. Background
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) supports its member countries in accelerating the deployment of solar energy solutions to enhance energy access, energy security, and energy transition. To ensure effective, on-the-ground delivery of these projects, ISA is seeking to engage a qualified Solar Project Management Consultant based in Fiji.
2. Purpose of the Position & Tenure of Contract
The Consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day project management of ISA-supported solar projects in Pacific, covering technical oversight, cost and schedule control, manpower coordination, and liaison with donor agencies, government ministries, and other stakeholders, to ensure timely and quality delivery of project outcomes. This would be a fixed term contract for a period fo 12 months, extendable by another 12 months.
3. Key Responsibilities
● Manage the end-to-end implementation of assigned solar projects in Pacific, from mobilization through commissioning and handover.
● Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans, and track progress against milestones.
● Provide oversight of solar PV design, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities to ensure quality and compliance with ISA and national standards.
● Review and monitor project costing, including BoQs, contractor quotations, and variation claims, to ensure value for money and budget discipline.
● Coordinate and supervise site personnel, contractors, and subcontractors, including planning of manpower deployment for installation and O&M activities.
● Liaise with donor agencies, financing partners, and development organizations on project reporting, disbursement milestones, and compliance requirements.
● Coordinate with relevant government ministries, utilities, and regulatory bodies on permits, grid connection, and policy compliance matters.
● Conduct regular site visits to monitor construction quality, safety compliance, and progress, and resolve on-ground implementation issues.
● Prepare progress reports, risk logs, and briefing notes for the ISA Secretariat, National Focal Points, and donor agencies.
● Support procurement processes, contractor evaluation, and vendor coordination as required.
● Support Regional Programme Head in organizing technical and high level missions to Pacific
4. Required Qualifications and Experience
4.1 Education
● Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related engineering/technical field; a Master's degree or Project Management certification (e.g., PMP) is an advantage.
4.2 Experience
● Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience in solar or renewable energy project management, including field-level implementation.
● Demonstrated experience managing solar PV projects through the full project lifecycle: design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
● Experience in the Pacific Island region, is highly desirable.
5. Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
5.1 Solar Projects and Technology
● Sound knowledge of solar PV systems, including grid-connected, off-grid, mini-grid and distributed renewable energy applications, and associated balance-of-system components.
● Familiarity with technical standards, quality assurance protocols, and performance metrics (e.g., CUF, Performance Ratio) applicable to solar installations.
● Understanding of emerging solar technologies, storage integration, and hybrid system configurations relevant to island-grid contexts.
5.2 Costing
● Sound knowledge of solar project costing, including BoQ preparation, cost estimation, and benchmarking against market rates.
● Ability to review contractor bids and variation claims, and to identify cost-optimization opportunities without compromising quality.
● Working knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking, and cost-control tools for project management.
5.3 Manpower Handling
● Demonstrated ability to plan, deploy, and supervise site teams, contractors, and subcontractors.
● Experience in workforce scheduling, performance monitoring, and resolution of on-site personnel issues.
● Awareness of occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements for construction and electrical work sites.
5.4 Liaisoning with Donor Agencies and Ministries
● Experience engaging with donor agencies, multilateral development banks (MDBs), or development finance institutions (DFIs) on project reporting and compliance.
● Experience liaising with government ministries, utilities, and regulatory authorities on approvals, permits, and policy matters.
● Ability to represent the project credibly in stakeholder meetings, donor missions, and coordination forums.
5.5 Additional Desirable Requirements
● Working knowledge of project management software/tools (e.g., MS Project) for scheduling and tracking.
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to resolving implementation challenges.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of other regional languages is an advantage.
● Demonstrates professionalism, conscientiousness, and reliability in meeting commitments and deadlines.
● Ability to remain composed and solutions-oriented under project pressure or in stressful field conditions.
● Existing professional network among Pacific's energy sector stakeholders, contractors, and development partners is an advantage.