Country: Ethiopia
Closing date: 03 Aug 2017
Energy Officer
Location: Melkadida (Dollo Ado), Ethiopia
Closing date: 3 August 2017
UNHCR encourages qualified women to apply.
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.
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.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please go to our careers page at www.unhcr.org/careers.html, click on international vacancies and type in job ID 14007.
Deadline: 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time)
All positions are available on the UNHCR Careers Page at www.unhcr.org/careers.html.