Environmental Engineer

Organizational Context

The West Africa Multi-Country Office (WAMCO) of UNOPS, based in Dakar, Senegal, manages over 250 projects across 40 countries, focusing on fragile and conflict-affected regions. WAMCO supports national priorities in areas like climate action, health, and infrastructure, contributing to sustainable development and improved quality of life across Africa. The role is situated within the Salone Off-Grid Renewable Energy Acceleration (SOGREA) project in Sierra Leone.

Job Purpose

The Project Engineer will provide essential technical expertise and engineering oversight for the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure and related activities within the SOGREA project. This involves reviewing engineering designs, supervising construction, ensuring quality assurance, and coordinating with contractors, consultants, and government stakeholders. The role is crucial for ensuring that all project activities adhere to national regulations, international engineering standards, and UNOPS' environmental and social safeguards, thereby contributing to the successful expansion of clean and reliable electricity access in Sierra Leone.

Responsibilities

Provide technical input and engineering expertise for the design, implementation, and operationalization of renewable energy infrastructure and pilot systems. Conduct technical assessments, feasibility studies, and site inspections, with a focus on solar photovoltaic systems and battery technologies, including end-of-life management. Review and validate engineering designs, technical specifications, and contractor submissions to ensure compliance with standards. Monitor construction and installation works, ensuring adherence to designs, specifications, and UNOPS Health, Safety, Social and Environmental (HSSE) standards. Support procurement processes by preparing technical documentation and evaluating bids. Coordinate with government institutions, technical partners, and private sector actors. Monitor project implementation progress, document lessons learned, and contribute technical inputs to project reports.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of two years of progressive experience in engineering, infrastructure supervision, or construction management, with at least two years specifically in renewable energy projects, particularly solar PV systems and mini-grids. Experience in reviewing designs, construction supervision, quality assurance, and HSSE compliance is essential. Experience with procurement support, stakeholder coordination, and practical knowledge of solar e-waste management is also required.

Skills

Renewable Energy, Solar PV Systems, Mini-grids, Engineering Design, Construction Supervision, Quality Assurance, HSSE Compliance, Procurement Support, Stakeholder Coordination, E-waste Management, Supervisory Skills.

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