Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda
About Organisation:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the UN general assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
Job Summary: The Solar Installation Quality Assurance Engineer will hence support provide technical oversight and ensure that all installations meet the required technical specifications, safety standards and quality requirements. The Engineer will support systematic quality assurance and quality control, verify the functionality and performance of commissioned systems, identify and follow up on technical defects, and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that the186+ commissioned systems are functioning reliably, and that the project delivers sustainable, fit-for-purpose solar energy solutions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities: The Quality Assurance Engineer under the supervision of Chief of Health will perform the following tasks:
- Conduct field visits with Ministry of Health engineers to selected health facilities to assess the quality and compliance of installed solar systems against an agreed inspection checklist.
- Assess the functionality and operational performance of installed solar systems, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and associated components, as applicable.
- Inspect the quality of civil works associated with solar installations, including concrete foundations, mounting structures, perimeter fencing, and ground-mounted solar panels.
- Assess the quality, safety, and workmanship of electrical wiring, cable connections, earthing, and other system installations.
- Identify installation defects, technical non-conformities, and safety concerns, and document findings in accordance with established quality assurance procedures.
- Accurately record inspection findings, including photographic evidence using Kobo Collect and or other approved digital data collection tools.
- Prepare and submit timely inspection reports highlighting the quality of installations, identified deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Relevant experience
- 3 years
- Languages
- English, Level: Fluent, Desirable
- Required education level
- Master’s degree in in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related field. A first-level university degree in a relevant field, combined with relevant training and/or professional experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
Competencies and values
- Accountability
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creativity
- Judgement and decision-making
- Planning and organising
- Professionalism
- Self-management
Skills and experience
- At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation, electrical engineering, technical inspection, testing, or quality assurance.
- Demonstrated knowledge of solar PV system functionality, electrical wiring, mounting structures, and associated civil works.
- Experience conducting field inspections, assessing installation quality, identifying technical defects, and preparing inspection reports supported by photographic evidence.
- Experience working with the Ministry of Health or in health facility infrastructure projects is an asset. Experience working with the UN or other international development organizations is an advantage. Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge
- Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
- Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
- Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
- Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
- Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
- Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
- Sound security awareness;
- Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
- Area(s) of expertise: Engineering, construction
- Driving license