What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Purpose
The Global Energy Technical Expert represents the Water and Habitat Unit at headquarters for matters related to electricity and energy. S/he develops technical and institutional guidance and policy on power supply for essential services and their management. S/he provides strategic, technical and institutional support for the evaluation, planning, monitoring and implementation of specialized programmes in delegations. S/he works closely with the Head of Water and Habitat Project Management as well as with other technical experts and project managers to ensure that projects carried out by the Water and Habitat unit that have an electrical component are planned, designed, implemented and monitored as per the standards adopted by the ICRC. S/he also liaises and cooperates closely with their counterparts in other departments and divisions to ensure the ICRC’s approach to energy is consistent and well-integrated.
Accountabilities & Functional responsibilities
- Participates in the development of strategies, plans of actions and programs related to electrical energy at country and regional level; ensures that electrical energy is considered in multidisciplinary assessment.
- Acts as a focal point for electrical energy-related projects, including contributing to visions, assessments, feasibility studies and designs of projects.
- Reviews and validates the electrical energy component of technical design and technical component of procurement files of projects requiring approval at HQ level.
- Contributes to the Energy Challenge initiative by advising and consulting in future trends on technological evolution related to the electrical energy industry and their impact and opportunities related to ICRC’s operations.
- Contributes to reports for donors and participates in mobilizing donor countries on topics related to electrical energy.
- Represents the unit in the governance and coordination mechanism of the Electrical Energy Center of Expertise in charge of the Electrical Safety Action Program.
- Capitalizes on best practices from the field and from external institutions, and shares guidelines, frameworks, tools and information related to improvement of electrical energy infrastructure and optimal use of renewable energy where applicable.
- Advises and supports the development of relations with electrical energy-related public institutions, service providers and regulators at global, regional and national levels, in close cooperation with concerned regions and delegations.
- Monitors the staff skills level related to electrical energy globally, regionally and at delegation-level; contributes to the workforce planning and recruitment ensuring that the talent pool can address present and future operational needs of electrical energy.
- Develops training programmes and capacity-building for mobile and resident staff working in electrical energy in partnerships with external institutions.
- Ensures that knowledge and skills related to electrical energy is shared with the ICRC staff working in electrical energy using the existing knowledge and information platforms.
People management responsibilities
- Supervises functionally other electrical technical experts based in the Field, including the Energy Adviser based in Amman and numerous technical experts based in delegations
- Understands and supervises the Performance Management & Development (PMD) activities for employees under their supervision
- Makes sure that deadlines for the PMD cycle are met
- Engages in ongoing and continuous feedback and support, particularly for employees under their supervision, but also other staff members
- Organizes regular meetings within their team to ensure optimal coordination of the work and proper flow of information
- Ensures that job descriptions for employees under their supervision are up to date; seeks feedback and support from the HR Department if needed
- Plans and coordinates the annual leave of the employees under their supervision ensuring continuity of the operations throughout the year and making sure that there are no outstanding holiday balances at the end of the year
- Coordinates and supports the employees under their supervision in their personal development by coaching and advising them on internal and external training and development possibilities
Scope & Impact
The position has a global remit, meaning it does cover all our operations worldwide and requires international experience/knowledge globally. In terms of operations, here are some figures to provide an estimate of the scope & impact:
- The proportion of WatHab projects worldwide with a solar energy component has grown from 4% in 2013 to 11% in 2021 (121 projects in 2021).
- The proportion of WatHab projects worldwide with an energy component increased from 24% in 2013 to 34% in 2021 (374 projects in 2021).
- In terms of budget more than 50% of our projects have an energy component representing over 80 millions CHF in direct costs (forecast) in 2021.
Relationships
- Reports to the Head of Water and Habitat Project Management.
- Supervises functionally the Energy Regional Expert based in Amman and the ESAP Program Manager based in Nairobi.
- Internally, interacts mostly with project managers and other technical experts in the multidisciplinary team under the responsibility of the Head of Water and Habitat Project Management but also with Heads of Sector and Thematic Experts (e.g. Urban Services Advisor and Detention Focal Point).
- Outside the unit, interacts with colleagues from other units (e.g. Logistic, Economic Security, Sustainable Development, Finance and Administration, etc.) and field staff.
- Externally, develops and maintains a network of specialized contacts, including in the private and academic sectors; networks with other actors working in the energy sector and advises on guidance issued by entities other than the ICRC.
Certifications / Education required
- Combination of Masters degree (or equivalent) and/or industry certifications and qualifying experience in electrical or electro-mechanical engineering.
- Excellent command of English and French; knowledge of other languages an asset.
- Computer proficiency including design softwares (e.g. AutoCAD).
Professional Experience required
- Typically 12-15 years professional experience in a related field, ideally a combination of large-scale renewable energy projects, power supply transmission and electrical installations in buildings or essential services such as water systems or health facilities.
- Humanitarian experience working in complex, large-scale environments, including crisis situations an asset.
- Project management and teamwork experience are essential.
Additional information
- Location: HQ - Geneva
- Type of contract: Open-ended
- Working rate: 100%
- Type of position: Rotation Requested
- Length of assignment: 48 months
- Starting date: 01.02.2022
- Application deadline: 29/08/2021
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
How to apply:
Please apply via our career site here: https://careers.icrc.org/job/Geneva-%28GVA%29-Global-Energy-Technical-Expert-17453/693608701/?locale=en_GB