Cold Chain and Energy Systems Engineer (National Consultant)

About the role

This consultancy will temporarily strengthen UNICEF’s in‑house technical capacity by placing a national engineer close to operations. The primary focus is the Kinkole hub, where a daily technical presence is essential, while also supporting the Lubumbashi and Kisangani hubs and other Section initiatives involving electrical, electromechanical, energy or solar components.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure the technical reliability of the Kinkole hub cold chain and oversee the quality of maintenance services.
• Provide specialised maintenance and troubleshooting support to the Lubumbashi and Kisangani hubs.
• Deliver engineering expertise on energy systems and solar solutions.
• Carry out technical quality assurance for cold‑chain equipment projects, from specifications and site readiness to installation, commissioning and acceptance.
• Strengthen the skills of hub and EPI technicians through joint interventions and on‑the‑job coaching.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in electrical, electromechanical, energy or refrigeration and air‑conditioning engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum five years of hands‑on experience in electrical, electromechanical, energy or industrial refrigeration engineering, including operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of cold rooms and related systems.
• Fluency in French and working knowledge of English; knowledge of Lingala or Swahili is an asset.

Required skills

• Electrical, electromechanical and energy‑systems engineering.
• Industrial refrigeration and air‑conditioning maintenance.
• Generators, automatic transfer switches and low‑voltage electrical installations.
• Solar PV and hybrid solar systems.
• Vaccine cold‑chain equipment (WHO PQS, solar direct‑drive refrigerators, temperature monitoring).
• Commissioning, technical acceptance and contractor supervision.
• Training and coaching of technicians.