Specialist in shelter and infrastructure (solar and hybrid energy systems) – Ukraine

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading protection agency with a mandate to protect, advocate and promote sustainable solutions for displaced people.

DRC has been active in Ukraine since 2014. Currently, DRC employs over 800 staff in Ukraine and will continue to scale up significantly in 2024 to implement emergency assistance in the Protection, Livelihoods, Shelter/NFIs and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding (Humanitarian Mine Action) sectors, through direct interventions, support to duty-bearers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and partnerships with CSOs. DRC will continue to develop and adapt its portfolio of sustainable solutions to the changing context.

DRC is currently looking for a Specialist in shelter and infrastructure (solar and hybrid energy systems) for her activities in Kiev.

About the role:

The overall purpose of the role is to support the technical implementation of DRC’s new energy programming under DRC’s shelter and settlements response. The Shelter and Infrastructure Specialist will ensure that DRC teams receive technical support and that projects have relevant ongoing technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle. The Shelter and Infrastructure Specialist will be technically responsible for DRC’s energy programming and will travel extensively to DRC’s area offices to support programme teams and provide technical oversight in coordination with DRC’s MEAL department. Together with DRC’s grants department and Head of Programme, the energy specialist will support the development of new programmes and projects that are technically robust and based on needs and evidence.

Your main responsibilities are:

Capacity building, training and technical support for reception and settlement teams

• Develop or support the development of technical guidelines (e.g., standard operating procedures, guidelines, tools). Provide capacity building and training to teams on how to apply implementation guidelines.
• Provide or facilitate the provision of inductions, orientation and capacity building for the field teams or other colleagues
• Ensure that DRC’s energy portfolio complies with relevant technical standards.
• Ensure harmonized approaches, methodologies and consistent use of technical tools across all areas/teams and programs
• Assess the suitability of different programming options and the appropriateness of different programme activities and ensure that implementation modalities best match the needs, context and intended project outcomes.
• Work with the Shelter and Settlements Coordinator and program managers to develop the sector’s strategic direction and plans, including expanding energy programming based on the needs of target groups in Ukraine.
• Work closely with Area Managers, Area Program Managers, Shelter and Settlement Area Managers, and Technical Team Leaders to address implementation challenges and identify technical support needs.
• Ensure an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach to implementation, in line with the DRC policy on mainstreaming age, gender and diversity
• Support field teams in conducting assessments, data collection and analysis
• Work closely with other sector coordinators and specialists to ensure the implementation of integrated programming, including providing input into integrated programme strategies and developing tools and guidelines to facilitate programme integration.

Monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance of energy programming

• Work with the DRC MEAL department to ensure that mechanisms are in place for effective, ongoing monitoring and quality assurance practices in the implementation of DRC energy programming. Furthermore, the effects of the programming can be analysed and disseminated.
• Conduct regular field visits to regional offices and programme sites and support field teams to ensure smooth and timely implementation of energy infrastructure interventions, with a high degree of programme quality.
• Together with the MEAL team and the Shelter and Settlements coordinator, evaluations are designed to identify the needs of conflict-affected rural populations, ensuring that programme design is based on robust data.

Program development and external representation

• Use primary and secondary data, contextual knowledge at field level, and discussions and priorities from different forums and stakeholders to provide high-quality input for concept notes and proposals.
• Participate in relevant energy infrastructure forums and disseminate the minutes and key messages/perspectives of these meetings internally.

About you:

To be successful in this role we expect you to: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in implementing energy infrastructure programming with a focus on solar/renewable energy and hybrid systems. In addition, we also expect the following:

• Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated ability to create/review electrical single line diagrams, panel diagrams or interconnection diagrams for solar electric systems using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical site audits to gather structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of a particular solar energy system.
• Demonstrated ability to review financial estimates, timelines, and technical specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise the installation, testing and monitoring of solar energy systems and provide advice on their operation and maintenance.
• At least 2 years of experience in people management is an advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in capacity building and training of national staff and local partners.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Full professional command of English. Knowledge of Ukrainian is a plus.

In this role you will be expected to demonstrate DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process.
• To collaborate: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take responsibility and initiative and strive for innovation.
• Communicate: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrate integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct with respect to our values ​​and code of conduct, including protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract Duration: One year contract after successful completion of a three month trial period (extendable depending on performance and funding)
• Band: G non-management
• Location designation: Kiev
• Start date: November 1, 2024

Salary and employment conditions are in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s employment conditions for citizens or expats; see Vacancies | DRC Danish Refugee Council