Job Description

Position Title:

SENIOR PROGRAM ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, – ENTER ENERGY SOMALIA (EES) Program

Location Baidoa

Position Status Full-time

Number of Position: One

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

The Program / Department / Team (Program / Department Summary)

Mercy Corps has been a fixture in Somalia since 2005, implementing projects that target hundreds of thousands of vulnerable households. Their work focuses on improving access to basic services and overcoming vulnerabilities caused by civil conflict and natural disasters. They achieve this through interventions in four key sectors: water security, peace and governance, economic and food security. Their programs are designed in an integrated manner, incorporating new methodologies like Emergency, DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction), and Resilience frameworks. Mercy Corps' operations in Somalia are firmly rooted in a robust framework of socio-political analysis and risk management systems, ensuring compliance with Somali Federal Government (FGS) laws, internal accountability standards, and donor requirements. Mercy Corps Somalia has over 100 field staff based field operations in Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Kismayo, and Baidoa with programs funded by multitude of donors including USAID, FCDO, SIDA, SDC, AFD and the UN.

The Position (General Position Summary)

Mercy Corps is looking for an experienced, qualified Senior program electrical engineer to supervise the implementation of the electrical infrastructure component of the project (EES) which involves the construction of an interconnected medium and high voltage systems and distribution systems to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions in displacement settings. The Enter Energy project in Baidoa is funded by FCDO and implemented in close collaboration with the Baidoa Municipality,

The Senior Electrical Program Engieer will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality implementation of the EES program according to schedule and budget; working will closely work with Mercy Corps EES project and other team members in Baidoa during the stated period. Under the guidance of the Senior EES team and office management, the Senior Program Engineer also has to closely coordinate with the Local Administration, the IDP and host community leaders, and other key Program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities to be implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. He/she will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy, and security protocols.     

Essential Job Responsibilities Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and design of grid systems, including solar, and hybrid systems.
• Provide overall technical leadership and guidance for the construction, installation, and commissioning of the solar PV power system, based on the approved designs.
• Review and approve technical specifications and quality control procedures for the construction and installation of the MV and LV transport and distribution networks, as per the designs and BOQs.
• Manage the relationship with the local power generation company, providing technical expertise and guidance throughout the construction and installation phases of the project.
• Lead the supervision of the construction of the MV and LV transport and distribution networks, ensuring compliance with safety standards, quality control procedures, and approved designs.
• Oversee the commissioning and acceptance testing of the MV and LV transport networks.
• Guide the development of an operational support plan and strategy for the local power generation company (BECO).
• Lead the development and implementation of a customer acquisition strategy for the Barwaaqo IDP camp.
• Manage project budgets and timelines for the construction and installation phases, ensuring efficient resource allocation and timely project completion.
• Identify and mitigate potential technical risks associated with the construction and installation phases of the project.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including technical reports related to construction, installation, commissioning, and progress reports.
• Manage the electrical project engineer involved in construction, supervision and quality control of the project.
• Represent Mercy Corps in technical discussions with stakeholders regarding construction and installation activities, including government officials, donors, and the local community.
• Work collaboratively with the project team, including the Electrical project Engineer, local power generation company, and other stakeholders.
• Adhere to MC policies, tools, handbooks and guidelines including safety and security policies and procedures.
• Perform any other assigned duty by the supervisor or Mercy Corps management team.

  REPORTING

• Document lessons learned and success stories of the program.
• Develop and contribute and submit all required program reports on time.
• Coordinate with MEAL team to ensure data quality and timely sharing of data to support reporting cycles.
• provide weekly update on project implementation progress as well as general security context of the area to senior program electrical engineer who will report to the senior management including the Director of Programs.

REPRESENTATION

• Represent Mercy Corps and its values at coordination and partner meetings in area of operation.
• Communicate effectively to ensure overall project targets and donor obligations are met.
• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure.
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity.

Supervisory Responsibility

Project Engineer

Accountability: Reports Directly To: Program Manager

Works Directly with: POs & SPOs EES and Other Programs, Reporting & Program Support staff, Program Manager, Country Infrastructure Manager, Sector Leaders, MEAL Unit, Program Operations, Finance.

Experiences and Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical engineering construction supervision, quality control, and project management.
• Extensive experience managing and leading technical teams working on mini-grids and solar PV power system projects is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of electrical codes and standards (e.g., IEC standards).
• In-depth knowledge of project management principles and practices, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Comprehensive understanding of energy policy, economics, and sustainability issues, contributing to the development of environmentally responsible and economically viable energy solutions.
• Proactive and flexible in adapting to changing environments
• Highly proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office suites (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of MS Project is an added advantage.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in a developing country context is a plus.
• Fast learner and ambitious for professional growth.
• Fluency in English is strongly required.
• Fluency in Somali is a strong advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in insecure environments and IDP sites is preferred but not a must.

Success Factors

• Commitment to local capacity building and the ability to engage local stakeholders in project design and implementation.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and keep to deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Somali people’s culture and political set up.
• Strong team player and effective communicator.

• Willing to interact effectively with international and national personnel and other partners
• Experience in PUE related work required. Experience working in similar context (livelihood programming for displaced populations) in Somalia will be an added advantage

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact. We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants, or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC and have signed on to the  Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws and customs, and always adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all the times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

Skills Required

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