Solar PV Engineer

The purpose of the REACT project is to promote the mainstreaming of environmental sustainability in the UN system, focusing in particular on peacekeeping operations, by supporting the United Nations Department of Field Support (DFS) in their efforts to improve their own environmental and energy performance. Peacekeeping operations are international missions mandated by the UN Security Council to operate in specific countries and parts of countries for specific periods. The operations usually take place in locations with a fragile environment and a serious lack of infrastructure. The environmental footprint of UN Peacekeeping Operations is not benchmarked against any specific standard or other organization but it is considered to have significant room for improvement in a large number of critical areas. UN Peace operations represents over 50% of the current UN system Climate Footprint and as such are instrumental in reaching the UN wide target of Climate Neutrality by 2020 that is demanded by the Secretary General and the UN Chief Executives’ Board.

UNEP will act in the role of an in-house technical assistance (TA) team and will provide expertise to support DFS in planning, designing, financing and implementing a range of actions that will cumulatively result in a substantial reduction in the environmental footprint. Within DFS, a primary partner of UNEP will the Global Support Centre based in Brindisi, Italy. The GSC provides a wide range of engineering, logistical and IT support to missions.

Within delegated authority, the Solar PV Engineer will apply technical engineering knowledge and expertise in performance of the following duties: 

• Act as technical expert of solar PV design and operations in the engineering team reporting to the engineering manager
• Develop and manage feasibility studies and conceptual design of solar PV and hybrid systems
• Carry out detailed electrical and physical design of solar PV systems and hybrid systems
• Provide technical field support and site energy audits for installation of renewable energy (e.g. solar PV, wind, energy storage) and inspection of existing solar PV plants.
• Write technical reports of solar PV and hybrid system conceptual and detailed design
• Coordinate the supply chain development of solar PV product (PV panels, inverters, racking) and services (EPC companies) including inspection of PV manufacturing facilities (modules, inverters, trackers) in order to provide a bankable report on the technology of new players in the market. 
• Forecast long-term solar resource using measure-correlate-predict methods and other regression models. 
• Develop of annual and long term solar energy assessments, using PVsyst and equivalent modelling tools. 
• Undertake PV due diligence analysis. 
• Independent review of solar PV designs, testing/commissioning procedures and engineering documentation. 
• Development of technical specifications and scope of work documentation for solar PV projects. 
• Coordinate the preparation of proposals including scope of services, schedule and budgeting. 
• Work with customer technical team and with contractors to install and operate solar PV facility and define interface with existing power production facility and loads
• Help in energy project planning and development

Results Expected

Provide solar design and procurement expertise on solar PV and hybrid system within the engineering team. Develop solar PV projects (from feasibility to installation). Deliver field support and technical assistance to customers. Assist the electrical and mechanical engineering scope of project implementation and commissioning phases. 

• An advanced university (master's) degree in electrical, mechanical, aeronautical engineering or a relevant field is required.
• A first level university (bachelor) degree in a relevant field with an additional two years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

• With a master's degree 5 years OR with a bachelors degree, 7 years of progressive relevant hands-on experience in the field of solar PV projects is required.
• Experience with conceptual and detail design, installation, commissioning and testing of PV systems is required.
• Knowledge and proven experience with international electrical and building codes and standards are required.
• Experience with energy storage systems and other energy production systems (diesel generators, wind energy) is desirable.
• Experience working in a United Nations common system field operations (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) in a conflict or post-conflict setting is desirable.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications, MS Project, electric design software is required. Knowledge of other engineering design software such as PVSyst, HelioScope, Google Sketch-up, Auto CAD or equivalent CAD software, Homer Pro, ETAP is desirable.

• Fluency in English is required (both oral and written). Knowledge of an additional UN language is an advantage.  

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

This position is based in Switzerland and the fee is subject to taxes levied by the Swiss authorities.