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UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built. We offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture., coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to help. 

In the Pacific we work in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria.

All 14 Pacific Island countries and territories have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but only a third are on track with reporting obligations. Explore the different areas of our work here: UNICEF Pacific Islands.

Background of Assignment:  

UNICEF Pacific WASH and Climate Programme supports government and partners to deliver safe, inclusive, and climate and disaster-resilient WASH infrastructure in communities, schools and health care facilities, solarization in climate resilient sheltering schools and health facilities across Pacific Island countries and territories. UNICEF is currently supporting multiple construction projects in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, Vanuatu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu.

The consultant would support by strengthening technical quality and ensure compliance with renewable energy specifications, electrical standards, and climate- and disaster-resilient design principles.

UNICEF Pacific intends to establish Long-Term Agreement with one or multiple  individual consultants for a period of 300 working days as and when required stretched over 36 months. The consultant would support the above-mentioned projects by providing specialized technical expertise, on site assessment, system design review, quality assurance, and field supervision for solar PV installations, power backup systems, and electromechanical components integrated into WASH, health, and education infrastructure.

The consultant’s primary role will be to assess, review, and support the design, installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance planning of solar and renewable energy systems in communities, schools, and health facilities across Pacific Island countries and territories. This includes ensuring systems meet required standards of safety, reliability, efficiency, durability, and resilience to Pacific environmental conditions such as cyclones, salt corrosion, high humidity, and heat.

UNICEF Pacific office is scaling up construction services in WASH, schools and health facilities with focus on transition towards renewable energy/solar power. There is need for in-house solar expert with specialized knowledge in photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar thermal technology, and energy storage for the successful deployment of solar projects.

This LTA is being established to provide technical support in the conduct of site assessments, analysis of energy and power requirements, and the design of tailored solar and electrification solutions for water and sanitation facilities, as well as health and education institutions. The incumbent will also provide advisory support on operation and maintenance to ensure the continuous, safe, and optimal functioning of installed systems.

How can you make a difference? 

The consultant(s) would report directly to the in-house Construction Specialist with technical oversight from Chief of WASH, Chief of Field Office, Climate Specialists and WASH Specialists.

S/he will undertake the following:

1. Strengthen Renewable Energy Design Quality and Compliance.

• Provide expert technical input to ensure all site assessment, analysis of power/energy requirements, solar and renewable energy system designs for UNICEF-supported infrastructure comply with relevant national and international standards, codes, and UNICEF guidelines.
• Review and validate system sizing, component selection, and integration with existing infrastructure, ensuring climate resilience, safety, and sustainability.
• Advise on the adoption of best practices and innovative solutions for off-grid and hybrid renewable energy systems, tailored to the Pacific context and local environmental conditions.

2. Technical Review and System Design Validation.

• Conduct detailed technical design and reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, and bills of quantities for solar PV and electromechanical systems.
• Validate system designs for adequacy, efficiency, and appropriateness, including load assessments, battery storage, inverters, and protection systems.
• Ensure all designs incorporate provisions for future scalability, ease of maintenance, and integration with other essential services (e.g., water supply and sanitation facilities, health facilities, education facilities etc.).

3. Construction Quality Assurance & Site Supervision.

• Oversee and monitor the installation and commissioning of solar and renewable energy systems at UNICEF-supported sites, ensuring adherence to approved designs and specifications.
• Conduct regular site inspections, quality checks, and performance testing throughout the construction and commissioning phases.
• Identify and address technical issues, non-conformities, and risks, providing timely recommendations and corrective actions to contractors and UNICEF teams.
• Certify completion of works and support the handover process, ensuring all systems are fully operational and compliant with safety and quality standards.

4. Development of Technical Guidance, Standards, and O&M Tools.

• Develop or adapt technical guidelines, standard operating procedures, and checklists for the design, installation, and maintenance of solar and renewable energy systems.
• Prepare user-friendly operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and training materials for local stakeholders, including school and health facility staff.
• Contribute to the development of UNICEF’s internal standards and knowledge products on renewable energy in the Pacific context.

5. Procurement and Contract Management Support

• Provide technical support during the procurement process, including preparation and review of tender documents, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria.
• Participate in bid evaluations, clarifications, and contract negotiations to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Support UNICEF contract administrators in managing contractor performance, reviewing progress reports, and certifying payment milestones.

6. Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer.

• Design and deliver training sessions and workshops for UNICEF staff, government counterparts, and local partners on renewable energy system design, installation, and maintenance.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and mentoring to build local capacity for sustainable operation and management of installed systems.
• Promote the adoption of gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in capacity building activities.

7. Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare regular progress reports, site visit summaries, and technical documentation for all assigned projects.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations for continuous improvement of UNICEF’s renewable energy initiatives.
• Ensure all project documentation, including as-built drawings, commissioning certificates, and O&M records, are complete, accurate, and properly archived

Please refer to the ToR ( WASH_LTA TOR for Solar Engineering Consultant.PMCO.pdf) for further information on the deliverables and the timelines. 

 

GUIDANCE FOR APPLICANTS:  

Please submit a separate financial offer along with your application. The financial proposal should be a lump sum amount for all the deliverables and should show a breakdown for the following:

• Daily fees – based on the deliverables in the Terms of Reference
• Miscellaneous- to cover visa, health insurance (including medical evacuation for international consultants), communications, and other costs.

Travel to take up the assignment and field visits will be planned separately and will be part of a separate solicitation process via a secondary bidding process.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements:

Education:   

• A university degree (Bachelors) is required in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechanical engineering, production engineering. Renewable Energy Engineering, or related field

Work Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years in design, installation, supervision, and QA/QC of solar PV and renewable energy systems; solar powered water pumps, experience in SIDS preferred;
• Familiarity with IEC, AS/NZS, IEEE standards.
• Experience in capacity building/knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement.

Skills:

• Design & installation of solar powered pumps, solar, and generator systems
• Supervision of electrical/mechanical installations
• AutoCAD (basic electrical/mechanical drawings)
• PV systems
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical/mechanical systems
• Strong documentation and report writing skills
• Conducting field assessments
• Engage stakeholders and organize and/or facilitate training for communities and young people.

Language Requirements:   

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or national local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Desirables:

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure;
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment;
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of resources;
• Ability to supervise and direct a team of professional and support staff working on construction projects;
• Ability to work strategically to realize organizational goals, develop strategies, set clear visions; Strong communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve them; Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes;
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in renewal energy industry;
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in climate proofing solar PV systems and infrastructure;
• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Remarks:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.