Consultant for Solar PV Systems Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a long-standing reputation for its work in Sri Lanka, focusing on health, education, and protection standards for children, and has made significant strides in these areas over the past 50 years. The organization collaborates with a wide network of partners to create environments that empower children and support their growth and development.

Job Overview:
The position involves assessing the technical, financial, institutional, environmental, and social feasibility of promoting solar photovoltaic (PV) systems among households and public utilities with battery storage. The consultant will evaluate the potential for scaling up these systems to enhance resilience and responsiveness to shocks, particularly in the context of Sri Lanka's energy transition. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy projects, particularly solar systems, and the ability to analyze various factors that influence their implementation and success. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF's objectives and contribute to the organization's mission of ensuring that all children in Sri Lanka can thrive and fulfill their potential.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of the feasibility of solar PV systems with battery storage for households and public utilities.
• Analyze technical, financial, institutional, environmental, and social factors that impact the implementation of solar PV systems.
• Develop scalable and standardized solutions for promoting solar energy in Sri Lanka.
• Collaborate with national and regional bodies to align efforts with global standards and best practices.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Engage with stakeholders, including government, non-governmental organizations, and private entities, to gather insights and foster collaboration.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of solar PV initiatives and provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Ensure that all assessments and recommendations are child-sensitive and aligned with UNICEF's objectives.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering, energy, environmental studies, economics, business management, international development, or related fields with postgraduate qualifications (Master's or PhD).
• Minimum of 8 years of work experience in providing technical support for developing and managing renewable energy projects, particularly solar systems.
• Familiarity with UNICEF’s SCAP objectives and a commitment to child-sensitive approaches.
• Previous experience working in the South Asia region is an asset.
• Strong understanding of the principles and values of the United Nations, especially in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in relevant fields such as engineering, energy, environmental studies, economics, business management, or international development. Postgraduate qualifications (Master's or PhD) are required to ensure a deep understanding of the complexities involved in renewable energy projects and their implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, specifically in providing technical support for renewable energy projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing solar energy initiatives and should be familiar with the challenges and opportunities present in the South Asia region. Experience in collaborating with various stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organizations, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong writing skills required for producing high-quality reports and presentations. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from December 2025 to March 202

• Candidates are required to submit a resume and indicate their availability and fee/rate in LKR for undertaking the terms of reference. Applications without a specified fee/rate will not be considered. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse.