GCF Readiness Project – Tonga Outer Island Solar Electriication Society (OISES): 9 vacancies

1. National Project Coordinator
2. M&E and Reporting Planner
3. Institutional Capacity Planner I
4. Institutional Capacity Officer
5. Institutional Capacity Planner II
6. Gender Specialist
7. Marketing & Business Planner
8. Marketing & Business Officer
9.  Finance & Administrative Officer

Applications are hereby invited to apply for the posts of National Project Coordinator, M&E and Reporting Planner, Institutional Capacity Planner I, Institutional Capacity Officer, Institutional Capacity Planner II, Gender Specialist, Marketing & Business Planner, Marketing & Business Officer and Finance & Administrative Officer for the Green Climate Fund- Assessment and Reform of the Tonga Outer Island Solar Electrification Society (OISES) under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC).

For government employees, endorsement of respective Head of Departments is required. All applications must be addressed to the CEO of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, P.O. Box 1380, Taufa’ahau Road, Nukualofa, Tonga and labeled “Project Management Unit for the GCF – OISES” and to reach his office no later than 4:30 PM, Friday 11th September, 2020.

Applicants are required to forward their applications with their “Curriculum Vitae” together with relevant documents such as certificates, transcripts, and testimonials.

For queries contact:

1. Dr. Tevita Tukunga on ph: 20113/20100 or e-mail to ttkunga@gmail.com OR

2. Mr. ‘Eliate Laulaupea’alu on ph: 20180 or e-mail to tuhamoelotu@gmail.com

Assessment and Reform of the Tonga Outer Island Solar Electrification Society (OISES) Project

The Outer Island Solar Electrification Society (OISES) was started in 2000 for respective outer island groups of Tonga as the body to manage and monitor off-grid infrastructure. For instance, the Ha’apai OISES office is responsible for all renewable energy systems/projects that had been installed and registered under the OISES in Ha’apai Island group.

Within the last two decades some of the OISES systems/projects were not able to be maintained in 1-2 years after the installation. The lesson learnt illustrates that the OISES structure, policies, business model and management are inadequate to operate at a sustainable level. There is a need to review the existing OISES institutional, policies, business and management set up to ensure an appropriate solution and reform to diagnose the current issues.

The project is anticipated to fund technical assistance to review and provide necessary reform approaches for the OISES. It is hoped that this reform will be implemented by the Department of Energy before all off-grid new projects in the Government of Tonga pipeline including the TREP project. This Readiness is linked to the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) which is under the ADB Regional Renewable Energy Facility (submitted to the GCF Secretariat in early August 2017 and approved by the GCF Board in October 2018). It is expected that this project will be implemented before to the implementation of the off-grid component of the TREP.

This project is also included in the Tonga GCF Country Programme. The key action plan is for the Readiness project to fund the identification of business model gaps in the operation, ownership and maintenance of off-grid renewable energy services and to find and implement proper actions (identified technical assistance and further discussed/agreed to/with local communities) to improve the current management, business model and operation of all off-grid projects which does not duplicate or provide any conflicts with the TREP activities.

The focal areas for the project will be based on the following:

• Management operation in the remote islands and main office
• Maintenance work in the remote islands
• Ownership and expectation of local communities
• Financial operation and revenue collections
• Tariff payment and enforcement
• Constitutions and compliance with policies
• Regulatory roles for services and tariffs
• Connection and disconnection of services
• Strengthening of capacities and capacity building needs

A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be established and responsible to carry day -to day implementation of the project. The PMU will consist of at least nine (9) staff, including the National Project Coordinator, M&E and Reporting Planner, Institutional Capacity Planner I, Institutional Capacity Officer, Institutional Capacity II, Gender Specialist, Marketing & Business Planner, Marketing & Business Officer and Finance & Administrative Officer.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

1. National Project Coordinator 

– Scope of Work

• The National Project Coordinator (NPC) will manage the project on a day-to-day basis and is accountable to the executing agency for the planning, management, quality control, timeliness and effectiveness of the activities carried out, as well as the management of funds. This officer will also ensure the regular monitoring, evaluation and reporting of activities implemented under the program. The NPC will be located at the Department of Department of Energy (DoE), Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC). He/she will report directly to the Director of Energy. He/she will also work closely with the GCF focal point and the RE Division of the Department.

– Duties & Responsibilities 

• Responsible for day to day project management
• Prepare a detailed work plan and budget for the Assessment and Reform of the OISES to be reviewed and approved by the Director of Energy
• Manage and oversee the overall implementation of the project.
• Lead and conduct training and workshops on project concept notes development
• Ensure effective communications and adequate information flow with the relevant government ministries in development of concept notes
• Responsible and assess all reporting obligations
• Coordinate the procurement of services and goods under the project
• The PC will ensure that the standard MoF and GCF M&E requirements are fulfilled to the highest quality.
• The PC is also responsible for managing and monitoring the project risks initially identified and submit new risks to the Director of Energy for consideration and decision on possible actions if required and update the status of these risks by maintaining the project risks log.
• Guide the work of the consultants to ensure compliance with the agreed work plan and its timely implementation
• Others as directed by Director of Energy with respect to the Project

– Qualification & Skills

• University degree- Master degree with minimum of 3 years or Bachelor degree with minimum of 5 years of technical and management experience at senior level and particularly in fields of Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Experience in the Pacific region or small island states would be a necessity
• Good knowledge and experience with the climate change convention (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy, Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions and GCF Country Programme.
• Demonstrated ability in managing projects, and in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Familiarity with international organizations operations and structure;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Familiarity with international negotiations and processes under the UNFCCC
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is TOP$30,240 – TOP$45,360, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band I Duration: 24 months

2. Monitoring, Evaluating & Reporting Planner 

– Scope of Work

• The Monitoring, Evaluating & Reporting Specialist under the direction of the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for reviewing & establishing a national MRV system for the Energy sector and its integration in the OISES policy. Officer will also be responsible for other reporting obligations of the overall project. 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Reviewing the National MRV system developed under the NDA Strengthening & Country Programming (Phase 2)
• Development of Monitoring and Evaluation plan prior to implementation of OISES RP. M&E plan will assist with tracking of the implementation progress.
• Develop action plan to help improve the MRV system of the Energy sector to ensure sustainable data collection, analysis and reporting of information, stakeholder engagement and integration in the OISES policy
• Document the review of the MRV
• Assist the Project Coordinator in conducting of training with key stakeholders
• Others as directed by Project Coordinator

– Qualification & Skills 

• University degree- Master degree with minimum of 3 years or Bachelor degree in Arts, Science, environmental science, Energy or related field with minimum of 5 years with some experience in Energy.
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Experience in the Pacific region or small island states would be a necessity
• Good knowledge and experience with the climate change convention (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy, Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions and GCF Country Programme.
• Demonstrated ability in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$26,880-T$40,320, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band J. Duration: 24 months

3. Institutional Capacity Planner I 

– Scope of Work 

• Will take the responsibility of leading the awareness programs to primary schools in the outer islands and engaging with the private sectors & community through conducting workshops to promote interest and investments in RE. 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Design and conduct awareness programs and targeting to primary schools in the outer islands on Renewable Energy technologies etc.
• Lead in conducting workshops with local private sector including local electrical contractors, commercial banks etc. and promoting their interest to invest in OISES projects.
• Drafting investment agreements with interested Private sector parties
• Draft meeting/workshop reports and submit to Director for Energy for approval.
• Others as directed by Project Coordinator

– Qualification & Skills

• University degree- Master degree with minimum of 3 years or Bachelor degree with minimum of 5 years of technical and management experience at senior level and particularly in fields of Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Experience in the Pacific region or small island states would be a necessity
• Good knowledge and experience with the climate change convention (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy, Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions and GCF Country Programme.
• Demonstrated ability in Energy technical works in the outer islands and in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Familiarity with international negotiations and processes under the UNFCCC
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$26,880 -T$40,320, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band J. Duration: 24 months

4. Institutional Capacity Officer 

– Scope of Work 

• Will assist the Institutional Capacity Planner in conducting awareness programs to primary schools in the outer islands and engaging with the private sectors & community through workshops and meetings to promote interest and investments in RE 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Assist Institutional Capacity Specialist I in designing and conducting awareness programs and targeting to primary schools in the outer islands on Renewable Energy technologies etc.
• Assist Institutional Capacity Specialist I in conducting workshops with local private sector including local electrical contractors, commercial banks etc. and promoting their interest to invest in OISES projects.
• Assist Institutional Capacity Specialist I in drafting investment agreements with interested Private sector parties
• Assist in drafting meeting/workshop reports for submission to Director for Energy for approval.
• Others as directed by Project Coordinator or Institutional Capacity Specialist I

– Qualification & Skills 

• University degree- Bachelor degree in fields of Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Some knowledge and experience with the climate change convention (UNFCCC), the Paris Agreement, Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy, Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions and GCF Country Programme.
• Demonstrated ability in Energy technical works in the outer islands and in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Familiarity with international negotiations and processes under the UNFCCC
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$19,490 -T$29,230, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band L. Duration: 24 months

5. Institutional Capacity Planner II 

– Scope of Work

• Will take the responsibility of assisting the Department of Energy by engaging with the private sector in development of concept notes and contribution to future project proposals.

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Lead in conducting a workshop to engage private sector in project development such as formulation of concept note and future GCF project proposals
• Assist Department of Energy with the development of concept notes towards full proposals to the GCF or other donors.
• Others as directed by the Project Coordinator

– Qualification & Skills

• University degree- Master degree with minimum of 3 years or Bachelor degree with minimum of 5 years or 10 years minimum working experience of technical and management experience at senior level and particularly in fields of Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Experience in the Pacific region or small island states would be a necessity
• Good knowledge and experience with Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy and Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions.
• Demonstrated ability in managing projects, and in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$26,880-T$40,320, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band J. Duration: 24 months 

6. Gender Specialist

– Scope of Work

• Assume responsibility for implementing, monitoring and reporting against gender initiatives for the project. 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Carry out a baseline gender assessment for OISES finance and programming
• Develop gender empowerment recommendations with disaggregated targets for OISES
• Lead workshops with relevant local community in mainstreaming Gender considerations
• Prepare workshop reports and submit to Director of Energy for approval
• Lead the implementation of Activity 2.2.1
• Support the project manager in the design, coordination, monitoring and training assistance programs for community-based interventions; and lead facilitation of training and assistance programs for community-based interventions.
• Identify performance targets and indicators, including gender disaggregated indicators, for the investments; and develop and implement a harmonized monitoring and evaluation system that aligns with the Project DMFs and GAPs;
• Lead the project team and other national stakeholders in adopting international best practices in implementing communication strategies related to communities and social gender development issues;
• Lead training and knowledge sharing activities with regard to gender needs and benefits, and provide guidance on their revision;
• Lead in training and knowledge sharing activities, and ensure the broad participation of women through community training set-up arrangements; and
• Coordinate with other project team members MEIDECC in identifying areas where gender-inclusive and socially inclusive provisions can be strengthened under the project.
• Others directed by Project coordinator

Qualification & Skills

• University degree- Master degree with minimum of 2 years of experience or Bachelor degree with minimum of 5 years or 10 years minimum working experience in Social Science, fields of Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Good knowledge and experience with Energy Technical Reports, Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy and Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions.
• Demonstrated ability in carrying out gender baseline assessments, and in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$26,880-T$40,320, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band J. Duration: 24 months

7. Marketing & Business Planner 

– Scope of Work

• Will assume the responsibility of carrying out the assessment of the existing OISES business model to identify gaps and provide recommendations for developing of the new business model by the International Marketing & Business specialist. 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Lead in conducting workshop and consultation with the communities and private sectors on the new business model for OISES.
• Assist in developing a financial business model and marketing strategy for OISES that is in line with OISES objectives
• Carrying out assessment of the existing business model (if any) to identify gaps and provide recommendations for developing new business model for OISES
• Lead in developing financial business model & marketing plan for solar electrification that is in line with OISES objectives
• Others directed by the Project coordinator 

– Qualification & Skills 

• University degree- Master degree in Business administration, Economic or related field with minimum of 3 years or Bachelor degree with minimum of 5 years of technical and management experience at senior level and particularly in fields of Business and Energy or related fields
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• She/He must have good experience with developing project concepts and proposals.
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Experience in the Pacific region or small island states would be a necessity
• Good knowledge and experience with Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy and Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions
• Demonstrated ability in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Familiarity with international organizations operations and structure;
• Good experience with Government and in interdepartmental procedures
• Familiarity with international negotiations and processes under the UNFCCC
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$26,880-T$40,320, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band J. Duration: 24 months 

8. Marketing & Business Officer

– Scope of Work

• Will have the responsibility of assisting the Market & Business Planner in carrying out the assessment of the existing OISES business model to identify gaps and provide recommendations for developing of the new business model by the International Marketing & Business specialist. 

– Roles & Responsibilities 

• Assist in conducting workshop and consultation with the communities and private sectors on the new business model for OISES.
• Assist the Market & Business Planner in developing a financial business model and marketing strategy for OISES that is in line with OISES objectives
• Assist in carrying out assessment of the existing business model (if any) to identify gaps and provide recommendations for developing new business model for OISES
• Assist in developing financial business model & marketing plan for solar electrification that is in line with OISES objectives
• Others directed by the Project coordinator or the Market & Business Planner 

– Qualification & Skills 

• University degree- Bachelor degree in Business administration, Economic or related field with some experience the fields of Energy or related fields (desired but not necessary)
• She/He must have good experience working with donors and development partners on Energy and related issues
• Work Experience in a similar role would be an advantage
• Some knowledge and experience with Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), National Energy Policy and Tonga- Nationally Determined Contributions
• Demonstrated ability in liaising and cooperating with all project stakeholders including government officials, scientific institutions, NGOs and private sectors;
• Fluent written and oral communication in Tongan and English
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet)
• Tonga citizenship

Salary: Salary Range is T$19,490-T$29,230, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band L. Duration: 24 month

9. Finance & Administrative Officer

– Scope of work 

• The Senior Finance & Administrative Officer will be responsible for coordinating and fostering public and private partnership; in close collaboration with PC, Department of Energy DoE Team. She/he will provide financial assistance and reporting. Officer will report directly to the PC. He/she will be located at the Department of Energy, MEIDECC. 

– Roles and Responsibilities 

• Manage all Financial and Procurement process of the project
• Reporting obligations
• Monitoring and Reporting on all Energy Finance flows within OISES
• Support the development of projects, concept notes and proposals to GCF
• Assist the provision of information and data to support the progress of the project
• Draft of financial reports and submit to PC
• Prepare the procurement of services and goods under the project
• Assume any other duties as determined by the Director of Climate Change and PC
• Prepare monthly financial reports of the project and submit to PC
• Carry out monthly reconciliation with the Ministry of Finance.

– Qualifications and Skills 

• University Degree- Bachelor Degree in Accounting. Finance, Administration/Management or related fields with some experience desired but not essential in the area of climate financing/or related fields;
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and familiarity with principles of accounting and office practice as essential;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and build good working relationships with project staff and relevant stakeholders of the GCF program;
• Experience in Government and in interdepartmental processes and procedures;
• Fluency in both English and Tonga and proficiency in written and oral communication;
• Computer literate (MS Office);
• Team work, strong time-management, organizational and inter-personal skills;
• Tonga citizenship.

Salary: Salary Range is T$23,520 -T$35,280, in accordance with Tonga Government Civil Service Salary scale/Band K. Duration: 24 months