Expression of Interest: Solar Energy Adviser, Market Development Facility

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that promote solar energy adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance energy resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.Chance to work with a diverse team across multiple countries, including Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Sri Lanka.Remote, with potential international travel.

About the Market Development Facility
Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF) helps countries in the Indo-Pacific region to grow through improved productivity, economic diversification, competitiveness and trade.

MDF supports government and business partners to identify markets that have high potential to grow, be profitable, and deliver social and environmental value. Our aim is to do good by supporting good business. MDF supports business innovation and investment that reduces poverty, economically empowers women and combats climate change.

MDF supports catalytic innovation in these markets. We co-invest and support local and international partners to reduce the risks and costs of early-stage commercial opportunities and accelerate their pathway to profitability and scale. MDF supports partners with a blend of financial and non-financial assistance that includes:

co-investment and technical advice to develop and test new products, services and business models;market research and analysis to understand consumer and market trends;support to identify sources of capital for business growth; andmarketing and promotion to help partners access new markets.

MDF also supports businesses opportunities relating to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as low-carbon development.

MDF is active in a range of sectors including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, business services, finance, technology, manufacturing, green energy, infrastructure and logistics. MDF currently operates in Fiji, Timor-Leste, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Sri Lanka.

MDF is funded by the Australian Government and co-funded by the New Zealand Government in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. It is implemented by Palladium, in partnership with Swisscontact.

About the Opportunity

MDF focuses on increasing uptake of solar energy with the goals of increasing the resilience of energy generation, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting economic growth and competitiveness in the region. To achieve these goals, the program requires the expertise of a Solar Energy Adviser(s) to provide technical support to MDF’s teams as they conduct research into promising solar energy segments, consider the feasibility of various business models and support governments to implement enabling policy.

The Solar Energy Adviser(s) will provide the MDF team with high quality technical advice, research and analytical outputs to support these goals. The primary objective of the Solar Energy Adviser(s) is to advise MDF on ways to increase uptake of solar energy in target countries.

Key Responsibilities

Design and implement research tools to evaluate solar energy potential.Conduct comprehensive assessments of promising solar energy segments.Provide high-quality technical advice and strategic recommendations.Conduct training sessions and capacity-building workshops.Develop models to analyze solar energy capacity and financial feasibility.Advise on renewable energy policies and regulations.

For full responsibilities and Terms of Reference (TOR), click here.

Duration and Location

The technical expert(s) will provide up to sixty input (60) days over the course of 12 months. Input days are likely to be split (not continuous) and subject to negotiation with MDF.

The assignment is remote desk-based, with travel anticipated to one or more MDF country locations. Where travel is required, flights, accommodation and per diem will be provided in accordance with MDF policy. Any other costs must be pre-approved by MDF.

Required Selection Criteria
MDF is open to applications from individual consultants and companies for this position.
Applications should meet the following criteria:

Essential

Relevant qualifications related to solar energy (such as Environmental Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field).Demonstrated experience in solar energy project development, analysis and modelling.Demonstrated experience working on solar energy projects in the Pacific Islands or Timor-Leste.Understanding of global and regional quality standards for solar energy designs, parts and installations.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Desirable

Experience in advising stakeholders on increasing solar energy uptake in relevant MDF geographies, is highly desirable.

How to Apply?

 Applications must include the following for individuals or companies:

Your CV/capability statement with refereesA cover letter addressing the selection criteriaProposed consultancy fee - daily rate

Applications Close on Midnight Monday 10th March, AEST.

About Palladium - Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value.  We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 3,000 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies and, most importantly, people's lives.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.  

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including a rigorous due diligence process.