Terms Of Reference
Job title: Technical Advisor, Solar
Project: Demand Side Results Based Financing (RBF) project
Reports to: Project Manager
Duration: 23 months

Background
The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) is Uganda’s umbrella body for the private sector. Since its founding, in 1995, PSFU has served as a focal point/apex body for private sector advocacy as well as capacity building and continues to sustain a positive dialogue with Government of Uganda (GoU) on behalf of the private sector.

PSFU with funding from GIZ is implementing the Demand Results Based Financing (RBF) project. The project’s objective is to increase energy access through bridging the affordability gap for improved cookstoves and off-grid solar products in underserved refugee settlements and host communities in the West Nile sub-region region and other additional locations such as Kiryandongo and Palabek. The project is implemented over a period of 23 months from August 2023 to June 2025.

Role Description
Under the supervision of Project Manager, the Technical Advisor -Solar, is primarily responsible for provision of technical support to the project including coordination of participating clean cooking companies.

Duties/Responsibilities:
• Support preparation of the application process and ensure that the call for applications is prepared in line with best standards and practices for the clean cooking.
• Participate in the process of the Applications, Screening and Evaluation and provide expert opinion during the assessment of eligible solar products.
Screen applications from a technical point of view with a focus on solar pv to facilitate decision making by the Evaluation team.
• Participate in inception meetings for onboarding new companies and advise on key technical requirements of the project.
Coordinate stakeholder engagements, meetings, conference calls and workshops with participating off-grid solar (OGS) companies and other stakeholders.
Support participating off-grid solar (OGS) enterprises to achieve market breakthroughs and meet the project targets through technical assistance.
• Participate in market awareness outreach campaigns to create renewable energy (RE) awareness in the refugee settlements and host communities and increase brand visibility of the participating companies.
• Review claims submitted by participating companies and ensure that accurate and complete data is submitted for verification.
• Provide monthly updates and reports on performance of off-grid solar (OGS) companies participating in the project.
• Support in the preparation of quarterly progress reports (narrative) and timely preparation of financial information reports for quarterly and end of project donor reporting.
• Make recommendations as to necessary project changes and improvements necessary to meet the project targets.
• Participate in site monitoring and verification visits during and at end of project.
• Identify emerging policy issues in the energy sector during the course of project implementation and liaise with the PSFU Policy Unit to have them addressed.
• Carry out other technical duties and assignments as maybe requested by Project Manager.

Qualifications, Experience and Competences
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Economics, Project Management, or related field.
• At least three (3) years’ working experience of which a minimum of two (2) years is in solar-related projects.
• At least two (2) years’ experience advising or implementing solar-related programmes including supporting private sector businesses.
• Understands and can advise on solar pv technology standards.
• Strong analytical writing skills; experienced in producing concise, high-level reports and presentations, training modules and materials.
• Good interpersonal skills demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and strong writing skills.
• Strong communications skills in speaking, writing, as well as presenting materials in a variety of media.
• High Integrity/ethics and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with partners.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their ONLINE Applications including a cover letter, current Curriculum Vitae and Academic Certificates and Transcripts to demonstrate that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services; to be received not later than 1700hrs on 28th January 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Canvasing will atomically disqualify any candidate.

The Chief Executive Officer
Private Sector Foundation Uganda
Plot 43 Nakasero Road
P. O. Box 7683, KAMPALA