Program Associate Energy Access and Livelihoods

Company Description

Customized Energy Solutions (CES), a privately-held company, is a leading service provider of market intelligence and operational support services to companies participating in the retail and wholesale electric and natural gas markets. Utilizing deep know-how developed since the inception of the deregulated energy markets, CES provides accurate & timely analysis on regulatory changes, market opportunities, and operational efficiencies for electricity and natural gas commodities. Join a rapidly growing company in an exciting and dynamic work environment. As one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in the Philadelphia region, Customized Energy Solutions offers an opportunity for significant professional growth.

Customized Energy Solutions Ltd. has been recognized regionally and nationally for its impressive and sustained growth, including INC. 500 | 5000 and The Philadelphia Business Journal as a Top 100 Companies in Philadelphia, Hall of Fame for five or more consecutive years. It was ranked as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Our team of associates at CES is highly motivated, innovative, and passionate about providing excellent Services to our clients. We look for individuals interested in growing with our company, and working in an exciting, open and collegial work environment. Our main office is in Philadelphia, with satellite offices in various U.S. states, Canada, Japan, India and Vietnam.

CES CAREs (Customized Applications for Rural Economies) and CES Foundation, initiatives of Customized Energy Solutions (CES) India, promote decentralized renewable energy (DRE) for inclusive rural growth. Operating across Meghalaya, Nagaland, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra, CES CAREs fosters rural innovation, micro-entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment through its “3I Framework” — Innovate, Include, Integrate.

In Africa, CES advances DRE and productive use of energy (PUE) solutions to strengthen livelihoods and climate resilience. Working with partners such as ENGIE Energy Access, Caritas Zambia, NRECA International, and JACANA, CES supports solar irrigation, livelihood centers, and mini-grid optimization. Its efforts across Zambia and East Africa focus on local capacity building, sustainable technology deployment, and ecosystem development — translating global expertise into scalable, community-driven models that link clean energy access with agriculture, water, and MSME development.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Solar Irrigation System Technician to join our team. This role requires technical expertise in solar-powered irrigation systems, as well as the ability to oversee and supervise the installation, maintenance, and operation of these systems. The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills, a passion for renewable energy, and experience managing and leading projects from inception to completion. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of solar irrigation systems, troubleshooting and repairing any issues, and ensure project timelines and quality standards are met.

Key Responsibilities:

Installation & Maintenance:

• Install, test, and maintain solar irrigation systems, including solar panels, pumps, controllers, and related infrastructure.
• Perform routine checks, inspections, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal system performance.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with both the solar and irrigation components, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient operation.
• Provide regular maintenance to solar panel systems, including cleaning, checking for damage, and optimizing performance.

Project Supervision:

• Supervise the planning, coordination, and execution of solar irrigation system installation projects.
• Ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.
• Oversee project implementation, ensuring effective resource allocation, safety compliance, and adherence to project schedules.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure clear communication and timely project delivery.
• Conduct site assessments and provide recommendations for system design and layout.

Technical Support & Troubleshooting:

• Provide on-site and remote technical support to customers and team members.
• Conduct diagnostics and resolve issues related to solar energy systems, pumps, and irrigation hardware/software.
• Prepare technical reports, including project progress updates, system performance evaluations, and incident reports.

Training & Development:

• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in solar irrigation systems and renewable energy solutions.
• Provide customer training on the use and maintenance of solar irrigation systems.

Quality & Safety Compliance:

• Ensure that all installations comply with safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Conduct safety audits and inspections to maintain a safe working environment.
• Implement quality control procedures to maintain the highest standards of service and workmanship.

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of installation and maintenance activities, including parts used, time logs, and service reports.
• Prepare project status reports for internal stakeholders and clients.
• Monitor and report on system performance to identify areas for improvement and propose solutions.

Qualifications

• A diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering, Water Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of solar-powered irrigation systems.
• Previous experience in supervising or managing projects in the renewable energy or agricultural sector is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of solar energy systems, irrigation systems, and electrical wiring.
• Familiarity with solar power system design, sizing, and optimization.
• Proficiency in using tools and for system diagnostics and monitoring.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with project scheduling, budget management, and team coordination.
• Certifications and a member of Engineers Institute of Zambia (EIZ) is prefered.
• Project management certifications (e.g., PMP) would be a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide effective solutions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with clients, stakeholders, and team members.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in managing project timelines, quality, and safety standards.
• Leadership: Ability to motivate and guide a team, ensuring collaboration and high performance.
• Customer-Focused: Commitment to providing excellent customer service and technical support.

Additional Information

Customized Energy Solutions offers competitive salary commensurate with experience. The role requires the ability to work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, occasional travel to project sites, and flexibility to work beyond standard hours based on project needs. This is a contractual position for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on organizational requirements and individual performance.

Customized Energy Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.