Solar-Powered Irrigation Consultant Full-Time

Objectives/Purpose of the Assignment:

The consultant will be responsible for the preparation of feasibility studies for five (5) solar-powered irrigation farms in Manica province. The main purpose of the feasibility study is to provide GGGI with analyses and recommendations that will support FUNAE and relevant ministries in their decision-making with regard to the implementation of solar photovoltaics installation for irrigation farms. On review of the final report and the actual feasibility of the projects, FUNAE will implement the projects.

This feasibility study for each of the farms will entail:

• Assessment of identified sites: review of the proposed project sites selected by GGGI, FUNAE and the respective ministries, and assess the community capability and investment contribution to the proposed project activity.
• Socio-economic impact: forecast the impact of the proposed project activity on agriculture yield, farms’ revenue, gender equality and food security.
• System Capacity: assess the energy demand and water requirements of each of the project sites.
• Applicable Technology: review the available technology in the market and recommend the best technology for the project and fix the efficiency level of the equipment.
• Cost Estimation: review all aspects of the project component and prepare a detailed breakdown of cost estimate of each component of each of the project sites.

Scope of Work:

The consultant will be expected to undertake the following general tasks:

Pre-Visit:

• Participate in briefing and consultative meetings on the assignment in Maputo and in the field with GGGI and government officials.
• Familiarize with the local energy context, the energy policies and national irrigation plans.
• Determine, in consultation with the Project Manager, the most appropriate methods for conducting the feasibility study and preparatory work needed, planning work with Government counterparts in Manica province where appropriate.
• Prepare plan for approval by GGGI and FUNAE incorporating: data collection methods, data collection instruments, resources required and plans to ensure ethical data collection.
• Design and deliver comprehensive information for GGGI project staff (and partners) on key aspects of the feasibility study including how data will be collected (process, methods, and tools), analyzed, interpreted, and reported.

Visit:

• Conduct project site visits and agreed methodology with the Project Manager, beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Data collection at the field level from target beneficiaries
• Provide feedback to GGGI throughout visit and share summary of the study, observations, and recommendations with the project manager and key program staff;

Post-Visit:

• System design and recommendations based on the data collected.
• Debrief project management and the respective Ministries on the process and preliminary findings of the technical assessment
• Prepare a draft report of the feasibility study report and share it with the Project Manager and team. The draft report will be subject to discussion by relevant program staff.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive, well-structured report of the feasibility study.

Qualifications/Experience/Expertise

• 8-15 years of relevant experience in water engineering, hydrology, soil assessment, renewable energy system design and design of irrigation facilities in Mozambique or countries with similar socio-economic context;
• Master’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience;
• Willingness and ability to travel to remote locations in Manica province, Mozambique;
• Ability to participate in multi-disciplinary teams and to work independently;
• Strong knowledge of key stakeholders in Mozambique energy and agriculture sector;
• Fluency in English and Portuguese.