Consultant for Solar-Powered WASH Systems

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 Philippines has been actively involved in supporting the Government of the Philippines and civil society to realize the rights of every Filipino child, particularly focusing on vulnerable regions identified in the Government's Development Plan. The organization has two offices in the Philippines, one in Manila and a field office in Cotabato City, which serves as the regional administrative center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the WASH Specialist to provide independent technical advisory and quality assurance services. The role involves ensuring compliance with national regulations, international best practices, and UNICEF standards in the design, installation, safety, and sustainability of solar-powered WASH systems. The consultant will validate technical integrity and offer expert recommendations for the hybrid solar PV system supporting the desalination plant and associated WASH facilities in Barangay Sikullis, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, BARMM. The consultancy aims to generate case studies and learning to support UNICEF’s organizational knowledge and scale-up of solarized WASH services in fragile and geographically isolated settings. The consultant will also support UNICEF’s WASH Thematic Funding initiative focusing on the solarization of key WASH facilities in Tawi-Tawi Province, ensuring technical integrity, safety, and sustainability of installations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Conducting technical inception and implementation planning workshops with key stakeholders and the contracted solar design firm.
• Submitting a Technical Inception Report summarizing findings from project documentation reviews, identifying technical gaps, risks, and context-specific considerations.
• Conducting consultations with local government unit (LGU) officials and stakeholders on proposed solar PV designs and submitting summary reports.
• Reviewing technical documents from the solar design firm and providing recommendations.
• Assisting UNICEF in the bidding process for selecting qualified solar package suppliers.
• Submitting monthly progress monitoring reports on installation and commissioning processes.
• Ensuring compliance with material specifications and quality of materials used during installation.
• Certifying that the desalination facility and health stations meet approved safety and environmental standards.
• Preparing comprehensive final reports documenting project outcomes and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline such as Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Solar Photovoltaics, or Renewable Energy Systems. Certification or formal training in solar PV system design and quality assurance is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate excellent technical reporting and stakeholder advisory skills, with the ability to work effectively with government agencies, local communities, and multi-disciplinary technical teams.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a focus on disciplines related to renewable energy and solar technologies. Additional certifications in solar PV system design and quality assurance are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of progressively responsible experience in renewable energy, particularly in solar solutions for WASH, health, or community infrastructure. Experience in climate-resilient WASH and disaster-risk-reduction programming is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while the ability to communicate in local dialects such as Sama-Badjao or Tausug is highly desirable to ensure effective engagement with community stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role with a deadline for applications set for 17 February 202

• Candidates are required to submit an online profile, a cover letter, and a duly filled P11 Form. The role may involve international recruitment, and UNICEF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.