CEANGAL PROJECT

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant. The successful candidate will join the Renewable Energy Research Team at (MUBAS) for the Community Based Decentralised Renewable Energy Systems and Supporting Structures for Improving Electricity Access in Low Income Countries (CEANGAL) Project. The Project is implemented in collaboration with the Institute of Technology, Sligo, (ITS) in Ireland.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The United Nations through its Sustainable Development Goals has targeted the provision of "Affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all’ by the Year 2030. Several issues have however hampered the achievement of this target especially in Sub-Saharan African Low-Income Countries, which have the most populations without electricity access. The CEANGAL project directly addresses such issues and provides a means to support rural communities in acquiring, owning,installing, operating and maintaining renewable energy systems to meet their electricity needs. The project will be developed via collaboration between Irish researchers at ITS, researchers at MUBAS, and local community stakeholders, in putting forward a demonstrable process and supporting structures which can be usedto achieve sustained electrification in low Income communities in Sub Saharan countries. The project outcomes will be demonstrated in four pilot rural community sites in Malawi, which by the end of the project, are intended to own and operate their own renewable energy systems.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Assistant who will be reporting to the Principal Investigator in Ireland and to the Co-Principal Investigator at MUBAS will be responsible for the following:

• Liaising with local community stakeholders to set up a regional knowledgecentre
• Supporting data collection and verification of energy needs and use categoriesof users in targeted communities
• Supporting data analysis and quantification of suitable renewable energytechnologies
• Supporting content drafting and proofreading for the renewable energy technology user platforms
• Ensuring Data quality
• Reviewing literature
• Writing reports
• Supporting outreach activities
• Working collaboratively with Irish partners to meet project goals
• Other project activities as needed

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• The ideal candidate should have a Master’s degree in science, renewable energy, engineering or social sciences and be open to being involved in multidisciplinary projects. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree plus two years’ relevant experience will also be considered, and are encouraged to apply.
•  Knowledge of community development projects, electricity and energy requirements, local (Malawi) energy and specifically renewable energy policies, renewable energy technologies and current trends in renewable energy worldwide.
• Academic training or working experience in other relevant disciplines to the project, including public policy; renewable energy technologies; energy systems; and basic economics will be very advantageous.
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Excellent writing proficiency in English.
• Working proficiency in relevant Malawian languages and ability to translate is aplus.
•  Interest in the topic of international development.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration is competitive and commensurate with experience and skills.

POSITION DURATION

2.5 years.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Applications together with copies of relevant qualifications and detailed curriculum vitae with two traceable referees and copies of relevant certificates should be sent by

17:00 hrs on Friday, 7th January, 2021 to:

Registrar

Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences

Private Bag 303

Chichiri

Blantyre 3

or preferably email: talentsearch@mubas.ac.mw