Technology Expert

Program: Enabling DRE Ecosystem Livelihood in Ethiopia (EDEL) Type of Engagement : Part-time/Consultancy (Contract) About the Program The Enabling DRE Ecosystem Livelihood in Ethiopia (EDEL) program aims to accelerate the adoption of Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) technologies to improve the production and productivity of livelihoods. A core focus of the program is co-deg programs with grassroots partners to implement innovative technologies for rural livelihoods in Ethiopia. To support this effort, One Million Birtu is seeking an experienced Technology Expert  to provide strategic support and lead technology/vendor sector engagement under the EDEL program. Overview The Technology Expert will provide specialized guidance on technological integrations and share relevant knowledge within the Agriculture, Animal husbandry, and Microbusiness technology supply chain. The ideal candidate will have an engineering background and significant experience with technologies within diversified value chains in  Agriculture, Animal husbandry, and Microbusiness, such as but not limited to Dairy, Poultry, Horticulture, Grains, Aquaculture, Apiculture, etc. Key Responsibilities Technology Assessment: Evaluate technologies and solutions for suitability for Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Fisheries, Apiculture, Microbusiness, etc based livelihoods in terms of design and system perspectives, ensuring alignment with program objectives and procurement processes. Sourcing and network: Facilitate the selection and sourcing of imported and locally manufactured technologies, and technology enterprises, particularly livelihood technologies, including but not limited to solar-integrated solutions. Supply Chain Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive supply chain analysis in collaboration with the project team. Assess the supply chain of technologies within diversified value chains in  Agriculture, Animal husbandry, and Microbusiness, such as but not limited to Dairy, Poultry, Horticulture, Grains, Aquaculture, Apiculture, etc., including solar systems from sourcing to implementation and maintenance. Moreover, evaluating available technologies and solutions across local, regional, and international markets. Identify specific cost, capacity, and scale-related challenges, along with potential solutions for the program and ecosystem. System Design Support: Collaborate with the team to design appropriate solar systems, ensuring effective integration with technologies and livelihoods. Optimize system performance to prevent over- and undersizing for the intended end users. Cost Evaluation: Analyze technology costs to eliminate barriers for end users and ensure systems are valued, preventing excessive profit margins. Team Recommendations and Vendor Evaluation: Recommend and connect the project team with relevant resources, technologies, vendors, or distribution models. Analyze and evaluate vendors, technologies, and implementation modes. Procurement support and Implementation Oversight: Ensure that the appropriate technologies, as per vendor quotations, are procured with the right quality and oversee the proper implementation of these technologies. Coaching and Mentorship: Provide coaching and mentorship to junior electrical engineers participating in the EDEL program.