Electrical Engineer

TERMS OF REFERENCE

BACKGROUND

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is an archipelagic nation in the Western Pacific Ocean, with a relatively small land area of just over 700 km2 spread over 607 islands, of which 74 are inhabited. The Federation consists of four semi-autonomous states: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. The population of the FSM is estimated to be approximately 105,000, with 45% living in Chuuk, 37% in Pohnpei, 11% in Yap and 7% in Kosrae. Each of the four states consists of a main island surrounded by numerous outer islands, except for Kosrae, which has no outer islands. The outer atolls tend to be much less developed, creating challenges for building resilience, as they are not served by the nation’s main water and energy systems, nor are they frequently served by national transportation systems.

The FSM’s Department of Resources and Development (DoR&D) is assisting the states in developing their economies by focusing on the four priority sectors: energy, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism.Within the DoR&D, the Energy Division of the DoR&D (ED/DoR&D) oversees the energy sector and has been leading the implementation of the World Bank-financed Sustainable Energy Development and Access Project (SEDAP – US$30 million financing), which became effective on April 08, 2019, with a current closing date of September 30, 2025. In addition to SEDAP, the ED/DoR&D, with support from the Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA)’s Central Implementation Unit (CIU) is currently preparing a second energy project entitled—Access and Renewable Increase for Sustainable Energy (ARISE) project for World Bank financing. ARISE is expected to be approved by the World Bank in late 2024 or the first quarter of 2025.

The ARISE project development objective is to increase access to electricity, improve the reliability of electricity service, and increase renewable energy generation in targeted project areas. The project comprises three components. The component 1 (Electricity Service Expansion)will (i) increase the electricity access rate in Chuuk; (ii) improve the reliability and safety of power supply while enhancing resilience to climate & natural hazards and reducing technical losses in Pohnpei, Yap and Kosrae; and (iii) facilitate preventive grid maintenance for the four power utilities. The component 2 (Renewable Energy Generation) will increase solar energy generation with storage and grid stability controls in Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap to reduce diesel generation costs and help achieve GHG emission reduction targets. The Component 3 (Institutional Strengthening and Implementation Support)aims to strengthen the capacity of key energy sector entities such as DoR&D, state power utilities, and the project implementation unity (PIU). Overall, the proposed project will fund construction of mini grids, rehabilitation (including resilience enhancement) of distribution networks, integration of solar PV systems, technical assistance, and capacity strengthening. The Annex 1 provides a detailed of the first two components.

The ED/DoR&D seeks an Electrical Engineer for both (i) the preparation and implementation of the ARISE project (P181253) and (ii) the implementation of the SEDAP starting from July 2025. The Electrical Engineer will be based in FSM and lead the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for World Bank energy projects within the ED/DoR&D. The PIU is expected to comprise a project implementation officer, a procurement officer, and an environmental and social development officer. The Electrical Engineer is expected to be the focal point on technical aspects of the project. Under the oversight of the Project Manager, the Electrical Engineer will work closely with the Pohnpei Utility Corporation (PUC), the Chuuk Public Utility Corporation (CPUC), the Kosrae Utilities Authority (KUA), and the Yap State Public Service Corporation (YSPSC) to support the efficient and effective implementation of the FSM’s ARISE Project, ensuring timely and quality delivery of project objectives prepare and implement ARISE. The Electrical Engineer will also support the implementation of the SEDAP project, which is in its last year of implementation. The Electrical Engineer will report to the ARISE Project Manager, which will report to the Assistant Secretary of the Energy Division and to a Project Steering Committee.

Arrangements

The role is required to collaborate with the other disciplines within the Department and Central Implementation Unit:

• Location: The Electrical Engineer will be located full time in Palikir, Pohnpei State and perform his/her duties in the FSM. Travel within FSM will be required.
• Timing: The expected contract duration is 12 months; extension of this position may be considered and will be dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
• The individual should be willing to reside in FSM for at least 09 months in a year.

SCOPE OF WORK

General

The Electrical Engineer will be the key focal point for but not limited to:

1. Technical inputs during project preparation, implementation and closure.
2. Providing structured and ad hoc support to Pohnpei Utility Corporation (PUC), the Chuuk Public Utility Corporation (CPUC), the Kosrae Utilities Authority (KUA), and the Yap State Public Service Corporation (YSPSC).
3. Providing capacity building to the project team, the Department and Utilities relating to the electrical engineering.
4. Support environmental and social compliance at project sites.

Specific

Under the overall coordination and supervision of the Project Manager, he/she will perform the following tasks but not limited to:

1. Coordination and Implementation

• Act as the primary technical person between the PUC, CPUC, YSPSC, KUA and other relevant Government agencies, development partners and stakeholders on Electrical Engineering aspects of the project.
• Advise the Project Manager and Department of Resources and Development on the overall performance of works contractors and make recommendations to ensure successful execution of the works.
• Ensure that all project activities including technical assistance and training activities are implemented in a timely manner.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identifying challenges and proposing corrective measures
• Coordinate the input and collaboration of DORD, PUC, YSPSC, CPUC and KUA and other stakeholders, ensuring pertinent data and information required for international/national counterparts
• Facilitate timely implementation of project activities.
• Assist in budget preparation.
• Undertake additional duties relevant to the project as assigned by the project manager and DORD
• With support for the CIU Safeguards team, participate in stakeholder engagements, ensure that the contractors work in compliance with environmental best practice, the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for the project, and the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for the various works.

b. Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor and provide comments on feasibility studies, concept designs, advanced designs, and placement of orders from contractors.
• Monitor works/ installation/ supplies on the ground, provide feedback to contractors, and collaborate with engineering firms to ensure feedback is addressed and works/installation are progressing according to schedules.
• Prepare monthly and semestrial reports as well as briefing notes (as needed) for the Project Manager review and submission to DoR&D, utility CEOs, and the World Bank.
• Prepare quarterly and monthly estimates of project disbursements, follow up to ensure that disbursements materialize, and update the Project Manager.
• Work closely with the Procurement Officer and the Project Manager to ensure timely processing of procurement activities.
• Support annual budget preparation.

1. Procurement and Contract Management

• Assist the Project Manager in updating of the project procurement plans.
• Oversee the implementation and delivery of works by contracts, suppliers, ensuring that specifications are met, and invoices align with contract terms.
• Document any change orders, draft amendments in collaboration with the Procurement Officer, and seek approvals or no objections as necessary from DORD and the World Bank.
• Evaluate bids/proposals/quotations, review bids evaluation reports drafted by the Procurement Officer, provide inputs in the Bid Evaluation Report, participate in negotiations, review contracts drafted by the Procurement Officer.
• Oversee works/installation/supplies done by contractors and suppliers, follow through to ensure that materials ordered have been received and comply with specifications, examine the conditions of material received as well as works/installation progress realized on the ground, check invoices against deliveries or works/installation done and provide first level approval of invoices for payment.

d. General Administration and Logistics

• Foster comprehensive stakeholder engagement plans to enhance collaboration and communication across various levels.
• Integrate risk management strategies to identify, analyse, and mitigate potential project risks.
• Encourage the application of innovative solutions and technologies to improve project outcomes and efficiency.

Reporting Obligations

The Consultant’s deliverables will include but not be limited to the following:

• Monthly reports – the report will among other items, presents technical information on project progress, deliverables, delays, causes of delays, remedial actions, and revised timelines.
• Bid/proposal/quotation evaluation reports and reports on Shortlist (as and when required).
• Annual work plans
• Participate and contribute to project team meetings, including delivery of progress update reports. Contribute to key project documents and strategic planning materials.

Required Skills and Experience

Mandatory

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering.
• At least 5 years as of experience as Electrical Engineer working either within a project management unit, or an engineering consulting firm, or a construction company.
• Demonstrated experience or knowledge on either (i) distribution network rehabilitation, (ii) solar PV systems & battery storage design & installation, (iii) mini grids design and construction.
• Good interpersonal and communication (report writing and English speaking) skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint and other related software.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Desired:

• Experience in procurement or/and managing contracts related to either (i) distribution network rehabilitation, (ii) rooftop/ground-mounted solar PV systems and battery storage installation, (iii) mini grid construction.
• Experience related to works/installation/supervision of an energy project funded by the World Bank or the Asian Development Bank.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and innovative energy solutions relevant to small island contexts could help future-proof the projects.
• Knowledge of Environmental and Social considerations during project implementation.
• Knowledge of procurement standards or regulations such as those used by the World Bank or FIDIC.