Renewable Energy Consultant (Home based, Retainer)

Provide technical advisory support on renewable energy projects.

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UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Thursday 1 Aug 2024 at 23:59 UTC

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Overview

Provide technical advisory support on renewable energy projects.

You have:

  • A Master's Degree or equivalent in energy or engineering or related field from a recognised university is required.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor's Degree with additional 2 (i.e. 7) years of relevant working experience may also be considered in lieu of the Master's Degree.
  • A Technical/Professional Certification with eleven (9) years of significant experience associated with relevant academic credentials will also be considered.
  • A minimum of five (5) years' experience in the energy sector in combination of procurement and design experience preferably in one or more of the following areas: in the development and implementation of off-grid renewable energy projects.
  • Prior expertise in similar renewable energy projects with a hybrid system knowledge and drawing design expertise will be an asset.
  • At least four (4) years of international experience with at least two (2) years in least developed countries, particularly Africa is highly desirable.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

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.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager the Renewable Energy Retainer will provide technical advisory supervision on the implementation of the renewable projects in Haiti. He/she will provide technical advisory support in hybrid renewable energy systems, emissions reductions and low-carbon development. He/she will also have oversight on the program design and procurement.

Specific tasks to be undertaken include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provide advisory support in conducting required assessment of energy demand need preparation of the project concept note and other project documents
  • Provide technical advisory support in the preparation of preliminary and detailed designs, cost estimates, specifications and tender documents.
  • Technical/peer review of the preliminary and detailed design, cost estimates, specifications and tender documents prepared by other entities
  • Provide technical advisory support to the project team/contractor to closely monitor construction activities in compliance to the engineering accuracy of construction activities, and compliance to the specified Quality, Health & Safety, Social and Environment management systems.
  • Testing and commissioning of the mechanical and electrical installation of the renewable energy equipment, support structures and asset transfer procedures and approach
  • Evaluate technical proposals in the procurement process

Deliverables: Corresponding deliverables may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Prepare assessment/due diligence report, concept note and project documents
  • Prepare schematic, preliminary, and/or detailed designs and associated reports and annexes
  • Provide written design review responses or comments until final closure of the design process
  • Write the Final Design Report, incorporating comments closure process
  • Provide written and verbal response to comments on the Final Report from DFID, ASI, UNOPS
  • Prepare construction assurance report using Quality Management templates
  • Prepare testing and commissioning reports for completed activities or deliverables

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - A Master’s Degree or equivalent in energy or engineering or related field from a recognised university is required. - Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree with additional 2 (i.e. 7) years of relevant working experience may also be considered in lieu of the Master’s Degree. - A Technical/Professional Certification with eleven (9) years of significant experience associated with relevant academic credentials will also be considered.

NB: Please add/Upload proof of studies (Diplomas, Bachelor, certification, etc..) mentioned in your GPRS profile when submitting your application.

Experience: - A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in the energy sector in combination of procurement and design experience preferably in one or more of the following areas: in the development and implementation of off-grid renewable energy projects - Prior expertise in similar renewable energy projects with a hybrid system knowledge and drawing design expertise will be an asset. - At least four (4) years of international experience with at least two (2) years in least developed countries, particularly Africa is highly desirable - Previous assignments with the UN system will be an added advantage.

Language Skills: - Fluency in English is required. - Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

  1. Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement - Retainer contract. A retainer contract is issued for a period of time during which the services of the individual contractor are required intermittently. The individual contractor agreement on retainer basis will specify a “unit price” per day worked. Please note that the retainer contract will not provide for a minimum, and payment will be made only after completion of work.
  2. Contract level: ICS-10, LICA-10 / Local ICA Specialist
  3. Contract duration: 220 days within a 12 months period with possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funds.

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 Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions:

  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - Haiti

UNOPS has been working in Haiti for 18 years with the Haitian Government, other United Nations agencies and international organizations to support them in project management, procurement and logistics services. UNOPS also provides communication and governance support, as well as technical expertise in engineering and infrastructure for the implementation of projects that have a positive impact on the lives of Haitians. Over the past few years, the operation center in Haiti has mainly implemented major infrastructure projects (roads, schools, energy), health-related procurement such as medical equipment and ambulances, and management support to the government.

Haiti's healthcare facilities have faced considerable challenges due to an underdeveloped health system and an unreliable electricity supply, issues that were magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the MSPP, MTPTC, and the World Bank, in collaboration with the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), assessed various healthcare facilities to identify those needing urgent power supply improvements. As part of this initiative, hybrid energy systems were installed in five hospitals across Haiti, significantly improving energy access for these healthcare centers. This effort not only enhanced the reliability of power supply in these facilities but also helped develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing sustainable energy solutions throughout the country.

Project-Specific Information:

Building on this experience, a new agreement has been signed between the World Bank (WB), the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), and UNOPS to develop hybrid energy systems and retrofit the electrical distribution in two additional hospitals. This partnership also opens the door for discussing a new portfolio of investments in the energy sector, aimed at implementing more renewable energy projects across the country. This initiative underscores a commitment to enhancing Haiti's energy infrastructure and expanding access to sustainable energy solutions.

Current projects include:

  1. Design of the hybrid systems;
  2. Procurement
  3. Installation, Commissioning, Operation and Maintenance of the hybrid systems

Additional information

Potential interview questions

Can you explain how you approach designing and implementing hybrid renewable energy systems? This question assesses your technical understanding and experience in renewable energy systems. Outline your familiarity with system design, materials needed, and any previous projects.
Describe a challenging project you managed in the energy sector and how you overcame obstacles. This evaluates your problem-solving skills and experience in the field. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure compliance with quality and safety standards in your projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you give an example of how you have evaluated technical proposals in procurement? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you employ for effective stakeholder communication? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org