About VOCTEC

Vocational training and education for clean energy (VOCTEC) is a multi-tier program under the leadership of Arizona State University (ASU), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to improve the sustainability of renewable energy investments in developing countries by increasing awareness, knowledge and capacity of local stakeholders.

VOCTEC is seeking a Project Coordinator for a Solar PV Training program in the Pacific Island Region.

The Solar PV Training Project Coordinator (Project Coordinator) will be a contract employee of ASU with a project assignment of up to 2 years beginning in mid-August 2012. The incumbent will be the primary point of contact for the VOCTEC program in the region and will report to the VOCTEC Administrative Principal Investigator. The incumbent will work with great latitude of independence and will provide coordination and support to the VOCTEC program in the Pacific Island Nations. The Project Coordinator will be based out of Suva, Fiji with regional travel as required.

Responsibilities:

1.Collaborate with management to ensure synergy and effectiveness in work plan development.
2.Day-to-day monitoring and facilitation of activities under the work plan.
3.Meet with partner institutions to secure and set-up training facilities and classrooms in the field.
4.Responsible for coordinating printed materials as needed for training programs.
5.Coordination and support of ASU, USAID, and partner institution project staff in the region.
6.Meet with local partners to solve issues that arise during implementation.
7.Coordinate training opportunities with other donor and agency activities in the region.
8.Develop periodic operational and financial reports for the project as required.
9.Ensure on-time delivery of solar PV equipment and training materials from the US to training facilities within the Pacific Island Nations.

Financial Management:

1.Ensure that project adheres to USAID and ASU financial systems and procedures.
2.Ensure that project implementation meets donor compliance requirements.
3.Responsible for budgetary control and overall financial management, including maintaining oversight of expenses and procurement.

Stakeholder Engagement:

1.Convene regular meetings of implementing partners, at least on a quarterly basis.
2.Assist partners in carrying out their respective sets of activities in a coordinated and timely manner, and encouraging a spirit of partnership and synergy in program activities.
3.Establish and maintain a regular flow of information among all country program partners and USAID/ASU.
4.Develop and present program information packages and progress reports to regional and donor agencies to secure their interest and support.
5.Work with the US Embassy and host organizations to coordinate USAID/ASU team visits with stakeholdersfor collaboration and support of project activities.

Communications:

1.Work with the partners and USAID/ASU to develop a local Outreach, Communications, and Public Relations plan to increase the visibility and impact of the initiative in each country.
2.Work with the program implementing partners to execute the communication plan.
3.Prepare monthly newsletter of project activities and interesting events and developments.

Minimum Qualifications:

•Minimum of 5 years of project coordination/management;
•Advanced University Degree (BS or Master’s degree)
•Knowledgeable of the project area (Pacific Island Nations);
•Experience working with NGOs and donor agencies on development projects;
•Knowledgeable about RE related technologies applicable to the Pacific Island Nations;
•Experienced using the Microsoft Office Suite of applications;
•Ability to work under tight deadlines;
•Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
•Good interpersonal skills;
•Excellent writing and communication skills in English;
•Demonstrable knowledge of renewable energy principles, socioeconomic, and gender issues.
•Fluency in English and one or more local languages in the region.

Desired Qualifications:

•Advanced University Degree (Mater’s in renewable energy, sustainability, environmental science, economics, international development, or related field);
•10 years of project management experience;
•Experience working with Universities and Colleges, USAID, and NGOs on development projects within the region;
•Knowledgeable about the reporting requirements of USAID or other major donor agencies like AusAID, JICA or NZAid in the region;
•Knowledgeable about renewable energy governance structures in the Pacific Island Nations.

How to Apply

A detailed resume, three references and a cover letter should be sent via e-mail to voctec@asu.edu by Monday, July 30th, 2012. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted to arrange for interviews. Candidate needs to be available to begin by mid-August 2012. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity employer.