GERES - Groupe Energies Renouvelables, Environnement et Solidarités - is a French non-profit NGO created in 1976 after the first Oil Shock. Environmental conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, reducing energy poverty, and improving livelihood of the poor are the main focus areas for GERES. GERES teams are particularly involved in the implementation - in partnership with the communities and local stakeholders - of engineering solutions for development. Today, 200 staff members work on 50 innovative and sustainable development projects in France and 12 developing countries. GERES continues its structuring with the creation of 4 regional divisions: West Africa (existing), South East Asia (existing), Himalayas & Central Asia (setting up) and Euro-Mediterranean (project).
GERES Central Asia is specialised in continental and mountainous climate areas. Implemented since the early eighties in the North of India, GERES develops activities in Afghanistan since 2002 and in Mongolia and Tajikistan since 2010, with short missions in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tibet and China (Qinghai). In 2012, GERES Central Asia counts 50 employees (7 expatriates) and an annual budget of 1.5 million Euros.
GERES Central Asia works on the following thematic: ● Introduction of bioclimatic concept through passive solar energy and energy efficiency techniques for domestic housing and public building. ● Income generating activities development in agriculture (counter-season greenhouse cultivation, crop selling staggering with small scale storage) ● Innovative technical solution development (heating stove, cooking stove…) ● Climate change adaptation…
Technical solutions developed & disseminated by GERES in Central Asia: • Range of Bioclimatic construction solutions: o Building insulation: according to the context and budget, full range of wall, windows, roof, door improved insulation o Heating techniques: Passive Energy (Veranda, Direct Gain, Solar Wall, Trombe Wall, etc.), Active Energy (improve heating-Cooking stove...) • Also applied for Rural Development: o Insulated greenhouse to allow counter-season production in harsh climate o Small Scale Storage (cellars) with constant temperature
- OBJECTIVES AND TASKS The Innovation Expert is in charge of supervision of Technical Research & Development (R&D) objectives, process and results of the GERES in Central Asia & Himalayas. (S)he works under the direct supervision of the Regional Director “Central Asia & Himalayas”. (S)he provides a technical support to the missions, works in close collaboration with country Directors & Projects Managers, and links with the GERES knowledge Policy.
The Innovation Expert’s objectives are : 1. To support the projects’ technical development 2. To structure the technical expertise in Central Asia 3. To ensure technology watch and animate the R&D
His/her main tasks can be summarized as follows:
Support project technical development (65%) According to the Terms of Reference for his/her missions set up by/with the local offices, the Innovation Expert, provides support to the project teams in: • Supporting and advising local teams in designing and conducting baseline surveys. • Advising project managers in their R&D strategy and resources; Framing objectives to reach; Proposing a comprehensive methodology and milestones to reach the objectives • Organising and animating trainings in specific areas of expertise • Supervising the work to reach the terms of reference expected results in collaboration with the Project Manager • Participating in Capacity-building of the team • Reporting to the Project Manager and Country Director
Structure the technical expertise in Central Asia (20%) The Innovation expert is responsible for the coordination and production of actions & documents to facilitate and strengthen the technical knowledge transfer between the missions within the Central Asia region. He is focal point of GERES Expertise pool – PEX (under HQ dotted line management): • Mapping the technical knowledge • Developing methodologies for R&D and fostering their implementation
• Management/monitoring of regional database • Animating and Fostering of the knowledge transfer • Taking part in GERES PEX network and tools • Participating in framing proposals for new projects/programmes • Providing technical input for the strategy process
• Management/monitoring of regional database • Animating and Fostering of the knowledge transfer • Taking part in GERES PEX network and tools • Participating in framing proposals for new projects/programmes • Providing technical input for the strategy process
Technology watch and animate the R&D (15%) As Innovation Expert, (s)he has to keep himself up-to-date GERES’ activities : • Being in charge of the technical watch on topics linked to GERES activities • Looking at other existing solutions to enable constructive comparisons and enhance existing solutions • Being in charge of the Research & Development animation & process
- CANDIDATE PROFILE Compulsory skills: Rigor, capacity of adaptation, empathy, patience, diplomacy, team-working spirit, stress resilience.
Education : University degree in a relevant field such as Energies & processes engineering Master, Master related to setting up & management of research and development cycle.
Experience : Minimum of 5-year of working experience in cross-cultural relief and development projects required; including a minimum of 2 years in Project management. Experience in developing an innovative product/technique Field work experience an asset International work experience (especially in developing countries) Knowledge of environment, energy efficiency & saving, bioclimatic constructions an asset Knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation systems and methodologies would be a plus.
Technical skills : Mastery in technical R&D processes or Mastery in Energy / thermal engineering Technical pedagogical skills and capacity to adapt it to the people. Excellent oral and written communication skills Editorial skills, ability to analyse and summarize information (be synthetic and clear) Very good interpersonal skills and ability to work with multi-cultural teams
Languages : Fluent in English and French mandatory Local languages (Dari/Farsi, Russian) would be appreciated
Computer skills : Computer literacy with command of : - MS Office Suite, mail; - Technical software: Design and Engineering software (Sketchup, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD...), thermic software (TRNSYS, Energy Plus…).
Personal skills : Very motivated by challenges Responsive, dynamic, analytical mindset and autonomous Organised and able to prioritize Knowledge of Islamic environment and Central Asia context would be appreciated. Capacity to travel to remote areas
- CONDITIONS • Status: CDDU (French expatriate contract) • Duration: 18 Months, renewable • Start date: January – February 2013 • Gross month salary: 2000 € to 2400 € according to experience • Living Allowance: $300 per month or 300€ per month depending on the location • Other Benefits: depending on the location; Health and repatriation insurance; yearly round-trip to home country • Location: Kabul (Afghanistan) or Dushanbe (Tajikistan) with frequent visits in Central Asia region (Mongolia, India...) • Living conditions: Mountainous climate (warm in summer, cold in winter)
How to apply:
Contact: GERES HR department To apply: Please send resume and cover letter by mail torecrutement@geres.eu (Please do not call) Reference to specify: GAF.OB.121020.JD-Innovation Expert Web site: www.geres.eu
