Technical Advisor on PUE

Job Description

Overview

The Energizing Development Programme Sierra Leone (hereinafter EnDev) is an energy programme with the objective of increasing access to affordable modern energy services. It is a global initiative in more than 20 countries that GIZ is implementing on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Donor countries are Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Switzerland. EnDev has been active in Sierra Leone since more than 10 years, cooperating with government institutions, national and local non-governmental organization, donors, and the private sector.

In Sierra Leone, the programme consists of two components a) access to electricity through Pico PV, solar home systems b) access to modern cooking systems through energy-efficient cookstoves, sustainable biomass production to avoid deforestation including efficient charcoal production. Moreover, the project has recently been commissioned to implement the “Transformational Energy Use for Sierra Leone – phase 1” (TEUSL-1) on behalf of the European Union and the German BMZ ministry. That project activity has a distinct focus on productive use of (renewable) energy (PUE). 

The present position will support the implementation of the TEUSL-project and will be based in the soon to be established regional EnDev office in Kenema.

The position comprises the following:

• Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Key Team Lead (KTL) RE-Tech team from acquisition, planning, costing, procurement, through implementation to closure of the project.
• Collaborates with project stakeholders to define clear objectives and strategies for promoting productive use of electricity in off-grid communities.
• Supports, monitors and quality checks contractors (consultants, installers, suppliers) who are engaged by EnDev to implement TEUSL-1-activities in the field.  
• Support with administrative tasks in the absence of the RE-Tech team lead.
• Coordinates end users regarding solar items and provide them with orientation and other technical training. 
• Secures timeliness, respect to GIZ rules and discipline within the Endev Team.
• Prepares and submits progress reports to project stakeholders, including findings, challenges, and recommendations – to be done in coordination with KTL RE-Tech and Implementation Manager. 

The Technician performs the following tasks:

• Tasks

• Technical 

The Technical Advisor on PUE 

• Collects information and data on renewable energy systems for testing or research analysis.
• Conducts needs assessments to identify potential productive use activities suitable for the target communities.
• Assess the existing electricity infrastructure and recommend necessary upgrades or modifications.
• Research and assess appropriate technologies and equipment (e.g., machinery, appliances) for productive use.
• Provides recommendations on the selection and procurement of equipment.
• Provides technical opinion and advice to consultants and partners engaged by EnDev to implement PUE activities of all sorts.

Supports and Training :

The Technical Advisor on PUE

• Analyze local markets to identify opportunities and challenges related to productive use of electricity.
• Evaluate the demand for electric-powered products and services within the target communities.
• Develop training programs and materials for local community members, entrepreneurs, and businesses on utilizing electricity for income-generating activities.
• Facilitate training workshops and knowledge transfer sessions.
• Supports, monitors and quality-checks consultants, installers and implementing partner organizations engaged by EnDev to promote PUE in the field. 
• Establish and nurture partnerships with relevant organizations, government agencies, and local community leaders.
• Liase with financial institutions to facilitate access to financing options for electrification and productive use projects.
• Provide basic training package to end users or partners when the need arises.
• Provide technical assistance remotely.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

The Technical Advisor on PUE

• Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the initiative.

• Regularly collect and analyze data to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
• Keep track and take note of any known maintenance need.
• Provide technical specification to colleagues and procurement for buying of solar products and spear part.

Other duties/additional tasks:

The Technical Advisor on PUE 

• Assists other experts, if necessary, as translator
• Secure soft and hard copies of relevant document in the absence of the RE-tech team lead
• Follow-up on all technical requests from EnDev partners as instructed by the KTL RE-Tech 
• Continue with the filing system of both soft and hard copy of Documents.
• Performs other duties and tasks at the request of management. 

Required qualifications, competences, and experience:

Qualifications 

• A degree in a relevant field (e.g., electrical engineering, renewable energy, rural development).

Professional experience

• At least 5 years’ work experience in a comparable position with references

Other knowledge, additional competences

• Very good knowledge of Kerio and English
• Sensitivity in handling internal documents and information
• Demonstrated experience in off-grid electrification, renewable energy, and productive use projects.
• Strong knowledge of local communities and cultural sensitivities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Project management and coordination experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good working knowledge of ITC technologies (related software, phone, email, internet) and computer applications (e.g. MS Office, Access, or another database programme)
• Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management. 

Mode of Application:

Suitable candidates are invited to apply not later than 14.02.2024 to the email address recruitmentsl@giz.de .

Only applicants shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

GIZ-Sierra Leone is an equal-opportunity employer, and therefore women are strongly encouraged to apply.