Organizational Setting

FAO Iraq is responsible for supporting the Government of Iraq in improving food security, sustainable agriculture, water management, and climate resilience. The project supports the installation and solarization of irrigation systems and canals through solar PV technologies to reduce energy costs, improve water reliability, and enhance climate resilience.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and the Deputy FAO Representative, direct supervision of the Technical Advisor and in close technical coordination with the International Solar Energy Expert and relevant FAO technical units, the National Solar Energy Expert will provide technical and operational support throughout all phases of the solar PV system installation process.

Technical Focus

The National Solar Energy Expert will support the International Solar Energy Expert in ensuring the quality, safety, and sustainability of solar PV systems to be installed under various project implemented by FAO Iraq. The incumbent will provide on-site technical assistance, support quality assurance and inspections, facilitate coordination with national and governorate-level institutions (especially MoWR and DoWR), and support training of end users in operation and maintenance (O&M).

Tasks and responsibilities

The National Solar Energy Expert will:

•     Assist in supervising the supply, delivery, installation, testing, and commissioning of solar PV systems procured.
•     Ensure that contractors follow the approved technical designs, material specifications, and installation standards at all sites.
•     Participate in and document site surveys, inspections, and quality control checks before, during, and after installation.
•     Support the maintenance of detailed installation records, including progress reports, inspection checklists, deviations, and corrective actions.
•     Assist in conducting post-installation performance verification and inspections, together with other relevant FAO staff, contractors, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
•     Facilitate technical coordination with Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Directorates of Water Resources (DoWR), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Electricity (MoEl), beneficiaries and other relevant entities.
•     Support the International ESS Expert in ensuring compliance of solar systems related activities with relevant environmental and social safeguards and national legal and regulatory frameworks.
•     Assist in organizing and supervising training sessions for beneficiaries and government counterparts on solar system operation and maintenance (O&M), delivered by contractors.
•     Support the handover process of completed systems to MoWR, DoWR, and farmer beneficiaries.
•     Monitor contractors’ work progress, performance and compliance in terms of:
            o    Labour and staffing
            o    Equipment and materials
            o    Installation methods
            o    Time schedules
            o    Health and safety standards
            o    Contribute to preparation of:
            o    Progress reports
            o    Inspection and commissioning reports
            o    Completion and handover certificates
            o    Final technical documentation
            o    Support preparation of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches for solar electrification and training activities, ensuring participation of women and men.
            o    Document lessons learned and good practices from field implementation for future FAO solar projects.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•     University degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, Energy Systems, or related field.
•     At least 5 years of professional experience in solar PV systems design, installation, supervision, or inspection.
•     Working knowledge of English and working knowledge of Arabic. 
•     Iraqi National.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•  Proven experience with solar-powered water-related projects is an advantage.
•  Proven experience with civil and structural engineering is an advantage.
•  Strong reporting and documentation skills
•  Experience working with government institutions (MoWR, DoWR, MoA or similar), UN Agencies and INGOs.
•  Knowledge of Iraqi technical standards and regulatory frameworks for energy sector
•  Strong analytical and assessment skills.
•  Excellent facilitation and adult training skills.
•  Ability to translate technical concepts into practical, user friendly materials.
•  Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
•  Ability to work independently and deliver results within agreed timelines.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION