Solar Systems Specialist

UNV assignment – Ukraine

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in Ukraine to support children and families through humanitarian response, early recovery, and systems-strengthening interventions. This UN Volunteer assignment supports UNICEF’s Construction Unit by providing day-to-day technical and operational assistance for the planning, implementation and monitoring of solarisation and backup power projects, with a focus on strengthening the resilience of essential public services for children and families.

Context

Since the escalation of the war, UNICEF has supported the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure in Ukraine, including schools, healthcare facilities, water systems and child-focused services. Ongoing power disruptions and infrastructure damage have increased the need for decentralised energy solutions to maintain continuity of education, healthcare, WASH and child protection services.

This assignment is part of UNICEF Ukraine’s construction and resilience programming focused on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and related backup power solutions for critical public facilities. The UN Volunteer will support planning, assessments, technical reviews, supervision and monitoring of solar energy interventions, working closely with the Construction Unit, programme sections, contractors, engineers, authorities and implementing partners.

Key responsibilities

1) Technical assessments and planning

• Support technical assessments of facilities for solar PV and backup power systems, including load demand, site suitability and feasibility reviews.
• Assist in preparing and reviewing technical documentation such as specifications, Bills of Quantities, drawings and scopes of work.
• Review contractor proposals, calculations, product data and implementation methodologies.

2) Supervision and quality monitoring

• Participate in site visits to monitor installation quality, progress, compliance with standards and health and safety practices.
• Support commissioning, testing, handover and defect rectification processes.
• Monitor operational performance of installed systems and analyse available generation and consumption data.

3) Reporting and coordination

• Prepare technical reports, site visit notes, dashboards and recommendations for management action.
• Coordinate with UNICEF programme sections, local authorities, facility representatives, contractors and consultants.
• Contribute to knowledge management and lessons learned for future renewable energy programming.

Requirements

• Education: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Energy Systems, Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Languages: Ukrainian – Fluent (required); English – Working knowledge (required).
• Eligibility: Candidate must be a legal resident or hold refugee status in Ukraine.

Essential skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience in solar photovoltaic systems design, implementation, supervision or maintenance.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in electrical infrastructure, backup power systems, batteries, inverters or grid integration.
• Demonstrated experience in engineering assessments, technical documentation review and contractor coordination.
• Experience in construction or infrastructure project implementation is an asset.
• Experience with UN agencies, NGOs, public institutions or donor-funded projects is desirable.
• Strong drafting, reporting and documentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders in a challenging environment.
• Solid computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and general office systems.
• Sound security awareness.

Allowances

• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): USD 1,717 per month (paid in UAH equivalent), including Well-Being Differentials while duty stations in Ukraine are classified “E”.
• Entry lump sum: USD 350 (one-time payment).

Medical and life insurance

• Medical insurance: Provided to the UN Volunteer (and eligible dependents, where applicable) for the duration of the assignment and normally up to one month after contract end.
• Life insurance: Coverage for the full duration of the assignment.

Leave entitlements

• Annual leave: 2.5 days per completed month of assignment.
• Learning leave: Up to 10 working days per 12 months, subject to approval.
• Certified sick leave: Up to 30 days per 12-month cycle.
• Uncertified sick leave: 7 working days per calendar year.