Senior Mini-Grid & GIS Technical Expert, Africa

Mercy Corps

Job Overview

Location

Nigeria

Employment Type

Contract

Work Arrangement

On-site

Sector

Energy & Utilities

Experience Level

Senior (5-8 years)

Application Deadline

March 19, 2026

About the Company

Mercy Corps is a global organization dedicated to creating a better world by implementing bold solutions in disaster-stricken and challenging environments. Operating in over 40 countries, they partner with communities to help people overcome adversity and build stronger futures. Through its Energy 4 Impact platform, Mercy Corps focuses on shaping market systems for clean energy access. They work at the intersection of policy, enterprise growth, finance, and market intelligence. Their approach combines specialized advisory services with a strong on-the-ground presence, aiming to create conditions that attract private investment into high-risk energy access markets.

Job Description

Mercy Corps is seeking an experienced Senior Mini-Grid & GIS Technical Expert to contribute to the development of off-grid renewable energy projects, particularly within the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP III).

This consultancy role involves leading GIS-based site identification, conducting techno-economic assessments, and developing detailed system designs. You will also be responsible for preparing technical documentation, conducting due diligence, and providing capacity building to local stakeholders.

The assignment requires advanced geospatial analytics and a focus on climate-resilient infrastructure. You will collaborate with various teams and partners to ensure high-quality deliverables and contribute to a knowledge repository for the sector.

To apply for this role, click the Apply button on this page and follow the instructions.

Required Skills

GISMini-grid developmentRenewable energyTechno-economic assessmentSystem designProject managementTender document preparationCapacity buildingArcGISQGISRemote sensingLoad profilingBill of Quantities (BoQ)Climate resilient infrastructure

Key Responsibilities

Lead GIS-based site identification, mapping, and spatial analysis for mini-grid development.
Conduct techno-economic assessments, including demand estimation, load profiling, and PUE opportunity analysis.
Develop system designs, distribution network layouts, powerhouse siting, and technical specifications.
Prepare and review BoQs, engineering drawings, tender documents, and technical guidelines.
Conduct technical due diligence on mini-grid developer submissions and project proposals.
Support the development of technical guidelines, regulations, and manuals for the Nigeria off-grid sector.
Provide capacity building to local experts, government agencies, and developers.
Collaborate with NESP advisors and local consultants to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Contribute to progress reports, meeting summaries, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
Introduce advanced geospatial analytics (e.g., least cost electrification modelling, remote sensing) to enhance project selection.
Develop standardized templates for mini-grid technical documentation to streamline future NESP processes.
Provide advisory support on climate resilient infrastructure design and innovations for grid reliability.
Support the creation of a mini-grid knowledge repository for NESP, consolidating tools, templates, and lessons learned.

Qualifications

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or related field.
Excellent command of English (C1 level, CEFR).
Minimum 12 years of professional experience in the energy sector.
At least 10 years of experience developing renewable energy mini-grid projects totaling ≥5 MW combined capacity.
Demonstrated experience using GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) for site identification and planning.
Minimum 5 years developing technical guidelines, regulations, or manuals for the energy sector.
At least 7 years in at least two countries with economies in transition outside West Africa.
At least 5 years of professional experience in West Africa, including a minimum of 1 year in Nigeria.
At least 5 years of experience working on development cooperation projects.