Solar Installation Quality Assurance Engineer

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Engineering, construction

Application deadline: 12/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

Assignment context

The implementation of the Health Facility Solar Electrification (HFSE) project is spearheaded by UNICEF in Uganda under the HFSE Learning Agenda initiative, financed by Gavi. The initiative represents a collaborative effort among key partners, including the Ministry of Health (MoH) and UNICEF to address the critical energy needs of healthcare facilities through sustainable solar energy solutions.
The project will electrify 250 health facilities across Uganda and is intended not only to strengthen service delivery at beneficiary health facilities, but also to generate evidence, lessons learned, and operational models that can inform future scale-up of health facility electrification initiatives in Uganda and beyond. By improving access to reliable electricity, the project contributes to improved healthcare service availability, strengthened vaccine and commodity management, enhanced quality of care, and greater resilience of the health system.
The project is in its last phase which is the Installation, Commissioning and Operationalization of solar systems. This phase includes installation of solar systems, commissioning of facilities, quality assurance and quality control activities, corrective action management, stakeholder coordination, capacity building, and monitoring of system functionality and performance. To date over 186 systems have been commissioned.

The Solar Installation Quality Assurance Engineer will hence support provide technical oversight and ensure that all installations meet the required technical specifications, safety standards and quality requirements. The Engineer will support systematic quality assurance and quality control, verify the functionality and performance of commissioned systems, identify and follow up on technical defects, and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that the186+ commissioned systems are functioning reliably, and that the project delivers sustainable, fit-for-purpose solar energy solutions.

Task description

The Quality Assurance Engineer under the supervision of Chief of Health will perform the following tasks:

• Conduct field visits with Ministry of Health engineers to selected health facilities to assess the quality and compliance of installed solar systems against an agreed inspection checklist.

• Assess the functionality and operational performance of installed solar systems, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and associated components, as applicable.

• Inspect the quality of civil works associated with solar installations, including concrete foundations, mounting structures, perimeter fencing, and ground-mounted solar panels.

• Assess the quality, safety, and workmanship of electrical wiring, cable connections, earthing, and other system installations.

• Identify installation defects, technical non-conformities, and safety concerns, and document findings in accordance with established quality assurance procedures.

• Accurately record inspection findings, including photographic evidence using Kobo Collect and or other approved digital data collection tools.

• Prepare and submit timely inspection reports highlighting the quality of installations, identified deficiencies, and recommended corrective actions.

Skills and experience

• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in solar photovoltaic (PV) system installation, electrical engineering, technical inspection, testing, or quality assurance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of solar PV system functionality, electrical wiring, mounting structures, and associated civil works.
• Experience conducting field inspections, assessing installation quality, identifying technical defects, and preparing inspection reports supported by photographic evidence.
• Experience working with the Ministry of Health or in health facility infrastructure projects is an asset.
• Experience working with the UN or other international development organizations is an advantage.

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Kampala City is Uganda's national and commercial capital bordering Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. The city has adequate medical and banking facilities, and communication infrastructure. Road transport is mainly used. Availability of electricity/water via the national grid. A variety of foods available. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. https://www.unv.org/

Uganda is a unique country, and Uganda is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.