficiency, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Account Management, Negotiation Skills, Presentation Skills, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Travel Willingness

ASSUMPTION: Sun King's interview process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit with the company's values and mission. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills, as well as their passion for Sun King's work.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• CRM software (specific platform not mentioned)
• Project management tools (specific platform not mentioned)
• Travel management tools (specific platform not mentioned)

ASSUMPTION: While the job listing does not specify the exact tools and technologies used by Sun King, candidates can expect to use standard office software, CRM software, and project management tools to manage their sales and business development efforts.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Sun King values creativity and continuous improvement in all aspects of its work
• Impact: The company is committed to making a positive social and environmental impact through its work
• Collaboration: Sun King values teamwork and collaboration, both within the company and with external partners

Work Style:

• Dynamic: Sun King operates in a fast-paced and changing environment, with a focus on growth and innovation
• Collaborative: The company values teamwork and collaboration, both within the company and with external partners
• Adaptable: Sun King's work often involves travel and working in new and challenging environments

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of success in sales or business development, preferably in the renewable energy sector?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, changing environment and traveling frequently?
• Do you share Sun King's commitment to making a positive social and environmental impact through its work?

ASSUMPTION: Sun King's cultural values are central to its mission and work. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values and their ability to work effectively in a dynamic, collaborative, and adaptable environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires frequent travel, which may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more sedentary work environment
• The renewable energy sector can be competitive and challenging, with a steep learning curve for candidates new to the industry
• The role may require candidates to work in new and unfamiliar environments, which can be challenging and demanding
• The role may require candidates to manage multiple client accounts, which can be time-consuming and demanding

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles for some candidates, they also offer opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic and innovative industry.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other sales and business development roles in the renewable energy sector, but with a focus on the Francophone West African market
• Unlike some other sales roles, this role requires proficiency in both French and English, as well as a willingness to travel frequently
• This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within Sun King, as the company continues to expand its operations in the region

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other sales and business development roles in the renewable energy sector, its focus on the Francophone West African market and its requirement for proficiency in both French and English make it unique.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a sales strategy for a new solar product in the Francophone West African market
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners in the solar industry in the region
• Managing the onboarding of new partners and ensuring their success in the Sun King ecosystem

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to give candidates a sense of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role. The specific projects and responsibilities may vary depending on the candidate's skills and the demands of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Sun King support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the renewable energy sector in Francophone West Africa, and how does this role address them?
• How does Sun King measure the success of its sales and business development efforts?
• What are the opportunities for career growth and development within Sun King?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the company, and the industry, as well as to demonstrate their interest in and preparation for the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your sales and business development successes, as well as any challenges you've overcome
• Be ready to discuss your proficiency in French and English, and how you've used these skills in previous roles
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.