Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Transformation Expert – USAID SINAR Evaluation

Position: Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Transformation Expert – USAID SINAR Evaluation

Background

Panagora Group, a woman-owned small business providing novel and integrated solutions in global health and international development, supports USAID/Indonesia in implementing its 2020-2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) through the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Platform (MEL-P). MEL-P provides its services through five components: 1) monitoring support services, 2) designing and conducting performance and impact evaluations, 3) providing research, assessment, and data analysis, 4) providing consulting and advisory services and logistical support services, and 5) initiating collaboration, learning, and adapting activities.

Under MEL-P, Panagora has been assigned to conduct a midterm performance evaluation for USAID Sustainable Energy for Indonesia’s Advancing Resilience (USAID SINAR). The five-year activity (January 2021 – May 2026) awarded to Tetra Tech is designed to support Indonesia’s goal to expand reliable and equitable energy services to advance sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. USAID SINAR builds upon the longstanding commitment and partnership between the U.S. Government and the Government of Indonesia in low carbon development in the energy sector.

Through SINAR, USAID will help national and subnational governments, state-owned energy utilities, businesses, financial institutions, universities, and other key players to (1) accelerate the deployment of advanced energy systems, (2) improve the performance of energy utilities, (3) advocate for transparent and best value procurement, and (4) strengthen the institutional frameworks and capacity for energy sector transformation. Collectively, these efforts will help Indonesia meet its ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency targets while driving energy transformation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. USAID SINAR works at the national level, while simultaneously engaging local governments in selected provinces to align national and sub-national plans and programs.

This independent midterm performance evaluation aims to assess the activity's progress toward achieving its objectives, the effectiveness and efficiency of its interventions, and stakeholder engagement. The evaluation results will inform USAID/Indonesia Environment Office decisions regarding ongoing programmatic adjustment and future activity designs.

Position Summary

MEL-P seeks a Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Transformation Expert for the USAID SINAR midterm performance evaluation. The subject matter expert provides technical input and sectoral insights with respect to renewable energy and energy utility improvements into all aspects of evaluation design, data collection, analysis, presentation, and report writing.

The assignment is expected to start in December 2024 or January 2025 and may require an estimated five weeks of in-country fieldwork in Indonesia around March 2025. Preparatory work is required prior to arrival in Indonesia.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Transformation Expert will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct desk review of activity documents and relevant secondary sources
  
• Provide technical insights related to the deployment of renewable energy systems, improvement of the performance of energy utilities, and energy transformation in all stages of the evaluation process, including design, development of data collection tools, data collection, analysis, and report writing.
  
• Contribute to developing rigorous evaluation methodology and work plan, including data collection instruments and data analysis plan
  
• Support data collection at the national and sub-national levels, which may include key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and conducting surveys
  
• Systematically collect and categorize evaluation data
  
•  Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, integrating sectoral considerations and insights to provide evidence-based answers to the evaluation questions
  
• Contribute to developing preliminary findings, conclusions, and recommendations
  
• Participate and support the Team Leader in briefings and presentations for USAID, implementing partners, and the GOI
  
• Contribute and collaborate in the writing of the evaluation draft and final report
  
• Support the Team Leader in conducting thorough research as needed.
  

Reporting

The consultant will be supervised directly by the Evaluation Team Leader with the guidance of the MEL-P Senior M&E Advisor.

Period of Performance

The estimated level of effort for the STTA for Renewable Energy and Energy Transformation Expert will be 60 days. The assignment would intermittently cover the period from December 2024/January 2025 until June 2025..

How to Apply

Fill out the online application. Please include a cover letter and resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please apply before November 30, 2024. 

Please do not make telephone inquiries. Finalists will be contacted. Only applicants who include the required application components will be considered. 

Panagora Group is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

*Note: Panagora does not offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in renewable energy, electrical engineering, energy systems or a related field.
  
• Minimum 10 years of experience in renewable energy, energy transformation, and/or low carbon sector development, with expertise in grid integration, energy storage, and utility performance improvement in Indonesia.
  
• Prior evaluation experience is required, including conducting key informant interviews, organizing and analyzing data, with the ability to synthesize complex findings.
  
• Experience evaluating USAID projects is preferred.
  
• Demonstrated experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including donors, government representatives, and local communities.
  
• Excellent analytical and interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Fluency in English is required, both written and oral.
  
• Open only to Indonesian citizens.