Solar Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in approximately 170 countries and territories. Its mission is to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion. Established to help countries develop policies, leadership skills, and institutional capabilities, UNDP focuses on building resilience to sustain development results. In Sudan, UNDP supports a wide range of development interventions aimed at facilitating the country's transition, promoting peacebuilding and stabilization, enhancing climate resilience, and improving health and economic conditions. UNDP's work in Sudan is characterized by strategic capacity development initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing inclusive socioeconomic transformation, governance restoration, local peacebuilding, and investment in renewable energy and climate resilience. The organization collaborates with national and international partners to eliminate poverty, enable recovery, and ensure effective management of natural resources, thereby advancing peace and social cohesion. For more information about UNDP's impact in Sudan, visit their official website.

Job Overview:
The Solar Engineer position is critical for providing technical support to various State Offices in Sudan, specifically in Kassala, Gadaref, River Nile, and Red Sea. The role involves producing Bills of Quantities (BoQs), technical drawings, designs, and detailed specifications for solar systems as required by ongoing projects. The Solar Engineer will ensure that all designs maintain structural integrity, functionality, and compliance with approved engineering standards while integrating innovative and sustainable design solutions. This position also entails supervising the installation and quality control of solar systems, ensuring adherence to safety standards and regulations, and conducting thorough evaluations of solar systems to guarantee quality control. The Solar Engineer will play a vital role in the successful implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of solar projects, contributing to the establishment of a reputation for excellence in the construction industry. Additionally, the role includes preparing and reviewing documentation, orienting contract service providers on the Scope of Work (SOW), and ensuring compliance with Social and Environmental Standards (SES).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Solar Engineer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Providing technical and procurement assistance for solar systems, including solar pumps, solar stoves, and solar kits such as lanterns, torches, and streetlights.
• Inspecting procured solar items to ensure they meet quality and compliance standards.
• Supervising the installation and commissioning of solar systems, ensuring contractors supply the correct quantity and quality of materials as specified in the BoQs.
• Ensuring that contractors install solar systems according to engineering standards applicable to solar PV systems.
• Verifying that contractors provide necessary equipment manuals, labels, and training for end users.
• Conducting training programs for targeted women on solar equipment installation and maintenance.
• Preparing reports on the handover of installed solar PV systems from contractors to UNDP.
• Coordinating with local authorities and communities for equipment handover and managing negotiations.
• Producing detailed BOQs with clear specifications for materials and labor in line with international solar system standards. 1
• Providing input on resource allocation and making necessary adjustments based on evolving regulations. 1
• Conducting unit rate analysis to ensure value for money in bids and quotations received. 1
• Engaging community mobilizers and stakeholders in monitoring civil and non-civil work and ensuring feedback mechanisms are in place.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including:

• Proven experience in solar engineering or a related field, with a focus on solar systems design and implementation.
• Strong technical knowledge of solar energy systems, including installation, maintenance, and quality control.
• Familiarity with international and national standards for solar systems and construction practices.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to conduct detailed evaluations and provide recommendations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with communities, stakeholders, and contractors.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in challenging environments.
• Commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion in all project activities.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, including:

• A degree in engineering, preferably in renewable energy, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Additional certifications or training in solar energy systems, project management, or related areas will be considered an asset.
• Continuous professional development in the field of renewable energy and engineering practices is encouraged.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in solar engineering or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in challenging environments, is highly desirable. Proven track record of successfully managing solar projects from design to implementation, including quality control and compliance with safety standards, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNDP. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, given the local context and the need for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National UN Volunteer Specialist role, which means it is not a salaried position but rather a volunteer opportunity. The contract duration is typically for a specified period, and the role requires a commitment to live and work in Sudan, which may involve facing challenging living conditions. The National UN Volunteer Specialist will receive a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of USD 1,983.9 to cover basic living costs, ensuring a modest and secure standard of living at the duty station. This allowance is fixed and established by UNV headquarters, and it is important to note that it is not considered compensation for volunteer work.