Junior Expert - Renewable Technologies*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of six months. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) has been active in Tajikistan for 30 years, focusing on sustainable rural development and the eradication of hunger and malnutrition. As part of our initiatives, we address rural energy efficiency and electrification of off-grid communities, aiming to mitigate deforestation, soil depletion, and the lack of economic opportunities due to insufficient energy access. Our programs are implemented through local partner organizations that possess very considerable know-how; however, there is a need for further innovation to enhance energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) applications tailored to the local context.

As Junior Expert in renewable technologies you will support WHH and its local partners in identifying, developing, and implementing innovative energy solutions that enhance rural livelihoods while ensuring economic viability. This role will also involve capacity building of local partners to sustain and innovate energy programs.

Your responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to identify energy needs and potential EE/RE solutions within rural communities.
• Analyze the impact of our current activities in the field of rural energy and identify areas offering room for improvement.
• Research and propose new EE and RE technologies or applications suitable for the Tajik context.
• Collaborate with local partners to design innovative energy projects that align with community needs.
• Develop and implement a strategy to promote the unsubsidized (market price) replication of successful EE and RE approaches pioneered by WHH.
• Assist in the implementation of energy projects, ensuring adherence to best practices and sustainability standards.
• Technical support and capacity building of local staff to select the right potential sites and select appropriate solar technologies (e.g. solar pumps for different target sites).
• Support and capacity building of local partners (Bargi Sabz) on conducting energy audits.
• Review and correct (or comment on) technical parts of the project prepared by local engineers.
• Support WHH and its partners with advocacy towards the Ministry of Energy and public utility companies to create a legal and normative framework for net metering and electricity feed-in policies.
• Engage with local communities, government authorities, and other stakeholders to promote awareness and acceptance of renewable energy solutions.
• Build partnerships with relevant organizations and experts to enhance program effectiveness.
• Document lessons learned and best practices from project implementation.
• Prepare reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes for WHH management and donors.

Your profile

• A University or College degree in Renewable Energy, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 1-2 years of hands-on experience in energy projects, preferably in rural settings.
• Deep knowledge of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.
• Knowledge of energy audits methodology is an advantage.
• Familiarity with the local context and challenges in rural Tajikistan is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for working in Welthungerhilfe's project countries
• Proficiency in English is essential. Knowledge of Tajik and/or Russian is an advantage.

What we offer

• Fair Compensation: A fair and equal remuneration based on a transparent salary scale.
• Commitment to Well-Being: We attach great importance to our duty of care with a focus on safety, security & health.
• Modern & Agile Work Environment: Be part of a forward thinking organization that fully embraces digitalization and innovation across all areas.
• Personal & Professional Growth: Access diverse learning and development opportunities to advance your career.
• Team: Join our dedicated and diverse teams, where passion, expertise, and joy come together to create a better world.

In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which you can find under Our benefits.

(*) Welthungerhilfe values diversity and ensures an inclusive, non-discriminatory working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.