Renewable Energy Advisor for the Africa Region at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Job Description

The United Nations Office for Project Services is an operational arm of the United Nations, dedicated to implementing projects for the United Nations System, international financial institutions, governments and other partners in the aid world.

Functional Responsibilities:

Strategic planning

Develop and implement, in collaboration with the Regional director and internal stakeholders, a strategy for the Africa region to position UNOPS as a well-known and recognised resource in renewable energy with Governments, funding partners, UN agencies and other stakeholders, taking into consideration the most likely funding sources for the implementation. Develop new and innovative ideas for partnership modalities that will advance UNOPS goals in Renewable Energy.

Technical support

Provide expert advice internally within UNOPS and externally to partners on the design, development and implementation of sustainable and viable Renewable Energy projects. Provide advisory support in conducting the required assessment of energy demand needs. Provide advice to UNOPS and partners on the set-up of renewable energy systems in developing countries to ensure value for money and sustainability. Technical advice and assistance in the development of the regulatory framework, guidelines and enabling environment to promote both on-grid and off-grid renewable electrification. Review of designs and drawings of power utilities; transmission and distribution lines, from the off-grid Main Generation sites, including proposed electrical distribution lines/cables and associated accessories to household connection. Provide advice on access grant financing, commercial equity and debt financing and promote the development of technical, operational and maintenance procedures. Preparation of project concept notes and other project documents with an emphasis on the strategic direction of these. Provide technical advisory support in preparing preliminary and detailed designs, cost estimates, specifications and tender documents, as needed. Technical/peer review of the preliminary and detailed design, cost estimates, specifications and tender documents prepared by other entities, as needed. Provide technical advisory support to the project team/contractor during project implementation to closely monitor construction activities in compliance with the engineering accuracy of construction activities and compliance to the specified Quality, Health & Safety, Social and Environment management systems. Testing and commissioning of mechanical and electrical installation of renewable energy equipment, support structures and asset transfer procedures and approach, as needed.

Capacity building and knowledge management

Drive knowledge sharing and capacity development in Renewable Energy within Africa Region and extend this to UNOPS globally, as needed. Champion UNOPS Africa Region Renewable Energy expertise at a global level with the support of UNOPS’ Partnerships and Liaison Group (PLG) and the Infrastructure and Project Management Group (IPMG).

Education/Experience/Language requirements:

Education

A Master’s Degree or equivalent in renewable energy, engineering, or a related field from a recognised university. Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree with additional 2 (i.e. 9) years of relevant working experience may also be considered in lieu of the Master’s Degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years experience in the renewable energy sector in a combination of infrastructure and/or project management experience, preferably in one or more of the following areas: in the development and implementation of both on-grid and off-grid renewable energy projects in either public or private sector organisations is required. Experience with community-managed systems, low-tech solutions, and innovative techniques required Experience in renewable energy projects and their linkages to national or transnational energy systems is required. Experience in Project Management , Stakeholder Engagement , Process compliance , Multistage Reporting are required. International experience in developing countries, particularly Africa, is highly desirable. Previous assignments with the UN system will be an added advantage.

Other qualifications

Fluency in English and French is required. Strong technical knowledge of both on-grid and off-grid energy systems Experience in grid integration of renewable energy projects is required Knowledge of load forecasting, demand side management, energy efficiency optimisation and energy/environmental markets is required Experience working with development banks is required Advanced Microsoft Office (Excel and Access) skills Familiarity with GIS modelling Strong knowledge of renewable energy PPP and IPP