Heating and Energy Efficiency Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. In Armenia, FAO has been a longstanding partner of the government, supporting the transformation of agrifood systems through various initiatives, including policy advice, capacity development, and investment planning. FAO also plays a crucial role in helping Armenia meet its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international agreements related to climate change and biodiversity.

Job Overview:
The Heating and Energy Efficiency Engineer will play a pivotal role in the implementation of an energy efficiency project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in Armenia. This project aims to enhance forest resilience and promote sustainable rural development by improving energy efficiency in household heating systems. The engineer will be responsible for ensuring the technical implementation of the energy efficiency component in the target areas of Lori and Syunik Marzes. This includes conducting comparative analyses of woodstove technologies, collaborating with local producers and authorities, and providing technical support to project beneficiaries. The engineer will also be involved in developing training materials and conducting training sessions for producers, ensuring that the project aligns with national energy strategies and contributes to reducing forest degradation and enhancing community participation in forest management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Heating and Energy Efficiency Engineer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Identifying and documenting wood stove requirements for targeted households, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
• Reviewing and finalizing vocational school mapping to assess the capacity of institutions for training support.
• Analyzing national policy documents to understand the institutional framework for rural energy access.
• Conducting comparative analyses of existing woodstoves, assessing their performance and scalability, and recommending preferred options.
• Documenting findings in technical review notes for validation by the project team.
• Supporting the validation of laboratory testing results for woodstoves.
• Developing safety guidance materials for woodstove production and use.
• Preparing tender documentation and participating in the evaluation process for woodstove procurement.
• Overseeing the delivery and installation of woodstoves, and organizing training activities for producers. 1
• Supporting international experts engaged in the project and assisting in the design of training materials as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in relevant areas such as heating assessments, energy efficiency, and heating appliances is required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong organizational and coordination skills, effective communication abilities, and a willingness to undertake field visits to project sites.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a closely related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the project's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of professional experience in fields related to heating, energy efficiency, and household heating demand. Experience in wood stove selection, certification requirements, and procurement at a significant scale is highly desirable. Familiarity with biomass heating technologies and rural energy programs will be considered an asset, particularly if the candidate has worked on similar projects implemented by international organizations such as FAO, UNDP, or GCF.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Armenian is required for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if it facilitates communication with local stakeholders and project beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a deadline for applications, but candidates are advised that applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The role may involve regular field visits to the target areas in Armenia, and candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the job.