Senior Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Technical Expert

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established to respond to disasters and hardships, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities. The organization is committed to creating sustainable change through innovative programs and initiatives that address the root causes of poverty and conflict, ensuring that communities can thrive long after the immediate crisis has passed.

Job Overview:
The Senior Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Technical Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the NESP III initiative by providing engineering and technical advisory services for large-scale renewable energy projects exceeding 15 MW. This position requires a deep understanding of renewable energy systems, particularly in solar and hybrid technologies, and the ability to conduct comprehensive technical assessments, grid integration analyses, and prepare essential technical documentation for tenders and project implementation. The expert will be expected to lead technical studies, ensure compliance with international engineering standards, and contribute to the development of guidelines for renewable energy integration. Additionally, the role involves delivering technical training and engaging with stakeholders to align project objectives with local needs and capacities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Senior Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Technical Expert include providing technical leadership on utility-scale solar or hybrid renewable energy project development, conducting grid integration studies, performing network analysis, and generating modeling. The expert will prepare technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQs), tender documents, and engineering packages. They will support technical due diligence for large-scale renewable energy proposals, ensure compliance with international engineering standards and grid codes, and contribute to the development of technical guidelines and frameworks for renewable energy integration. The expert will also deliver technical training, support stakeholder engagement, and collaborate with NESP advisors and local experts to ensure alignment with program objectives. Complementary responsibilities include introducing best practices for grid stability and storage integration, developing bankability-enhancing tools, and contributing to the development of a utility-scale renewable energy project pipeline screening tool for NESP. Safeguarding responsibilities involve integrating safeguarding practices into their work and respecting the dignity and well-being of participants and team members.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related field. Candidates must possess an excellent command of English (C1 level, CEFR) and have at least 12 years of experience in the energy sector, with a minimum of 10 years specifically in renewable energy utility-scale projects exceeding 15 MW. Demonstrated experience in power system engineering, including network analysis and generation modeling, is essential. Candidates should also have experience using GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS for site identification and planning. International experience is required, with at least 7 years in at least two countries with economies in transition outside West Africa, and at least 5 years of professional experience in West Africa, including a minimum of 1 year in Nigeria. Additionally, candidates should have at least 5 years of experience working on development cooperation projects.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Power Systems Engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complex technical aspects of utility-scale renewable energy projects and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and practices.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 12 years of experience in the energy sector, with at least 10 years focused on renewable energy utility-scale projects greater than 15 MW. This experience should include a strong background in power system engineering, network analysis, and generation modeling. Candidates should also have international experience, particularly in economies in transition, and regional experience in West Africa, including Nigeria.

Languages:
An excellent command of English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Africa and requires up to 40% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations with limited amenities. Housing for this role will be provided in individual accommodations, and staff will have access to good medical services. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. The organization also emphasizes safeguarding and ethics, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.