International Consultancy for the Development of Off Grid Renewable Energy Projects

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 communities from within. The organization focuses on various sectors, including economic development, health, and education, with a commitment to empowering local populations and fostering sustainable change.

Job Overview:
The position of Senior Mini-Grid & GIS Technical Expert is crucial for supporting the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP III) in the development of off-grid renewable energy projects. The expert will be responsible for providing high-level engineering, planning, and technical advisory services specifically for mini-grid project development. This includes GIS-based site identification, system design, and the preparation of technical documentation. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to ensure that projects are not only feasible but also sustainable and impactful in the communities they serve. The expert will work closely with local consultants and NESP advisors to deliver high-quality outputs and contribute to the overall success of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Mini-Grid & GIS Technical Expert will lead GIS-based site identification, mapping, and spatial analysis for mini-grid development. They will conduct techno-economic assessments, which include demand estimation, load profiling, and analysis of productive use of energy (PUE) opportunities. The expert will develop system designs, distribution network layouts, and powerhouse siting, along with preparing and reviewing Bills of Quantities (BoQs), engineering drawings, tender documents, and technical guidelines. They will also conduct technical due diligence on submissions from mini-grid developers and project proposals, support the development of technical guidelines and regulations for the off-grid sector in Nigeria, and provide capacity building to local experts, government agencies, and developers. Additionally, the expert will introduce advanced geospatial analytics to enhance project selection and develop standardized templates for mini-grid technical documentation. They will also contribute to the creation of a mini-grid knowledge repository for NESP, consolidating tools, templates, and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related field. They should have an excellent command of English (C1 level, CEFR) and a minimum of 12 years of professional experience in the energy sector. Specific requirements include at least 10 years of experience in developing renewable energy mini-grid projects with a combined capacity of 5 MW or more, demonstrated experience using GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS for site identification and planning, and a minimum of 5 years developing technical guidelines, regulations, or manuals for the energy sector. International experience is essential, 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. Candidates should also have at least 5 years of experience working on development cooperation projects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or Power Systems Engineering. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of energy systems and the technical aspects of mini-grid development.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 12 years in the energy sector. This includes at least 10 years of experience in developing renewable energy mini-grid projects totaling a combined capacity of 5 MW or more. Candidates should also have a minimum of 5 years of experience in developing technical guidelines, regulations, or manuals for the energy sector, as well as international experience in at least two countries with economies in transition outside West Africa. Additionally, at least 5 years of professional experience in West Africa, including a minimum of 1 year in Nigeria, is required.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with an excellent command required (C1 level, CEFR). Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding approval and is expected to be available from May 2026 to December 202

• The role involves significant travel, up to 40%, to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations. The living conditions for this role are in individual housing with access to good medical services, and the standard of living is considered high. Mercy Corps is committed to ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization promotes a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse experiences and perspectives within the team.