Consultant - (IBM / Rural Solar Power Expert (Assessment Advisor) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

CFCV No.: CFCV2020/016
Location: Abuja
IOM Classification: Consultant
Type of Appointment: Consultant, 38 working days within 6 Months Duration
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context

• Under the supervision of the IBM Senior Program Manager, the successful candidate will work as a Solar Power System (SPS) consultant on the IOM project portfolio’s “ Building Border Management Capacity of the Nigerian Immigration Service By Strengthening the Migration Information Data System In Nigeria” and “Enhancing cross border cooperation on border management and counter trafficking between Nigeria and Niger”, funded by the Governments of Germany and the British respectively and implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
• Through these Projects, IOM in collaboration with NIS will equip Borders in the North1 and NIS State commands with Solar Power Systems, review the electrical systems and carry out upgrades and corrective work on installed inverters where required. The main objective of this contract is to engage the services of a Rural Solar Power Expert (Assessment Advisor) to assess specific needs and provide detailed specifications for the provision of solar power systems as well as inverter systems at the Border Control Posts (BCP).

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Participate in on-site field assessments as part of a team led by IOM Nigeria, Nigeria Immigration Service. Minimum of five (5) sites – border crossing points and State Commands will be assessed for equipping with SPS.

Time commitment: 15 days:

• The consultant will assess the specific needs for each site to provide adequate solar electric power for new computer systems and possibly existing computers and other IT systems to be installed at these locations. The systems set up will be designed for maximum power efficiency and will be minimalist in nature.

The following technical issues will be among those addressed:

• Site orientation and recommendation on best kind, number and placement of solar panels, inverters and battery systems, earthing and wiring appendages.
• Power interface issues with other electrical power sources, ensuring their best integration with the solar sources while also ensuring full solar capacity to the data systems in the event of failure of alternate supplies.
• Appropriate considerations on the operation of the systems throughout the year, considering specifically extended rainy season performance issues;
• Recommended maintenance schedule and specifications for contracted maintenance services;
• Recommended key elements of a training regimen for on-site and off-site NIS personnel to maintain and adapt the system, apart from contracted maintenance obligations; and
• Other technical details that may be required to ensure the most appropriate, sustainable and fully effective solar power systems at these sites.
• Participate in an in-depth discussion with the IOM Immigration and Border Management Unit team at IOM Abuja and contribute to the report preparation of the assessment for sites visited.

Time commitment: 5 days:

• Support the preparation of tender publication for the supply of solar equipment for installation at the selected sites and participate in the bids’ evaluation process with IOM project management and procurement team.

Time commitment: 2 days:

• Assist IOM in assessing solar sower installation materials received from vendors to ascertain adherence or deviation to required specification and in providing any further technical clarifications with the selected vendor. This will be done at the direct request of IOM. The expert may not have direct contact with the assigned vendor(s) except as specifically instructed by IOM.

Time commitment: 2 days:

• Directly manage the installation of the SPS at the noted sites. In this stage, the expert manages the process on-site, bringing the system into full operation. Carry out a comprehensive assessment of the electrical system, test installed inverter systems including the batteries and other accessories and advise accordingly. Also advising on the proximity of the location of the inverter system to the computers as well as the workstation/ load ratio to each inverter system. IOM will separately provide the IT experts needed to install the system at these sites immediately after the completion of the SPS installation.

Time commitment: 10 days:

• Provide trainings to NIS Training Focal Points (TFPs) and technical staff on SPS maintenance and other related topics. This includes providing oversight to the craftsperson (carpenters, electricians, etc.) who will also be contracted by IOM to assist in the installation process. Develop an SOP on the active maintenance of the inverter system for optimal performance as well as the SPS.

Time commitment: 4 days:

• Carry out maintenance work whenever such is requested.

Performance Indicators:

• Adherence to agreed schedule of activities
• Timely production of reports
• Respectful and cooperative approach with NIS and other concerned counterparts

Tangible and Measurable Output of the work assignment:

• Interim report based on Task #1
• Interim specific site reports as work progresses, based on Task #2
• Detailed technical specifications for IOM’s subsequent bid or tender procurement of the equipment based on Task #3
• Detailed recommendations for service contracts to maintain the systems based on Task #3
• Detailed site reports with full technical specifications and equipment recommendations for each site (BCPs and managing State Command offices), and other pertinent information on key issues for solar installation and use based on Tasks #4 and #5
• Specification of the most important elements of a training regimen for NIS staff (on-site and off-site) who will be responsible for care and maintenance outside of the maintenance service contracts based on Tasks #5 and #6
• Summary final report highlighting common issues including technical, training and maintenance issues based on Tasks #5 and #6.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A post-graduate Degree in Solar Energy Technology, Electricals, Physics, or related field from an accredited academic institution.
• Minimum six years' experience with solar energy infrastructure, electrical systems and solar panels installations
• Must be a permanent resident in Nigeria or must have lived in Nigeria for more than one year
• Sound knowledge of Nigeria, as well as experience in working with solar panels installations and electrical systems
• Understand building codes and complete installations in conformity with them
• Excellent customer service skills
• Great ability to wire equipment into the power grid
• Extensive knowledge on proper mount installation
• Computer literacy including proficiency in MS Office applications.
• Excellent social and inter-cultural skills.
• Ability to work with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze and interpret source information and data. Analytical thinker and an eye for details.
• Personal commitment, efficiency, empathy, flexibility, drive for results, respect for diversity, creative thinking, and organized.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience, preferably in the field of solar energy infrastructure and electrical systems
• Proficiency in English. Knowledge of French an asset.

Languages:

• Fluency in English; knowledge of French advantageous;

Required Competencies
Values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies - behavioural indicators:

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Others:

• Only Nigerian Nationals are eligible to apply and appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment.
• Women are encouraged to apply