Renewable Energy Technical Specialist at Winrock International

Renewable Energy Technical Specialist, Nigeria Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Project

Unit: Clean Energy Group (CEG)
Report to: Chief of Party (CoP)

Project Summary

• The Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (hereinafter referred to as the Renewable Energy Project) is a three-pronged approach to developing the renewable energy and energy efficiency markets in Nigeria.
• The first component of the program establishes a Development Credit Authority (DCA) instrument to provide partial credit guarantees to local Banks (initially Eco Bank and First Bank) in order to increase debt financing to the clean energy sector.
• The second component is a Global Development Alliance (GDA) with the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN), which will link investors/financiers and clean energy project developers to help produce bankable project and equity financing proposals.
• The third component will provide technical assistance and vocation training on renewable energy technologies (RET5) and for the successful implementation of the Renewable Energy Project.
• The fourth component will promote strong environmental policy through direct interaction with legislators and community based coalitions.
• The proposed program will be implemented in Nigeria over a four year period with an estimated prect budget of $4Million which will be incrementally funded, depending on funds availability.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical support to CoP;
• Lead technical support for all renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) activities.
• Conduct site and power loads assessments for potential RE projects utilizing solar, wind, biomass, and hydra technologies.
• Investigate new and emerging RET applications as possible solutions to projects.
• Support implementation of RET projects.
• Support preparation of necessary technical specifications, tender documents for construction of RET projects.
• Prepare technical reports to guide RET project design and construction works.
• Supervise and participate in preparing technical documents such as bill of quantities, procurement documents, tender documents, tender evaluation, purchase, construction-and installation contracts.
• Guide and supervise engineers and local companies involved in construction of RE projects.
• Conduct power systems electrical testing and evaluation.
• Maintain favorable relationship with all relevant national energy related agencies and support all RE activities to be discussed, coordinated and implemented hh such agencies.
• Interact directly with industry, NGOs, financial institutions to increase develop, promote, and support RE and EE clean
  energy technical development.
• Provide guidance for RE and EE codes and standards to industry and government agencies.
• Plan, supervise, prepare and provide training and capacity building on RETs for industry and stakeholders;
• Participate in the preparation & technical reports and publications.
• Travel to project sites to monitor and evaluate the progress and quality of RE work.
• Work with NGOs, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to develop a clean energy coalition;
• Assist with community engagement activities to promote the project and dean energy projects; and,
• Represent Winrock at meetings and events as required and make presentations and give lectures where necessary.

Qualification and Background
Education

• Minimum Bachelors Degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology other related field is required. Preference for
  Mechanical or Electrical engineering graduates.

Work Experience

• At least 3 years of professional experience in the renewable energy field in design and installation of renewable energy power systems (photovoltaics, micro-hydra power, biomass power conversion, wind power).
• Prior experience working on USAID-funded projects in Nigeria or West Africa is a plus.
• Understanding of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, and related experience in finance, policy, and capacity building.

Skills:

• Engineer or engineering technician in the power systems field; Practical hands-on skills" for power system test and evaluation and related equipment;
• Project monitoring and evaluation skills; Good oral and written communications skills; and, 'Computer Skills (&IS Word, Excel, AutoCAD).

Remuneration

• The remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits.