ISLAMIC RELIEF
Established in 1984 in the UK, Islamic Relief is an international NGO seeking to promote sustainable economic and social development by working with local communities through relief and development activities. We aim to help the needy regardless of race, religion or gender. Through working in chronic food deficit areas and in the most disadvantaged areas, IRK has ensured that its programmes target those who are most vulnerable in the most disadvantaged areas. These programmes include Health and nutrition, Water and Sanitation, livelihoods, Child-welfare and other special programmes (Qurbani and Ramadhan).
The Islamic Relief Kenya in its pursuit to support and strengthen its operations, seeks to employ motivated, hardworking and pro-active individuals to fill in the following position;
Job Title: Project Assistant –Solar Power
Base Location: Project site (Field) 100% Wajir County
Reporting to: Field coordinator
1. KEY OBJECTIVES
The project assistant – solar, will be responsible for the Planning, Design and Implementation of all solar related activities/interventions and water components of the project. The supervisor is responsible for direct activities implementation, contractors/consultants and furthermore contribute to assist the organization in the technical supervision of WASH & related activities; and specifically support the Project Coordinator with the overall technical field support for the planning and coordination of any technical works arising.
The Specific Objectives include:
a) To assist the in designing, organizing, planning, following up and supervising all the technical field activities of the projects regarding water and solar works
b) To liaise and coordinate all the technical activities related to construction and rehabilitation works in the field with the local authorities, Partners, the community representatives and other agencies and stakeholders engaged in these sectors across the project sites.
c) To manage, guide and supervise the Contractors and Consultants.
d) To undertake related trainings
2. KEY ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Planning, Design, Implementation:
i. Supervise and ensure proper installation and functionality of all solar systems.
ii. Complete needs-based evaluations to identify prospective solar and water projects.
iii. Conduct regular monitoring of all existing solar and water projects, and provide management with thorough and timely reporting.
iv. Work closely with government engineers to plan and design all solar project systems in accordance with the facility’s specific needs.
v. Independently assess project maintenance needs and provide sustainable solutions.
vi. Conduct community technical training and sensitization.
vii. Monitor and complete detailed reports regarding ongoing installations, technical issues, system malfunctions, and suggested as well as ongoing maintenance works.
viii. Maintain regular contact with Innovation: to successfully implement and monitor new solar technologies and remote monitoring systems.
ix. Mobilize and sensitize project beneficiaries, including establishing project steering committees and small solar-related businesses to maintain the project.
x. Support the Program Manager to establish and develop relationships with municipal officers, local leaders, and international stakeholders.
xi. Provide upon request assistance to the implementation of the others project activities
b) Technical Support:
i. Provide technical input to prepare or adapt technical drawings and designs of solar related activities, as required by the project and according standard guidelines or codes
ii. Prepare and/or revise bills of quantities (BOQ), technical drawings and work plans related to the solar installations and rehabilitation works to be undertaken within the project implementation period.
iii. Determine photovoltaic (PV) system designs or configurations based on factors such as customer needs, expectations, and site conditions.
Diagram layouts and locations for photovoltaic (PV) arrays and equipment, including existing building or site features.
iv. Examine designs to determine current requirements for all parts of the photovoltaic (PV) system electrical circuit.
Provide technical guidance and expertise to the contracted service provider in charge of the works.
v. In general, provide technical input to the project manager to prepare or revise the technical documentation in every necessary tender dossier.
vi. Plan and implement hygiene promotion activities
c) Monitoring and Evaluation:
i. Provide input to develop activities’ monitoring & evaluation tools
ii. Collect, analyse and interpret all technical data concerning the WASH activities to support the project.
iii. Ensure together with the technical field team the proper monitoring and evaluation of all construction and rehabilitation works executed by the contracted service providers and provide regular feedback to the project Manager
d) Reporting:
i. Provide input to prepare and to draw reports on the technical team’s activities as required or assigned
ii. Keep track record of the progress of the implementation of construction and rehabilitation activities in the field and share the documents with the Area manager and/or MEAL Unit
iii. Report to and discuss with the Area Manager/Programme Manager on regular base any technical issues of the field activities which may have a direct impact on the general implementation of the project or of the organization’s activities in the area.
iv. Development and submission of quality Donor and programmes reports are required.
e) Coordination:
i. Establishing relationship with project beneficiaries, community leaders and other community groups-while managing emerging issues, including conflicts.
ii. Formation and training of community Groups for project sustainability-such as Water users Associations, and any relevant community groups
iii. Participate in sectorial coordination meetings at local when requested by the line Manager.
iv. Keep herself/himself as well as the technical team up-to-date on sector working groups’ and local authorities’ news, reports, recommendations, requirements, etc.
v. Quickly react to changes – of any kind – in the field and its context in which the WASH / solar activities are being implemented, inform immediately the senior management about them and contribute to finding proper adjustments
vi. Coordinate with other WASH actors and stakeholders in the field.
3. PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
a) Education Qualifications and language
o Minimum Diploma / Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a concentration/emphasis in photo voltaic power systems from a recognized institution
o BSC. Engineering Degree will be an added advantage
o Registration with EPRA as a Electrical engineer / technician will be an added advantage
o Excellent English language skills (written and spoken);
b) Essential Knowledge, skills and Experience
o Not less than 3 years’ experience managing and installing off-grid solar systems, including system designing. Experience in North Eastern Kenya or ASAL Counties will be an advantage
o Experience in solar pumping electrical systems
o Previous experience working with community-based solar water pumping systems and solar mini grids
o Good Project Cycle Management, reporting and documentation skills
o Experience in working in unsecure zones with knowledge in Standard Operation Procedures
o Knowledge of International and National Standards/policies governing WASH programmes i.e CHS and Water Act 2002
o Knowledge and skills in use of engineering design softwares; AutoCAD, ArchiCad, and related Add-Ons
o Experience of drafting and writing project documents or proposals,
o Experience of INGOs system in relevant field
o Experience in developing linkages with INGOs, Government agencies, Institutional donors and other stakeholders,
o Experience of working in culturally sensitive areas thereby managing circumstances through high level of diplomacy and tact.
o Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and analysis, ,
o Experience of work with a team in a multi-cultural environment in emergency and development settings and good team leadership,
o Positive and ability to build consensus in problem solving,
o A focus on results, balanced with a sensitive and honest approach to people.
c) Desirable Knowledge, skills and Experience
o Programmatic expertise on the following themes: Integrated Sustainable Programmes, humanitarian interventions, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion
o Experience of working and providing support from a distance
o Strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Power Point, MS Project, SPSS).
o Sympathetic with aims, values & objectives of Islamic Relief.
How to apply
Please send us your cover letter and detailed CV, including your qualifications, experience, names and addresses of three referees, a working e-mail address and daytime telephone contacts. The forwarding e-mail and cover letter must clearly indicate the position title on the subject line. Send your application to [email protected] by Friday 26th March 2021.
Please note that this is an urgent recruitment, shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis.
