Lead Electrical Engineer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Organisational Context The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organisations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Multi-Country Office Context: The UNOPS Ghana Multi Country Office (GHMCO), located in Accra, Ghana is responsible for projects in Anglophone West Africa, covering Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. GHMCO is responsible for managing strategic and operational risks engagements portfolio, developing and delivering cost effective services contributing to partners’ sustainable results and achievement of UNOPS management results.

Local Context UNOPS has been active in Sierra Leone since 2000 and has delivered a variety of infrastructure projects nationwide, particularly in the fields of Renewable Energy, Health and Security Infrastructure, and has implemented and procured a variety of vehicles, non-medical health related items, medical equipment, and Solar Photovoltaic systems

Project Information: Poor access to electricity is recognised as a binding constraint to long -term economic growth in Sierra Leone. The country is currently experiencing a net deficit of power and is in desperate need of new power sources. The Ministry of Energy has developed an Energy Sector Roadmap and action plan with initiative to increase energy access through technical and non-technical interventions. Part of the roadmap strategy is to incorporate Sierra Leone’s great Renewable Energy resources to provide security of supply to rural communities and to boost the economy.

To help address the energy infrastructure needs, UNOPS on behalf of the Ministry of Energy, is implementing activities to increase electricity accessibility to public services and enhance economic growth in underserved rural communities.

The project aims to expand energy access to remote villages, leading to improved development outcomes in health, education and economic development to beneficiary communities. This will enable reliable, clean and affordable electricity and in turn improve social, economic and health benefits to rural communities. Providing electricity access to isolated communities will result in improved economic benefits, reducing the relative cost of energy access by eliminating the cost of diesel generators for energy reliant businesses. The project is in support of the Ministry’s objective of increasing access to electricity in the rural communities , exploring a variety of alternative sources of renewable energy. It is envisioned that the project will contribute to the Government's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing multiple development initiatives. Furthermore, the project will enhance partnerships between public, private and social sector stakeholders to address poverty reduction , and encourage the participation of the private sector in the provision of commercially viable energy services in rural communities.

Position Information The Lead Electrical Engineer (EE) will be responsible for providing support to the field based construction supervisors and junior Electrical Engineers and provide quality and control to all electrical and related works. Following the schedule of works, She/He will be responsible to supervise all Electrical and related works and provide updates to the Construction Manager and Project Manager as their Primary supervisor.

Functional Responsibilities

She/He will be responsible for the following duties:

Summary of functions:

1. Monitoring and reporting
2. Quality assurance

3. Knowledge management and innovation

4. Monitoring and reporting

• Support in the design of electrical, solar and renewable energy system

• Lead in producing Terms of References for designs, Electrical Drawings, Technical Specifications, Scope of Works, Bills of Quantities, Cost Estimations, Design Calculations, related reports for Works and Supply of Goods Contracts

• In coordination with the other local construction supervisors, identify existing electricity related problems (if any per sites) and suggest appropriate solutions in consultation with the Project Manager and/or Construction Manager

• Assist in the preparation of progress reports on construction activities and submission of such on a weekly basis to the supervisor

• Support the Project team to monitor and record appropriate field data to validate contractors’ compliance to cross- cutting issues (gender, environment, sustainability, health and safety on site, etc.)

• Inform and provide constant feedback to Supervisors (Project Manager/ Technical team Lead or Construction Manager) regarding the progress issues and delivery timelines, cost- effectiveness and quality of work completed.

• Act proactively to escalate to supervisors key areas of concerns that relate to quality, health, safety, social and environmental issues at site and where necessary take the necessary resolution supported by relevant available tools and templates.

• Supervise the preparation of a database for the available materials and suppliers of the construction industry in the local market

• Assist in the implementation of Environmental and Health & Safety measures in the project sites

2. Quality assurance - Ensure site quality management procedures are in place and aligned with UNOPS policies

• Perform the tasks in accordance with the applicable Quality Assurance (QA)/Quality Control (QC) protocols and regulations and requirements.

• Inspection of installed electronic and electric components, and distribution board batteries including the storage, connection of all data cables and the monitoring system in the power house, and grid distribution networks in all project sites.

• Lead testing, commissioning, training and handover of electrical and related systems deliverables to clients and beneficiaries

• Support the Infrastructure Team and review the document information on the contractor’s work force, weather, progress of work and any other related information that links directly with the electricity network works

• Assist in the quality oversight of the implementation of works for Electricity and electricity related works according to contract schedules, specifications and project plans

3. Knowledge management and innovation - Provide technical support to projects as required; - Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing including appropriate archiving of documents and documenting of lessons learned. - Ensure routine and effective formal and informal capacity building activities among supervising Electrical Engineers are conducted in order to build the long-term and sustainable capacity.

Impact of results The role of the Lead Electrical Engineer impacts the overall achievement of the project objective /outputs by directly supporting the Construction Manager and the Technical team to successfully deliver individual work packages on time, budget and with quality.

The contractor should be prepared to travel to any site within the country.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

A. Education - A Master's Degree (Advanced University Degree or Higher) in Electrical Engineering or other relevant field is required.

• A Bachelor’s Degree (First Level University Degree) in Electrical Engineering or other relevant field, with two (2) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced University Degree.

  Certification:

• PRINCE2 Practitioner Certification or equivalent highly desirable.

B. Work Experience - At least five (5) years of relevant experience in Engineering for design and construction of infrastructure projects and general professional experience in Power Generation (Conventional Technologies); or Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Networks is required.

Within the five (5) years experience: - Two (2) years Professional experience in the preparation of design documents (Drawings, Technical Specification, Bills of Quantities, Cost Estimations, etc..); and/or implementation supervision of grid connected and/or Hybrid Solar PV Projects is required.

- One (1) year general experience in computer design software, particularly “AutoCAD” or equivalent is required.

• Experience in design of electrical installation, feasibility study/assessment of the power and electrical aspects of infrastructure projects is an added advantage

• Experience in Solar PV Software is an asset

• Work Experience with an international organization and/or UN Agencies is an asset

C. Language Requirement - Fluency in written, reading and spoken English Language is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA)
• Contract level: LICA 10/ ICS 10
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance'.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• Freetown is a family duty station
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background information - AFR

Africa Region

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Africa Region supports UNOPS country offices in the region, providing financial oversight of projects, procuring goods and services and managing human resources. AFR helps ensure that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between projects across the entire region.