VAC-11897 National Project Officer

Organizational context & scope:

• Established in 1951, our client is a related organization of the United Nations (UN) & as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental & non-governmental partners. They are dedicated to promoting humane & orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services & advice to governments & migrants.

• Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Hubs Project Coordinator, the successful candidate will provide essential support to the implementation of the solar power project, focusing on the deployment of hybrid solar energy systems in humanitarian hubs located in north east Nigeria. The incumbent will assist in project coordination, administration & logistics to ensure the smooth execution of project activities & contribute to the successful integration of solar power solutions in the region.

Background:

Our client has secured funding from a donor agency to implement a project that will supply solar equipment & energy efficiency appliances to eight sites operated by our client in Borno state, Nigeria. The project will source solar equipment from an equipment provider that will install & operate the systems at the 8 deployment sites. A project will conduct the following specific activities:

• Install 1 MW of hybrid solar powered battery energy storage systems at 8 sites.

• Procure energy efficient appliances (including air conditioners) & solar water heaters.

• Put in place an energy monitoring & management system in all 8 sites.

• Build the capacity of teams on the ground to operate, manage & maintain the systems.

The solar equipment supplier will have the primary responsibility for installation, operation, spare part supply & maintenance of solar equipment. Our client is seeking a Project Officer who will:

• Manage the relationship with the solar equipment provider.

• Who will lead internal solar project activities.

Project implementation:

• Manage the implementation of the project according to prepared project design.

• Execute & further develop the established project plans, managing project timelines, milestones & resource allocation, in collaboration with project stakeholders.

• Oversee the implementation of solar power systems in humanitarian hubs by the solar equipment provider, ensuring adherence to project objectives, agreed standards, budget & timelines.

• Coordinate with contractors, suppliers & technical experts to facilitate the procurement, installation & commissioning of solar energy infrastructure.

Technical expertise:

• Provide technical expertise in solar energy systems, particularly hybrid systems combining solar power with backup generators.

• Work with Hub Managers & Technicians to put in place energy efficiency plans at each site.

• Manage the procurement plans, installation & maintenance of energy efficient appliances (air conditioners, kitchen equipment, laundry equipment, etc.) & solar water heaters as per the project plan.

• Manage local Technicians who provide support & maintenance services for the energy equipment.

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations & best practices in solar power system design & installation.

With the team, design & put in place an energy management & monitoring system that:

• Ensures energy sourced from solar, battery, utility & generators is utilized efficiently.

• That energy use information is properly reported & assessed from a cost perspective.

Monitoring & evaluation:

• Develop monitoring & evaluation frameworks to track project progress, performance indicators & outcomes.

• Conduct regular site visits & inspections to assess the functionality, performance & maintenance needs of solar power systems.

• Prepare reports & documentation on project activities, achievements & challenges for internal & external stakeholders.

Capacity building & training:

• Provide technical training & capacity building support to project staff, Technicians, local partners & community members on solar power system operation, maintenance & troubleshooting.

• Facilitate knowledge sharing & lessons learned sessions to promote sustainability & replication of successful solar energy initiatives.

This role will work under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Hubs Project Coordinator.

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy or related field with two years of relevant professional experience.

• Relevant experience in project management, with a focus on solar energy projects or renewable energy initiatives.

• Demonstrated experience working with energy management, energy monitoring devices & energy-efficient appliances.

• Experience working with private sector solar companies & equipment suppliers in Nigeria.

• Demonstrated expertise in the design, installation & operation of solar power systems, particularly hybrid systems.

• Strong knowledge of energy policies, regulations & market trends in Nigeria, particularly in the humanitarian sector.

• Excellent communication, negotiation & interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Proven track record in managing complex projects, including budget management, procurement & contractor oversight.

• Commitment to humanitarian principles, sustainable development & promoting access to clean energy solutions in crisis affected communities.

• For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral & written) & working knowledge of local languages is desirable.

• Respects & promotes individual & cultural differences. Encourages diversity & inclusion.

• Maintains high ethical standards & acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles / rules and standards of conduct.

• Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent & committed manner & exercises careful judgment in meeting day to day challenges.

• Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.

• Shows compassion for others & makes people feel safe, respected & fairly treated.

• Develops & promotes effective collaboration within & across units to achieve shared goals & optimize results.

• Produces & delivers quality results in a service oriented & timely manner. Is action oriented & committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge & innovate.

• Takes ownership for achieving the organization’s priorities & assumes responsibility for own actions & delegated work.

• Encourages & contributes to clear & open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring & motivational way.

This role has no team management responsibility.

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply for this role.