INARA Infrastructure Technical Lead and DCOP

Through INARA, USAID seeks to increase the supply of electricity generation at the community level and to increase the cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, sustainability, and reliability of power supply, while clarifying and strengthening the enabling environment for renewable energy-based electrical power generation.

The project will run for 5 years and started in September 2021. The position is based in Beirut, Lebanon. This position will start on April as full-time employee contract after a trial period contingent on performance and USAID approval.

Role and Responsibilities

The Infrastructure Technical Lead/Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) is charged with providing support to the Chief of Party (COP) for the overall project management and specifically in the project technical leadership and implementation oversight.  In addition, the DCOP is expected to support administrative and financial tasks, as well as oversee M&E activities ensuring that all project deliverables are met and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.  S/He will supervise and lead the infrastructure team and provide technical expertise related to the infrastructure elements of the program. S/He maintains regular communications with the COP on procurement, staffing monthly financial and technical reporting in partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration and oversees any sub-contractors hired for the design and construction activities of INARA.

The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring efficient program management with the COP, and enforcing compliance with USAID contract provisions, FAR regulations and AIDARs, IMC’s policies, and procedures, and local laws as they pertain to procurement. S/He will be responsible for consulting with the COP on contract related issues that may represent risks during the implementation of INARA as well as coordinate with the other Technical Leads. S/He will report to the INARA Chief of Party and will lead or contribute to studies, assessment, work plans, reports and activity implementation for the Infrastructure component, as well as other technical areas as needed. 

Specific duties include: 

• Leads the technical components of the project related to infrastructure and engineering including design, construction, hand-over and maintenance
• Supports COP on the supervision of program technical staff, consultants and locally-hired support staff
• Oversees and manages the sub-contractors hired for the infrastructure and construction elements of the program
• Responsible for overseeing the planning, designing and installation of RE systems
• Responsible for implementing all results under INARA’s activities related to infrastructure
• Oversees and manage technical staff, and Short-Term Technical assistance consultants related to the infrastructure component
• Provides quality assurance related to infrastructure elements and manages engineers
• Works with IMC’s HQ, COP and the DFA to monitor project funds and field expenditures to eliminate risk and project overruns 
• Leads in the design and roll out of sustainable Operations and Maintenance of renewable energy systems
• Oversees expenditures related to the infrastructure component of INARA and ensures that funds are properly spent and accounted for
• Contributes to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning activities of the program working with the MEL Manager
• Supports COP on the drafting of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports in required USAID format and provides overall quality control on the content; contributes to the Annual Workplan
• Ensures project implementation according to IMC’s policies and procedures as well as USAID and FAR guidelines. 
• Negotiates local sub-contract agreements for IMC and COP approval for the infrastructure component
• Oversees the procurement process for local infrastructure sub-contractors (including design firms, local ESCOs and construction subcontractors)
• Assists with and providing inputs to developing Annual Work Plans, Communication and Schedule of Deliverables, and other Plans as required by USAID.