Local Consultant Associate - Electrical Engineer (Solar Design and Installation)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. Established in 1997, UNODC aims to assist Member States in their efforts to combat drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption, while promoting justice and the rule of law. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to these missions. UNODC's work is guided by the principles of human rights and the promotion of sustainable development, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected and empowered.

Job Overview:
The Local Consultant Associate will play a crucial role in the implementation of solar photovoltaic (PV) installations within Kenya's justice sector, specifically for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS). This position requires the consultant to provide expertise in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar power systems, ensuring that these projects are executed efficiently and sustainably. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating with various stakeholders, including technical experts, suppliers, and end-users, to facilitate seamless project implementation. The consultant will also be tasked with preparing detailed reports on project progress and outcomes, contributing to the overall success of the PLEAD Programme, which aims to enhance access to justice and improve the efficiency of the justice system in Kenya.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Overseeing the installation of solar power systems at designated police stations across Kenya, ensuring that installations meet quality and safety standards.
• Conducting site assessments to develop technical specifications for solar installations at various justice sector institutions, including ODPP offices and prisons.
• Providing advisory and technical support for ongoing solar projects, including maintenance and repair guidance.
• Preparing and submitting weekly and monthly progress reports to the Head of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme and the PLEAD Programme Manager, detailing project status and outcomes.
• Ensuring effective communication and coordination with all stakeholders involved in the project, including government agencies and local communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Building & Construction, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in a similar discipline, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, may be accepted. A minimum of two years of professional experience in electrical engineering is required, with specific experience in solar power installations being essential. Familiarity with the Kenyan justice sector and experience working with local actors in this field are highly desirable. Previous work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Building & Construction, or a related discipline. Candidates with a first-level university degree in similar fields, along with two additional years of qualifying experience, may also be considered. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to solar project implementation.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of two years of relevant working experience in electrical engineering, with a strong emphasis on solar power installations. Experience in the East African region, particularly in Kenya, is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with local contexts and challenges. Additionally, experience working with justice sector actors in Kenya will be beneficial for understanding the specific needs and requirements of the institutions involved in the PLEAD Programme.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in additional United Nations languages is considered an advantage, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with travel required to various focal counties in Kenya for project implementation. The expected duration of the assignment is 80 working days, spanning from August 25, 2025, to February 28, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.