Job opportunity (Featured Technology Officer) at Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD): Deadline Friday 02-07-2021

    I. Background Information

Job Title:  Technology Officer

Job Grade: J6

Department: SPIU

Duo Reports to: Functionally to the Energy Portfolio Manager

                                   Administratively to the REF Project Coordinator

Contract terms:  2 years Fixed-Term contract on a full-time basis based in BRD HQ with possibility of extension

   II. Purpose of the Job

BRD is recruiting a Technology Officer to provide technical support of the REF project, as well as the clean cooking RBF implementation. The Technology Officer will be responsible for assessing the eligibility of solar home systems and minigrid technologies. The officer will at the same time manage technical aspects of REF digital platforms including the monitor, evaluation, and learning (e.g. digital platforms) aspects of the REF project and clean cooking RBF. It is the responsibility of the Technology Officer to ensure that all use of mini-grid and off-grid technologies in the REF project happens in accordance with the general REF OM and with the Window 5 Operations Manual (OM). On clean cooking RBF, the main technical part will be managed by EDCL. The technical officer is expected to serve as the focal point or resource person from BRD to communicate the relevant technical issues related to clean cooking.

   III.  Main Responsibilities of the Job

•  Conduct technical due diligence of mini-grid and off-grid solar project proposals by producing a comprehensive technical due diligence report with inputs on technical configuration and life cycle costs;
•  Advise on the applicability of the eligibility criteria for clean cooking technologies and the overall technical assessment process as detailed in the clean cooking RBF OM;
• Monitor SHS quality standards by assessing compliance with Ministerial Guidelines and other national and international standards;
• Prepare terms of reference (TORs) and support recruitment of technical staff who will provide more in-depth technical evaluations and technical due diligence of investment proposals;
• Supervise employees and serve as liaison between Investment Officers and technical staff;
•  Supervise these investment projects during engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and operation;
• Advise M&E, Environmental and Social Safeguards Officers in relevant technical aspects of mini-grid and off-grid project oversigh
• Monitor secondary market for used equipment and relevant technology developments to provide analytical support for credit terms and ongoing portfolio valuations;
• Participate in the relevant technical discussions related to clean cooking technologies, which are organized by EDCL and RSB;
• Maintain relationships with other donors and development partners engaged in mini-grid and off-grid development, including EnDev, E4I, etc.
• Assist in outreach meetings with stakeholders at national and local level, and with developers and businesses to promote off-grid and mini-grid financing opportunities under the RE
•  Assist in assessing requests for off-grid and mini-grid investment proposals for REF financing.
•  Serve as the BRD focal point on technical issues related to clean cooking technologies;
• Maintain close relationships with relevant technology providers at a national and international level;
• Conduct technical review on the verification report produced by the Independent Verification Agent (IVA), assessing the technical compliance to the REF Operations Manual for Window 5.
• Develop quarterly reports on the availability of mini-grid and solar home systems technologies on the off-grid market including the available stock of solar home systems in close collaboration with the EPD;
•  Provide technical assistance and support in the appraisal and monitoring of all projects under the energy portfolio
• Assess training needs, prepare TORs and obtain training services in areas such as:
• Knowledge transfer to BRD staff on off-grid and mini-grids technologies and developments
•  Train BRD staff on technical aspects of appraisal of mini-grid projects and off-grid solar projects. As needed, extend training to staff from Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs
•  Needs-based training to developers on aspects of project identification, preparation, business planning, and implementatio
•  Needs-based training to constructors, managers and operators
•  Adoption of technical standards and ensure compliance in the project documents.
• Carry out any other assignment given by the line managers.

   IV. Performance indicators

• Bi-weekly (every other week) briefing note outlining key technologies issues for the REF and SPIU coordinators attention.
• Quarterly progress reports to the REF manager and BRD management describing major activities undertaken and tasks accomplished during the reporting period and challenges hindering implementation process.
• End of year performance report.

   V. Working relationships

• All departments

   VI.  Professional, academic qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the renewable energy sector preferably in the off-grid / clean cooking sector, or similar field;
• Experience of working on projects funded by World Bank or other development partners will be an added advantage.
• Good communication, writing, analytical and reporting skills.
• Good organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Power point, Word, etc.);
• Proficiency in written and spoken English. Understanding of Kinyarwanda is an advantage.