Ministry of Energy
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)
COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION IN MALAWI (ASCENT MALAWI) PROJECT
PROJECT ID: P502464
ASSIGNMENT TITLE: POWER ENGINEER
DATE OF ISSUE: 24TH FEBRUARY, 2025
1.0 Introduction
The Government of Malawi is currently implementing the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT Malawi) Project with funding from the World Bank. The project development objective is to increase clean and sustainable energy access in Malawi, aligning with ASCENT’s Program Development Objective of increasing clean and sustainable energy access in Eastern and Southern Africa. The project has five components but, the Ministry of Energy (MoE) will implement components 2,3,4; Off-grid Connection through Solar Home System; Energy Access for Schools and Health Facilities; and Clean Cooking Solutions, respectively; and Sub-component 5.1, Technical Assistance and Capacity Building. The MoE intends to apply part of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under the contract for hiring a Power Engineer.
2.0 The Position
The Power Engineer is part of a larger Project Implementation Unit, which comprises the Manager and
other specialists. The Power Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that all technical aspects of the project are implemented to the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability, whilst fostering collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and private sector partners to maximize the project’s impact and long-term viability.
3.0 Tasks and Responsibilities
The Power Engineer’s scope of assignment encompasses providing technical expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, and oversight of electrification and energy access initiatives for public schools and health facilities within the ASCENT Malawi project. He/ She will work under the supervision of the Project Manager in the Ministry’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Government of Malawi (GoM)’s regulations and standards.
3.1. Specific Tasks
a. To ensure that all technical aspects of the project are implemented to the highest standards of quality,
safety, and sustainability
b. To provide technical expertise and leadership in the planning, implementation, and oversight of
electrification and energy access initiatives
c. To conduct technical assessments and identify suitable location for sub-projects
d. To strengthen coordination with key stakeholders to monitor project implementation and maximize the project’s impact and long-term viability
3.2 Scope of the Services
In accomplishing the assignment, the Power Engineer will:
a) Conduct thorough technical assessments to identify suitable locations for grid connections and microgrid solar systems deployment, ensuring alignment with the energy needs of public schools and health facilities.
b) Review prioritized and costed plan for electrification of schools and health facilities (grid and off-grid)
c) Prepare detailed designs for grid connections and microgrid solar systems deployment, ensuring
alignment with the energy needs of public schools and health facilities;
d) Prepare detailed technical specifications for procurement contractors and energy service companies, ensuring compliance with relevant standards;
e) Assist the Project Manager in the selection of contractors and energy service companies, as well
as preparing NNNF loan and grant agreements and negotiations with selected companies;
f) Supervise and ensure the proper installation of electrification systems (establishing a commissioning
protocol where necessary) in households, public schools, and health facilities, focusing on quality and
safety;
g) Coordination with ESCOM with regard to the connection to the grid of health facilities and schools;
h) Review contracts with service providers, including performance-based contracts for \Energy as a Service\models, management contracts, O&M agreements and any other innovative business models, in
collaboration with the relevant authorities from the health and education sector;
i) Identify synergies with other stakeholders active in the off-grid and public and health facility electrification;
j) Evaluate the potential for extending electricity services to nearby communities using excess power generated by solar PV installations in public facilities;
k) Provide technical support and capacity building to local technicians on solar PV installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting;
l) Regularly monitor the performance of contractors and off-grid solar systems and prepare progress reports in accordance with the World Bank’s standards;
m) Ensure that all off-grid electrification activities comply with environmental and social safeguards, as well as national and international technical standards.
n) Carry out any other duties assigned by the Project Manager.
4.0 Qualifications and Experience
i. Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Renewable Energy; a Master’s Degree will be an added
advantage.
ii. Minimum five (5) years’ experience in designing, costing, installing and maintaining off-grid solar
systems in Malawi preferably involving roles such as managing contracts, overseeing distributed
renewable energies like solar PV battery storage solutions etc. Similar experience for grid connections
to the distribution grid (designing, costing, overseeing) is also desired.
iii. Valid membership with recognized professional engineering body.
iv. High proficiency in the use of energy design and modelling software such as HOMER pro and
DigSILENT
v. Expertise in designing and implementing grid and off-grid electrification solutions, particularly microgrid systems. Familiarity with various Solar PV technologies, standards, and best practices.
vi. Strong understanding of power system design principles, including grid-connected and off-grid
systems. Ability to conduct load flow studies and short circuit analysis.
vii. In-depth knowledge of solar PV systems, battery storage, inverters, and other components of
renewable energy systems. Experience with system sizing, performance modelling, and optimization.
viii. Comprehensive knowledge of national and international electrical codes, standards, and safety
regulations.
ix. Hands-on experience in the installation, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of electrical
systems and equipment, including both grid and microgrid PV systems.
x. Knowledge of electricity metering systems, billing practices, and revenue collection mechanisms.
xi. Familiarity with Microsoft Project and using GIS tools for spatial planning and data analysis related to energy access.
xii. Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple asks simultaneously.
xiii. High ethical standards, commitment to transparency, accountability, and confidentiality.
5.0 Performance Assessment Criteria
i. Quality and Timeliness of Technical Reports
ii. Quality of Documentation Submitted for Post and Prior Reviews
iii. Quality of Technical Records and Reports Filing
iv. Successful deployment and reliable operation of SHS
v. Effectiveness in managing contracts with service providers,
vi. Efficient Oversight of Independent Verification Agent (IVA) Reports
vii. Improvement in the Capacity of Project Staff
6.0 Location of Employment
The Power Engineer will be based at the PIU Office in Lilongwe which is located within the Ministry of Energy where ASCENT is implementing its activities.
7.0 Duration of Employment
The Contract is a period of five years renewable annually subject to satisfactory performance, need and availability of funding.
8.0 Reporting Requirements
As part a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), the Power Engineer shall report to the Project Manager.
9.0 Services and facilities to be provided by the Client
The client will provide the following services and facilities to the Consultant
i. Office space
ii. Office equipment
iii. Communication facilities
iv. Logistics for field work
10.0 The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section
III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” dated September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
11.0 A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.
12.0 Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 7:30hrs to 12:00hrs and from 13:00hrs to 17:00hrs except on Weekends and Public Holidays.
Method Of Application
13.0 Expressions of interest including detailed updated Curriculum Vitae and copies of professional and academic certificates must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by e-mail) by 23rd March, 2025.
The Chairperson-Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee
Attn: The IPDC Chairperson
Ministry of Energy,
Private Bag 309,
LILONGWE 3.
Tel:
+265 1 770 688
Fax:
+265 1 770 094
Email: info@energy.gov.mw or E-mail: victor.lombola@energy.gov.mw; misheck.maweru@energy.gov.mw