Job Highlight
The project aims to accelerate access to clean and reliable electricity by expanding mini-grids, enabling private investment, piloting innovative renewable energy solutions, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting sustainable management of renewable energy infrastructure.
About the Region
The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.
About the Country/Multi-Country Office
Based in Dakar, Senegal, the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) delivers high-quality project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries in West Africa and the Sahel, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Togo. Aligned with UNOPS’ mission, WAMCO supports partners in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development. WAMCO’s portfolio spans key sectors such as health, climate change, renewable energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, environment, infrastructure, justice, and peace and security. Notable projects include the construction of pre-preschools for early childhood development in Senegal (in partnership with KOICA and UNICEF), capacity-building for national agencies on disaster risk reduction and resource management, and the development of rural mini-grid electrification systems in Sierra Leone. Through these initiatives, WAMCO contributes to inclusive growth and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region.
Job Specific Context
cross 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices, spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa, the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Based in Dakar, Senegal, the West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) delivers high-quality project management, infrastructure, and procurement services across 16 countries in West Africa and the Sahel. Aligned with UNOPS’ mission, WAMCO supports partners in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development across sectors including climate change, renewable energy, infrastructure, environment, agriculture, water and sanitation, justice, and peace and security.
Sierra Leone faces one of the world’s lowest electricity access rates, with approximately 36% national access and less than 6% in rural areas. To address this challenge, the Government of Sierra Leone has prioritized the expansion of renewable energy solutions, particularly solar mini-grids and off-grid systems, as part of its national electrification strategy.
The Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS and the UNOPS-hosted Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Energy.
The project aims to accelerate access to clean and reliable electricity by expanding mini-grids, enabling private investment, piloting innovative renewable energy solutions, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting sustainable management of renewable energy infrastructure.
The project contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The Project Engineer will support the technical implementation of renewable energy infrastructure, pilot systems, and related engineering activities within the SOGREA project.
Role Purpose
- The Project Engineer will provide technical expertise and engineering oversight for renewable energy infrastructure and associated project activities under the SOGREA programme.
- The incumbent will support engineering design review, construction supervision, quality assurance, and technical coordination with contractors, consultants, and government stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of renewable energy systems and related infrastructure.
- The Project Engineer will contribute to ensuring that project activities comply with national regulations, international engineering standards, environmental and social safeguards, and UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) requirements.
Functions / Key Results Expected
FUNCTIONS / KEY RESULTS EXPECTED
Engineering and Technical Support
- Provide technical input and engineering expertise to support the design, implementation, and operationalization of renewable energy infrastructure, pilot systems, and related project activities under WP7.
- Support technical assessments, feasibility studies, and site inspections for renewable energy installations and associated infrastructure, including pilot system selection and optimization based on technical, economic, and contextual suitability.
- Provide technical analysis of solar photovoltaic systems and battery technologies deployed in project sites, including assessment of system performance, operational efficiency, and lifecycle considerations, with particular attention to end-of-life management and circular economy opportunities.
- Contribute engineering inputs to the design and implementation of innovative renewable energy solutions and sustainable management of renewable energy equipment, including integration of pilot-scale systems and scalable models for replication.
- Support the design, implementation, commissioning, and initial operation of pilot renewable energy systems, ensuring alignment with project objectives and national priorities.
- Review and validate engineering designs, technical specifications, bills of quantities, and contractor submissions to ensure compliance with national regulations, international engineering standards, and pilot-specific operational requirements.
- Support contractors and consultants during implementation to ensure adherence to approved designs, technical specifications, and environmental and social safeguards, including operational readiness and performance requirements.
- Monitor and inspect works related to renewable energy installations, grid connections, and associated civil or electrical infrastructure.
- Conduct quality assurance and performance verification tests for equipment and installations, including commissioning tests and operational performance validation of pilot systems.
- Ensure proper documentation and certification of technical works and preparation of as-built drawings, including documentation of pilot system configurations and operational parameters.
- Support the development of operation and maintenance (O&M) plans, lifecycle cost considerations, and technical sustainability strategies for installed systems.
- Contribute to the integration of circular economy principles into system design and implementation, including battery reuse, safe handling, collection systems, and end-of-life management pathways.
Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance
- Monitor construction and installation works to ensure compliance with project designs, specifications, and schedules.
- Support site-level quality assurance and quality control processes for renewable energy infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards across all project activities.
- Prepare and submit technical supervision reports highlighting progress, risks, and corrective actions.
- Support commissioning, handover, and operational readiness of pilot systems, ensuring systems are fully functional and meet performance expectations prior to operation.
Procurement and Contract Management Support
- Support the preparation of tender documentation including technical specifications and bills of quantities, ensuring alignment with pilot system requirements and long-term operational considerations.
- Participate in the evaluation of bids and provide technical clarifications during procurement processes.
- Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to ensure timely delivery and installation of equipment and materials.
- Support monitoring of contractor performance against agreed technical and contractual requirements.
- Support procurement processes that facilitate private sector participation, including service providers for operation, maintenance, and potential circular economy value chain activities.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate with relevant government institutions including the Ministry of Energy, regulatory agencies, and technical partners to ensure alignment with national policies and sector standards.
- Participate in technical coordination meetings with stakeholders, contractors, and development partners.
- Support stakeholder consultations, workshops, and technical discussions related to project implementation.
- Engage with private sector actors, service providers, and local operators to support the operationalization and sustainability of pilot systems.
- Support coordination with institutions involved in circular economy, waste management, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks, where applicable.
Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Support the Project Manager in monitoring project implementation progress, including work schedules and milestones.
- Contribute technical inputs to project reports, donor updates, and stakeholder documentation.
- Document lessons learned, risks, and technical challenges encountered during project implementation.
- Monitor and report on pilot system performance, operational challenges, and sustainability indicators to inform scale-up and replication.
- Document technical, operational, and institutional lessons learned from pilot implementation to support WP7 objectives and future programme development.
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES
- Technical review of engineering designs and contractor submissions, including validation of pilot system designs, operational requirements, and scalability considerations.
- Site supervision reports and inspection reports, including commissioning reports and operational readiness assessments for pilot systems.
- Technical inputs to procurement documentation and bid evaluation reports, ensuring alignment with pilot system requirements, lifecycle performance, and long-term operational sustainability.
- Engineering progress reports and technical monitoring updates, including tracking of pilot system implementation, commissioning, and initial operational performance.
- Quality assurance and HSSE compliance reports, including verification of compliance during construction, commissioning, and early operation phases.
- Technical inputs to quarterly and annual project reports, including analysis of pilot system performance, risks, operational challenges, and corrective measures.
- Documentation of lessons learned and technical best practices, including pilot implementation outcomes, operational insights, and recommendations for replication and scale-up under WP7.
Skills
Renewable Energy, Supervisory Skills
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education Requirements
Required
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in in engineering Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Renewable Energy, or related fields with 2 years of relevant experience
Desired
- Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- Technical/Professional Diploma in a relevant field with 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted
Experience Requirements
Mandatory
- Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, infrastructure supervision, construction management, or implementation of energy and infrastructure projects.
- At least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in renewable energy projects, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, mini-grids, and standalone solar energy installations.
- Proven experience in the review and preparation of engineering designs, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities (BoQs), and technical design packages for infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
- Demonstrated experience in construction supervision, quality assurance, and quality control of civil, mechanical, and electrical works associated with renewable energy infrastructure.
- Experience supporting procurement processes, including preparation of tender documentation, technical specifications, bid evaluation, and contractor performance monitoring.
- Proven experience in site supervision, technical inspections, commissioning support, and preparation of technical and progress reports.
- Demonstrated experience in Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) monitoring and compliance within infrastructure or renewable energy projects.
- Experience coordinating and engaging with government institutions, contractors, consultants, development partners, and other project stakeholders.
- Demonstrated understanding of the renewable energy sector in Sierra Leone, including operational, environmental, and sustainability challenges associated with solar and off-grid energy systems.
- Practical knowledge and experience related to solar e-waste management, including quantification of solar waste volumes, material flow analysis, waste data management, and data visualization.
- Experience undertaking stakeholder engagement activities in Sierra Leone, preferably within the renewable energy, environmental, or waste management sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in the development or review of waste management policies, regulations, guidelines, or frameworks.
- Good understanding of existing national and international laws, regulations, and best practices relating to solar e-waste and hazardous waste management.
- Experience conducting feasibility studies, waste assessments, waste audits, or related technical studies in the waste management or circular economy sector.
- Certification in PV solar design training from a recognized international institution is required.
- Demonstrated experience in capacity building, technical training, or knowledge transfer activities, preferably related to solar e-waste management, renewable energy systems, or general waste management practices.
Desirable
- Experience supporting project planning, scheduling, and reporting.
- Experience using engineering and project management tools such as AutoCAD, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace.
- Experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects is desirable.
- Previous experience with UNOPS or UN system organizations is an asset.
Language Requirements
LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequired
Additional Information
- UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
- Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
- UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
- We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
- UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- For more details about the contract types, please click here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
