National Consultant for Solarization of Water Supply Systems, UNICEF Myanmar, 11 months (Open to Myanmar Nationals Only)

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. 

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For every child, Support 

UNICEF Myanmar Youtube Channel –  https://youtu.be/JcCzi5xBC_c?si=FWfQID3Ui8C6gT2k

UNICEF Myanmar Website – https://www.unicef.org/myanmar/take-action/work-us

How can you make a difference? 

Purpose of the consultancy:

The program aims to restore and improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services through a multi-sectoral approach. Key interventions include the rehabilitation and reconstruction of water supply systems, installation of climate-resilient sanitation facilities, promotion of hygiene behavior change through community engagement, and restoration of WASH services in communities, learning and healthcare centers. These efforts are aligned with UNICEF’s broader humanitarian mandate to support resilient and inclusive recovery for vulnerable populations in Myanmar.

To restore WASH services in earthquake-affected regions, UNICEF is prioritizing solar-powered solutions to ensure resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective energy for water supply and sanitation facilities. Solar energy systems will enable continuous operation of boreholes, pumping stations, and treatment units, while reducing dependency on unstable grid electricity or costly fuel-based generators.

The consultant will provide technical expertise in solar energy systems to support UNICEF’s WASH recovery program. This includes design, installation oversight, testing, and capacity building for local operators to ensure long- term functionality and sustainability of solar-powered WASH infrastructure.

Scope of Work: 

The consultant will be responsible for delivering specialized solar technical services across earthquake-affected areas. Tasks include:

1. Assessment and Planning
2. System Design and Specification
3. Installation, Supervision & commissioning
4. Training & Capacity Building
5. Monitoring & Reporting

The consultant will undertake field missions across selected project sites. Planned travel locations include Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Shan, Bago and Kayin with an estimated travel of 135 days over the assignment period.

Duty Station:

Yangon, with in-country travel

Duration of Contract:

11 months

Description of Assignment:

Tasks 1: Inception Phase

The consultant will start with an inception phase to align objectives and methodology. Key tasks include:

Participate in inception meeting with UNICEF WASH team and partners.

Review relevant documents (facility assessments, energy demand data, WASH infrastructure reports). Conduct preliminary site scoping and prepare an Inception Report detailing:

• Methodology for solar system assessment and design.
• Work plan, timeline, and site selection criteria.
• Technical approach for integrating solar energy into WASH facilities.
• Present draft and final inception report to UNICEF for validation.

Deliverables 1: Inception Report

• Methodology for solar system assessment and design.
• Work plan, timeline, and site selection criteria.
• Technical approach for integrating solar energy into WASH facilities.
• Presentation of inception findings and validation with UNICEF.

Tasks 2: Site-Level Deliverables

For each of the 40 targeted sites:

• Undertake detailed site assessment, estimate energy demand, develop solarization design including array layout/ orientation; electrical design including specifications including wiring diagrams, control units and fittings.
• Undertake pre-installation verification including site readiness, validate array layout/ orientation, mounting structure integrity and check equipment completeness and specifications.
• Electrical and mechanical installation supervision including PV modules, mounting, inverter/ VFD /charge controller (as applicable), cabling, earthing and lightning protection; ensure correct terminations, labeling, and workmanship to standards.
• Testing and commissioning: Perform necessary pre- commissioning tests run functional performance tests, commission the system, document results. Train operators and community committee on the operation and maintenance of the system.

Deliverables 2.1: Site Assessment & Design Reports

• Site specific solarisation design and drawings including array layout/ orientation, energy demand, and wiring diagram

Deliverables 2.2: Installation Supervision, Monitoring & Completion Reports 

• Completed pre-installation readiness checklist
• Solar PV system and electrical installed to specification with as-built updates
• Commissioning and test documentation package finalized (test results, configuration settings, performance/ protection checks)

Deliverables 2.3: Site-Specific O&M Manuals 

• System overview and specifications.
• Routine maintenance procedures.
• Troubleshooting guide tailored to installed components.
• Training Records

Tasks 3: Final Reporting and completion phase

Overall compilation of the tasks performed during the assignment

Compile all site-specific documentation including design, installation, commissioning reports and handover documents.

Deliverables 3: Final Report: Overall Report covering completed activities, remaining actives to be supported, technical advice for future projects, experience and status of the community before and after provision of systems.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Education:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Solar Technology, or a closely related field. Additional certifications in solar PV system design, installation, or maintenance will be considered an asset.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of proven experience in solar energy system design, installation, and maintenance, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated expertise in solar- powered water pumping systems, including load analysis, pump sizing, and PV array configuration.
• Experience supervising contractors and ensuring compliance with international technical standards and safety protocols.
• Prior work in conflict-affected or disaster-prone settings is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) systems, inverters, controllers, and storage solutions.
• Ability to conduct site surveys, energy demand assessments, and system performance testing.
• Familiarity with international standards (IEC, Sphere, UNICEF technical guidelines) and climate-resilient design principles.
• Proficiency in preparing technical drawings, specifications, and user manuals.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and training skills to build local capacity for system operation and maintenance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability in field conditions.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with UNICEF staff and partners.
• Commitment to UNICEF’s values, including child protection, gender equality, and inclusion.

Language

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Desirables:

• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  ToR_Solar Technician_WASH_final for VA.pdf

Please ensure to complete and attach the following “Expression of Interest” form in your applications:  EoI_Consultant_Solar technician_final.docx

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility jobs-near-me.org UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.