Heating and Energy Efficiency Engineer

Organizational Context

The Green Climate Fund project “Forest Resilience in Armenia” (FREAM) became operational in December 2021 with USD 18.7 million funding. FAO Armenia and the Environmental Project Implementation Unit are Executing Entities. The project aims to transition Armenia to a low-emission, sustainable development pathway by reducing forest degradation drivers, particularly firewood demand, through tailored rural energy-efficiency investments at household level. It also increases forest cover and strengthens climate-adaptive forest management policies, providing 9,000 improved wood stoves to vulnerable households.

Job Purpose

The incumbent will provide essential technical support for the energy efficiency component of the “Forest Resilience of Armenia, Enhancing Adaptation and Rural Green Growth via Mitigation” (FREAM) project in Lori and Syunik Marzes. This role involves close collaboration with private sector producers, local authorities, and project beneficiaries. Key responsibilities include offering technical expertise in comparative woodstove technology analysis, adaptation, and testing. The incumbent will ensure that locally produced woodstove models align with identified designs and meet international energy-efficiency and safety standards, contributing to the project's goal of reducing firewood demand and promoting sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The National EE Engineer will identify and record wood stove requirements for target households, aligning with project documentation. Tasks include reviewing and finalizing vocational school mapping to identify training gaps, and analyzing national policy documents and energy strategies to position the project component within rural energy access activities. The incumbent will conduct a comparative analysis of existing woodstoves, integrating laboratory results, assessing performance, affordability, functionality, and scalability, then recommend preferred options. This involves preparing tender documentation for woodstoves, participating in evaluation, facilitating approval, and overseeing delivery. The role also requires developing safety guidance materials for woodstove production, testing, and use, organizing producer training, and supporting beneficiary identification, selection, and installation. Additionally, the incumbent will assist International Experts and contribute to designing training materials as needed.

Work Experience

A minimum of one year of professional experience is required in heating, heat assessments, energy efficiency, household heating demand, or the design and selection of heating appliances. Working knowledge of English and Armenian is essential.

Skills

Required skills include strong organizational and coordination abilities to manage multiple workstreams and meet deadlines. Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and international partners. The role demands a willingness to undertake regular field visits. Demonstrated experience in procurement processes, including drafting technical specifications, tender documentation, and technical evaluation of bids, is crucial. Experience in wood stove selection, certification requirements, and large-scale procurement is highly valued. Familiarity with biomass heating technologies, wood-burning appliances, or rural energy programs is desirable, as is experience with projects implemented by international organizations.

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