NETWORK REINFORCEMENT AND ACCESS PROJECT (NRAP)

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

REQUEST FOR CURRICULUM VITAE FOR ENERGY ASSISTANTS UNDER THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES & ENERGY

1. BACKGROUND

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini (GoKE) has received financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), hereinafter referred to as the World Bank, for purposes of implementing the Network Reinforcement and Access Project (NRAP). The project development objective is to improve the reliability of electricity supply and increase access to electricity services in targeted areas of Eswatini.

As part of the project objective, it is intended to support Government’s ongoing rural electrification program by financing electricity connections to an estimated 8,000 households in group schemes in the Shiselweni region.

2. PROJECT CONTEXT

The Network Reinforcement and Access Project (NRAP) aligns with the National Energy Policy (2018) aims at achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 7 - to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

The components of the project are as follows;

i) strengthening the transmission and distribution network in Shiselweni region.

ii) to improve reliability of the distribution network in the Shiselweni region and align the distribution network with present and projected electricity demand.

iii) support Government’s rural electrification program by financing an estimated 8,000 households in group schemes in the Shiselweni region.

The Beneficiaries will be the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini in the Shiselweni region who have no access to electricity as well as the current users of electricity in that region.

3. Scope of the Assignment and the Objective

To support the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE) in undertaking the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of Component 2 – Electricity Access Expansion, of the Network Reinforcement and Access Project, MNRE seeks the services of two individual consultants that shall serve as Energy Assistants in the Department of Energy under the supervision of the Director of Energy.

4. The Duties/Responsibilities are as follows:

• Work closely with local authorities such as traditional leaders and the Inkhundla Council during the implementation of the rural electrification programme
• Assist to identify and shortlist group schemes for implementation
• Assist to evaluate and assess readiness of group schemes for implementation
• Assist in the technical assessment of households for qualification for readyboards connectivity assistance and type of connection
• Assist in the M & E of works and ensure quality assurance and adherence to service delivery standards by the implementing partner during the implementation of group schemes
• Assist to identify alternative solutions and technology to the provision to access to electricity and cleans energy solutions in line with prevailing sector strategies
• Assist in providing technical advice and assistance on the appraisal, implementation, evaluation and monitoring of alternative electricity solutions including renewable energy projects
• Assembly, install and ensures energy equipment utilised to facilitate electrification and energy efficiency is kept in good order
• Carry out routine energy equipment maintenance work and data collection

5. Deliverables

• Weekly progress reports on rural electrification programme
• Develop and implement M & E mechanisms and tools for the rural electrification programme
• Assist the Rural Electrification Office and the Energy Department in service delivery towards the provision of universal access to electricity and clean energy

6. Competencies

• Knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of energy and electricity
• Team player with ability to work under diverse environments and rural communities
• Understanding of SHERQ and standards including social and environmental management
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• Ability to communicate effectively

7. Qualification and Experience

• Diploma in electrical/civil engineering
• Possession of minimum Light Duty (Class E) Driver’s licence will be an added advantage
• Experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors is an added advantage
• In-depth knowledge of local authorities and Government
• Fluent in both written and spoken Siswati and English
• Willingness to travel to remote areas as needed.

8. Position and Duration

This position reports directly to the Energy Officer and entails a 1-year contract renewable based on performance for the duration of the project at Government scale C2.

9. How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an application letter, CV and certified copies of academic and/or professional qualifications no/before 23 May 2022 addressed to; The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources & Energy, P.O. Box 57, Mbabane, H100 through the following email: energydepartmentsz@gmail.com