Energy Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). Energy Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
As a result of insecurity, famine and environment problems in Somalia, over 200,000 refugees fled from Somalia to five UNHCR-administered refugee camps in the Dollo Ado area of Ethiopia. UNHCR recognizes the global need for a broader ¿cultural shift¿ from long-term care and maintenance to self-reliance and solutions-oriented planning and programming in its refugee operations.

UNHCR¿s operation in Dollo Ado - with the support from the IKEA Foundation since 2012 ¿ serves as one of the key locations for UNHCR to implement a new type of programming which gives priority to activities that increase refugees¿ self-reliance in order to decrease dependency on aid. The program is aimed at building refugees resilience in preparation for their eventual return to Somalia.

The refugee camps in the Dollo Ado region are in a transition phase from emergency to the recovery stage with a wide variety of income levels and energy needs in the camps. Successful businesses have developed through the sale and distribution of electricity and energy technologies. Small-scale independent energy providers have emerged providing electricity through independent diesel mini grids. UNHCR and its partners are working to support the communities in expanding these efforts to meet the lighting and energy needs in the communities by providing hardware, training and building self-reliance.

In addition, UNHCR is undertaking a number of pilot projects look at providing refugees and host communities access to community and household solar lighting through streetlights and supporting sustainable businesses providing PAYG (Pay As You Go) lighting solutions as well as access to unconstrained electricity through mini-grid/ hybrid systems.
One of the main issues that UNHCR and its partners are dealing with in these camps is the provision of energy that will allow refugees to cook the dry food rations they receive from the World Food Programme or other food items they purchase from the markets. The issue of energy is cross cutting, reaching areas of relief including, but not limited to, protection, food security, health, environment, sexual and gender based violence, and education. The issue is intensified in Dollo Ado by a fragile natural environment, rapid environmental degradation resulting from the large population influx, limited natural resources and a government ban on the collection of firewood ¿ the main source of fuel for refugees.

It is therefore urgent to implement the renewable energy strategy for UNHCR Dollo Ado. UNHCR has been implementing alternative energy options in a number of operations already, but wants to ensure that refugees in Dollo Ado are receiving the most cost-effective, sustainable, and applicable combination of alternative energy solutions for their environment, needs, and background. Environmental activities and land rehabilitation will be an important component to compliment the promotion of suitable cooking options in the communities.

In this regard, UNHCR Representation in Ethiopia seeks a duly experienced Renewable Energy Expert on a P3 role for one year initially based in Dollo Ado area.

The post will be based in Dollo Ado under the direct supervision of the Senior livelihoods Officer.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- The renewable energy expert will coordinate, analyse and monitor the implementation of a series of renewable energy interventions. In addition to this the Renewable Energy Expert will be required to assess, analyse and identify cost-effective and appropriate sources of alternative energy for cooking, lighting and electricity in collaboration with the concerned actors.
- The expert will project manage planned energy interventions designed to provide refugees and host communities access to community and household solar lighting through streetlights and supporting sustainable businesses providing PAYG (Pay As You Go) lighting solutions as well as access to unconstrained electricity through mini-grid/ hybrid systems. They will also carry out assessments of fuel and cookstove options to determine the optimal sustainable strategy for energy for cooking. These activities will be carried out in close conjunction with the livelihoods team.
- The incumbent will inform and coordinate with implementing partners, consultants, UNHCR and government agencies to implement a robust and appropriate renewable energy strategy and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources and ensure safety. They will also provide regular reporting of progress to the operation in Addis and DPSM, Geneva.
- A series of renewable energy interventions are coordinated analysed, implemented and monitored.
- Cost-effective sources of alternative energy for cooking, lighting and electricity are assessed, analysed and identified in collaboration with concerned actors.
- Robust and appropriate renewable energy strategy is implemented in coordination with implementing partners, consultants and government agencies.
- Regular reporting is provided to the operation in Addis and DPSM in Geneva.

Responsibility
- Oversee and coordinate energy activities conducted by implementing partners and consultants in the Dollo Ado Region.
- Ensure budget expenditures and reporting requirements are in line with UNCHR program procedures and donor priorities, notably the Programme team and Head of Sub-Office.
- Work closely with UNHCR, ARRA, refugee and host communities in discussions to identify suitable business models, training requirements and business support needed to promote sustainable businesses providing lighting and energy.
- Coordinate assessment of pilot projects, livelihood opportunities and their potential for expansion with the 5 camps and host community areas.
- Identify and support synergies between energy activities, livelihood opportunities, training, capacity building and self-reliance in the communities.
- Mentor and capacity build the Dollo based Energy associate officers.
- Identify suitable partners and coordinate activities to promote suitable cooking options and environmental rehabilitation in the Dollo Ado region.
- Carry out key stakeholder consultations, including refugees, existing Implementing and Operational Partners, key government stakeholders ¿ including ARRA.
- Support implementation of the renewable energy strategy, including the provision of technical advice and support to UNHCR Dollo Ado.
- Ensure implementation of adequate monitoring and evaluation system for renewable energy activities in consultation with concerned stakeholders, including standardisation of short frequent test intervals.
- Identify of national staffing capacity, with a view to handing over implementation and coordination to staff, after satisfactory commencement of the strategy.
- Together with the livelihoods team, review current vocational training skills and create an introductory RE module to compliment future vocational skills training.
- Identify, establish and maintain links with relevant organizations to ensuring access to sustainable energy for both refugees and indigenous populations in Dollo Ado camps and the surrounding areas, including expanding to other camps.
- Together with the Programme Team and other technical experts, ensure energy based interventions are approached from a cross sectorial perspective.
- Ensure that minimum best practices are met to assure health and safety standards across all RE and energy efficient technologies.
- Document each stage of project development including monitoring, testing, trouble shooting, lessons learned and solutions applied to assure institutional knowledge development.
- Develop effective communication channels between all with key stakeholders and promote the sharing of information on energy related activities.
- Stay informed of all governmental/national electrical/renewable developments to assure legal and advantageous energy incentives are explored.
- Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Authority
- Lead all energy interventions and advise other expert and non-expert staff in the proper planning and implementation of energy projects in a methodical, transparent and professional manner.
- Report on day to day operational matters to the Senior Livelihoods Officer in Addis Abeba and on technical matters to the Senior Energy Officer in DPSM, Geneva

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- University degree in natural resources management, energy technology, engineering, renewable energy or related area.
- Minimum 8 years (6years with advanced university degree) of relevant working experience in energy.
- Comprehensive understanding of electricity systems and standards.
- Experience of energy audits and comparative analysis of energy systems.
- Extensive knowledge of renewable energy, including financial, regulatory and/or policy frameworks, renewable energy financial management (including community involvement and capacity issues), renewable energy business development (including business planning, entrepreneurship development), preferably with experience in Ethiopia and/or the Horn of Africa.
- Exposure to working with at least two kinds of renewable energies and related technology;
- Ability to apply knowledge from contemporary research in the field of energy, and translate this into humanitarian settings.
- Strong interest and exposure to development and humanitarian issues, especially in the area of energy, innovation and engineering.
- Ability to meet reporting deadlines, mange budgets and complete quarterly and yearly reporting.
- Knowledge of design and installation of Solar PV and lighting systems.
- Excellent networking and communications; have a broad network of peers in the domain of energy, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
- Excellent command of oral and written English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Good understanding of using basic testing and monitoring equipment on pre-installation and project monitoring and evaluation.
- Good workshop facilitation skills and a proven capacity development ability/Train the Trainer technique.
- Knowledge of local language(s); Amharic or Somali is desirable. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X009L3 - Change Capability and Adaptability Level 3

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).