Field Engineer (Solar Systems)

Field Engineer (Solar Systems)

LOCATION: Beirut, Lebanon

CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed term – 10 months

JOB FAMILY: Programme

ONE OXFAM GRADE:D       ZONE:1

DEPARTMENT:

Global Programs, Lebanon Country Team                                                                         

TEAM:  Lebanon Country Team

SALARY:  In line with Lebanon salary scale and benefits

HOURS:  Full time, to a maximum of 40hrs

FLEXIBLE WORKING

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization.

JOB PURPOSE: Provision of technical and project management support to implement a Solar Water Pumping Project that aims to provide safe domestic and drinking water to most vulnerable people living in water scarce areas. The field engineer is expected to work closely with relevant Water Establishment teams to design and install solar water pumping systems, promote innovative and cost effective solutions and will be responsible for effective monitoring of activities, learning, and knowledge management.

JOB REPORTS TO

WASH Advisor

ROLES REPORTING TO THIS JOB

None

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

The post is expected to work closely with the Humanitarian Team and receive support from the MEAL, finance and logistics in executing the role.

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE

Post will be based in Beirut with travels to two field locations Mount Lebanon and Baalbek to monitor the implementation of the project

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Programme Support

• Develop and oversee project workplans, spending plans and procurement plans Oversee the project’s financial management
• Ensure that all activities mainstream gender justice and protection
• Deliver projects in a timely manner, within the allocated budget and highlight possible late delivery or budget overspends in advance.
• Ensure Oxfam’s Programme Management system (OPAL) is updated and relevant;
• Ensure that risk management and contingency planning is included at all stages
• Support the WASH Advisor and Humanitarian Programme Coordinator in the expansion and scaling-up of Oxfam’s Water Governance Programme

Technical Assistance

• Develop and manage feasibility studies, assessments and conceptual design of solar PV and hybrid systems.
• Carry out detailed electrical and structural design of solar PV systems and hybrid systems including all hydraulic, electric, and photovoltaic components.
• Support the development of Terms of References for consultancies and contracting services related to solar pumping including designs, electrical drawings, technical specifications, scope of works, bills of quantities, cost estimations, design calculations etc.
• Review the design of solar pumping systems submitted by consultants/contractors in terms of accuracy, suitability to overall design requirements, including identifying improvements in the designs, and propose practical solutions
• Review and approve, in coordination with the WASH Advisor and the consultant, material submittals, drawings, BoQs, and method statements received from the contractors etc…
• Provide any additional technical support as required.

Coordination and Localisation

• Ensure a constant and constructive relationship with municipalities in the areas of intervention, as well as other relevant stakeholders, such as the Water Establishments.
• Coordinate capacity strengthening activities (trainings, seminars etc.) for identified stakeholders in Baalbek, Mount Lebanon and Beirut (e.g. Water Establishments, local partners) to ensure operations are supported and the newly installed solarized water supply systems is maintained.

Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Assurance

• Ensure smooth delivery and adherence with the designs, international quality standards, health and safety standards and other Oxfam requirements.
• Assist in conducting needs assessments and community consultations
• In collaboration with the MEAL team, implement monitoring and evaluation activities, and the preparation of associated reports.
• Conduct site supervision, technical reviews and provide technical guidance during site inspections, providing advice on suitable alterations, guiding contractors on all related issues, and ensuring that they meet the high standards expected by Oxfam.
• Undertake coordinating, testing, commissioning, training, and handover of solar pumping systems to the users.

Procurement and Logistical Support

• Lead on initiating relevant procurement processes, with support from Logistics, in line with programme spending and procurement planning;
• Support the logistics team in the preparation and evaluation of tender documents of solar pumping systems, (specifications, BOQs, rates etc.) and their procurement.

Reporting and Documentation

• Lead in preparing narrative progress reports for donors in collaboration with partners, project staff, technical advisors, Grants and Compliance Manager and support teams. Ensure narrative reporting meets Oxfam and donor’s requirements
• Report regularly on the implementation of solar water supply system, constantly reviewing/updating the workplan against targets and keeping the program manager updated on progress, challenges estimated works completion dates.
• Ensure complete documentation of all relevant project activities such as meeting notes, inspections, progress check lists, delivery documents, design calculations, drawings, certificates of completion, hand over documents etc.
• Collate information on achievements, challenges and lessons learned in implementing a solar powered water supply system and documenting these.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Most importantly, every individual in Oxfam needs to be able to:

• Live our values of INCLUSION, ACCOUNTABILITY, EMPOWERMENT, COURAGE, SOLIDARITY and EQUALITY (read more about these here)
• Ensure you commit to our ORGANIZATIONAL ATTRIBUTES (including adhering to the Code of Conduct):

1. Be committed to our feminist principles, and to applying them in your day-to-day behaviour and your work. Be ready to keep learning, with accountability to those who experience oppression as a result of their identities, such as their gender, race/ethnicity, disability, class, or LGBTQIA identity."

2. Be committed to undertaking Oxfam’s safeguarding training and adhering to relevant policies, to ensure all people who come into Oxfam are as safe as possible.

ESSENTIAL

• Self-Awareness
• ListeningListening
• Relationship buildingRelationship building
• HumilityHumility
• EnablingEnabling

In addition:

Technical skills

• University degree in Water/Solar/Environmental/Electrical engineering or related discipline
• Professional training in solar photovoltaic technology
• Training on solar water pumping
• Certified Solar Energy Engineer is an asset.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years experience in solar power/ water engineering or a related field.
• Experience with conceptual and practical detailed design, installation, commissioning and testing of PV systems.
• Proven experience with Project Management and ability to achieve quality results, on time, and within budget.
• Experience of working with consultants and contractors.
• Proven ability to work independently as required

Knowledge

• Excellent understanding and knowledge of WaSH in general, and renewable energy (solar) in particular
• Proficiency in using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.) is required
• Knowledge of other engineering design software such as PVSyst, Auto CAD or equivalent CAD software, Homer Pro, ETAP
• Good written and spoken English and Arabic.

Desirable skills

• Possession of Project Management Certificates is an asset
• Experience of working in humanitarian/development programmes.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain technical information in plain language

SAFER RECRUITMENT: Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.