Techno- Financial Specialist

1. Background

International Solar Alliance is a global platform of 120 countries working towards increased deployment of solar energy technologies to improve energy access and energy security and facilitate the energy transition. With its headquarters in Gurgaon, India, the vision and mission of the International Solar Alliance is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar member countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organisations, corporates, industry, and other stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of ISA Member Countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner. ISA works on three strategic priority areas: 1) Policy & Capacity Building, 2) Programmatic Support, and 3) Analytics & Advocacy. ISA has established partnerships with multilateral development banks, financial institutions, private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to achieve its objectives. ISA has nine comprehensive programmes, each with distinct applications. The ISA is seeking a Techno Financial Specialist to spearhead the deployment of large scale solar projects across Member Countries. This pivotal role involves conducting techno financial and economic analyses, applying global best practices, developing suitable business models, and implementing them across ISA member countries. It offers a unique opportunity for career growth and development within the ISA and contributes to a significant global initiative in renewable energy deployment.

2. Job Description

Under the supervision of the Chief, PPIC the Techno Financial Specialist will:

• Conduct comprehensive Techno-economic studies for various solar technologies and Projects as part of feasibility studies.

• Perform Techno-financial assessment on project lifecycle cost basis for various Solar Technologies.

• Assist in developing strategies for Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), including negotiation frameworks, pricing models, and risk management

• Perform due diligence on potential solar projects, reviewing financial projections,

• Identify risks associated with project implementation and propose mitigation strategies

• Support project planning, budget formulation, scheduling, and resource coordination

• Engage with stakeholders such as government agencies, investors, developers, and local communities to build consensus and support for solar park projects, including facilitating public consultations and community engagement activities

• Provide technical advisory services to optimise solar project design, layout, and integration of renewable energy technologies, recommending innovative solutions to enhance project performance and maximise energy output

• Develop and evaluate business models for solar projects, considering financing options, revenue streams, and investment attractiveness

• Assist in transparent and fair tendering processes, including preparing Terms of Reference (TOR) and procurement documents, coordinating evaluations, and recommending award decisions

• Collaborate with agencies, organisations, and stakeholders to leverage resources and support successful project outcomes

• Promote a success fee model to incentivize project success and align stakeholder interests with objectives

• Prepare comprehensive reports, feasibility studies, and project documentation, presenting findings to support decision-making and approvals

• Identify training needs and develop capacity-building programs for project teams and stakeholders, conducting workshops and training sessions on solar park development, PPA negotiations, business models, and project management

• Monitor policy developments and regulatory changes impacting solar projects, providing recommendations to enhance policy frameworks and facilitate implementation

• Implement quality assurance measures to uphold technical standards and project objectives, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement in project management practices

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the project team and stakeholders, collaborating effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and partners to leverage expertise and resources for successful outcomes.

• Perform any other task as assigned.

3. Deliverables

• Techno-Commercial Reports: Produce Techno-Commercial Reports as part of detailed feasibility studies for solar projects, including thorough assessments of site suitability, technical feasibility, and economic viability.

• Strategic Financial Assessments: Conduct rigorous financial assessments and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the lifecycle of solar projects, providing clear financial insights and risk management strategies.

• Optimized Business Models: Develop and evaluate innovative business models tailored for solar projects, considering diverse financing options, revenue streams, and investment attractiveness to maximize project sustainability and success.

• Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate consensus-building among stakeholders such as government agencies, investors, developers, and local communities through engaging public consultations and community outreach activities.

• Enhanced Project Performance: Implement quality assurance measures and provide technical advisory services to optimise solar project design, integration of renewable energy technologies, and overall project performance, ensuring alignment with global best practices and standards.

4. Competencies:

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with complex problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; able to interact with senior government and private sector leadership; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; ability to disseminate information through online platforms, social media and traditional methods.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

5. Relevant Experience & Requirements:

Only those individuals who fulfil the following qualifying criteria are eligible to respond. Essential: 1. Advanced degree in renewable energy, electrical/mechanical engineering or a first class bachelor's degree in Engineering with MBA, with 9 years of relevant experience.

2. Substantial experience in techno-commercial proposals/ analysis, techno commercial modelling and formulation of business models for energy projects including solar and other renewable energy applications.

3. Adequate knowledge of financing for RE projects including Solar.

4. Strong analytical, writing and communication skills.

Desirable:

1. Experience in the financing of solar projects, tender/bidding process and negotiations on power purchase agreements is highly desirable.

2. Experience in an international organisation/Government organization will be an added advantage.

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