Project Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, it has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's initiatives focus on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, with a commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services globally.

Job Overview:
The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of a solar electrification project aimed at enhancing healthcare services in rural areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This role involves coordinating technical, operational, and administrative aspects of the project, from site selection to the complete installation of solar PV systems and essential medical devices. The Project Manager will ensure that the project meets its objectives, including the installation of solar systems in approximately 100 health facilities, deployment of essential medical equipment, and establishment of a maintenance mechanism over five years. The position requires a strong background in solar energy projects and health project management, with a focus on improving access to reliable electricity for healthcare services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operational Technical Supervision and Field Support: Ensure the operational implementation of technical activities (planning, execution, monitoring, control) in accordance with the project execution plan; supervise technical site assessments (wiring, structure, roof, solar exposure, energy needs); prepare calls for expressions of interest for selecting suppliers for solar and medical equipment installation; validate techno-economic analyses and define solar packs (3–7 kWp); supervise on-site installations and control the quality of work performed; verify compliance of installations with technical and safety standards and report discrepancies to project coordination.
• Procurement, Logistics, and Installation: Contribute to technical specifications (ToR, BOQ, layouts); oversee end-to-end procurement processes; coordinate transport, delivery, and last-mile installation; supervise technical reception (checklists, tests, commissioning).
• Deployment of Medical Equipment: Collaborate with the Ministry of Health for the selection of priority devices; verify compatibility of devices with provided solar capacity; supervise training of clinical staff on device usage.
• Monitoring, Quality, Operations & Maintenance: Deploy a remote monitoring system and analyze alerts; establish a sustainable O&M plan with local contractors; conduct regular technical audits of installations and interventions; document all non-conformities and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordination, Reporting, and Partnerships: Facilitate coordination with WHO provincial offices, the Ministry of Health, local health authorities, UN agencies, and local solar companies; prepare reports including monthly progress reports, technical reports post-installation, dashboards, and simple financial reports related to project activities; participate in energy/health coordination meetings and technical clusters.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: University degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy, electromechanics, industrial engineering, or a related field. Project management training (PMD, Prince2, PMP) is an asset.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of proven experience in managing solar energy projects in DRC, including installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems; experience in sizing, operation and maintenance (O&M), and conducting technical audits; coordination with specialized solar solution companies or public institutions in the sector. Experience in health, humanitarian, or health infrastructure projects is highly desirable. Proven experience with UN system partners or international donors (such as WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, Gavi, etc.) is a significant advantage.

Educational Background:
A university degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy, electromechanics, industrial engineering, or a related field is required. Additional training in project management methodologies such as PMD, Prince2, or PMP is considered a valuable asset.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of confirmed experience in managing solar energy projects specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This includes hands-on experience with the installation of photovoltaic systems, as well as expertise in the sizing, operation, and maintenance of such systems. Experience in coordinating with specialized solar companies or public institutions is essential. Additionally, experience in health-related projects, humanitarian efforts, or health infrastructure development is strongly preferred, along with a proven track record of working with UN agencies or international funding bodies.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in English is preferable, particularly the ability to read technical documents and communicate with partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kinshasa with frequent missions to provinces (20–40% of the time). The WHO will provide mission logistics and allowances according to existing regulations. The consultant will work closely with WHO teams including OSL, HSS, WHE, HQ, and provincial offices, as well as the Ministry of Health. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented Member States. The WHO maintains a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or tobacco users.