Reporting to:

REnew Pacific Project Manager

Work location:

Buka with frequent travel to the field

Department:

Program Operations

Budget holder:

No

Grade

5

Direct reports:

N/A

Save the Children is no ordinary not-for-profit.

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), Save the Children implements programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance, and livelihoods. Save the Children’s program portfolio includes education, including a project for solarization of selected schools in Bougainville.

RENew Pacific Construction Engineer

Role Purpose

Reporting to the REnew Pacific Project Manager in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), the REnew Pacific Construction Engineer is responsible for the quality assurance and technical coordination of civil, structural, and electrical construction activities associated with the installation of mini-grid solar systems in schools in Bougainville. The role will ensure that all infrastructure works are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable engineering standards, donor requirements, environmental and social safeguards, and local/national regulations. The REnew Pacific Construction Engineer will also work in close collaboration with Construction Electrical Services (CES) Ltd., which will provide the solar facilities for each school.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Design

• Review and validate site assessments, engineering designs, drawings, and technical specifications in collaboration with CES ensuring safety and quality.
• Assess school infrastructure to determine readiness for solar installations and identify any required remedial works in collaboration with CES.
• Verify structural adequacy of rooftops and mounting locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in collaboration with CES and propose adjustments as needed / feasible.
• Contribute to project implementation plans, schedules, budgets, and procurement specifications, helping to ensure plans are realistic to ensure safe, quality structural works.
• Support the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs), technical scopes of work, and tender documentation, providing technical input as needed for all relevant procurement.

Construction Supervision

• Supervise contractors and subcontractors undertaking construction and installation activities including CES and other subcontractors as needed / relevant.
• Monitor progress against approved work plans and construction schedules and communicate issues as and when they arise, offering technical advice as relevant.
• Ensure construction works comply with approved drawings, technical specifications, and quality standards, highlighting any challenges as they arise.
• Conduct regular site inspections and document progress through reports, photographs, and field records.
• Verify quality and quantity of works completed prior to approval of contractor payments.

Solar Infrastructure Oversight

• Coordinate installation of solar PV systems, battery storage, inverters, electrical distribution systems, and associated infrastructure in collaboration with CES.
• Ensure all solar installations comply with relevant electrical and safety standards.
• Verify system commissioning, testing, and performance prior to handover together with CES.
• Support development of operation and maintenance procedures for installed systems and collaborate with CES to provide training and coaching to Energy Focal Points.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Implement quality control and quality assurance procedures throughout project execution in line with global technical standards and national / local regulations.
• Ensure that all structural works are compliant with project environmental, social, health, and safety requirements.
• Monitor contractor adherence to workplace health and safety standards.
• Address/ highlight technical issues and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
• Ensure all project documentation is complete and properly maintained in line with donor requirements and Save the Children policies and procedures.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with school administrators, community leaders, government counterparts, contractors, suppliers, and project partners, particularly CES.
• Facilitate site meetings and technical coordination sessions in collaboration with CES.
• Support community engagement activities related to construction and related project activities, particularly with respect to facility operation and management.
• Represent the project during technical inspections and stakeholder consultations and provide technical input / information during donor and senior management visits.
• Co-facilitate and assist with community, committee and school meetings as needed.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare weekly and monthly progress reports.
• Maintain construction records across the entire cycle, ensuring that all records are well maintained and audit friendly.
• Contribute technical inputs to donor and management reports, including photos as relevant.
• Identify risks related to infrastructure, environmental and social safeguards, resource management, and compliance, and work with the project team to proffer mitigation measures.
• Work with the country office to ensure that adequate controls are in place across construction activities to mitigate against loss, mismanagement or theft.

Capability Building

• Provide technical mentoring to contractors, technicians, and project staff where appropriate.
• Co-facilitate and assist with training of Energy Management Committees, Focal Points, and school representatives on infrastructure maintenance and management
• Promote local workforce participation and skills development.

General

• Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Embody the Save the Children values in practice of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. Work according to Save the Children’s mandate and child focus.
• Work according to any other duties as assigned by the individual’s supervisor.

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.
• Maintain compliance with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and PSEAH policies and reporting processes among staff and volunteers.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating highest standards of behavior towards children in private and professional life.
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people.
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training. Act safely at all times.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities, and we value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision.

Person Specification

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. Here are some of the specific skills and experiences you’ll bring in this role:

Mandatory Qualifications and Accreditations

• Bachelor’s degree in in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Registration with a recognized professional engineering body is desirable. Strong knowledge of construction management principles and engineering standards.
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant engineering and construction supervision experience – particularly in solar infrastructure. Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure projects in remote or challenging environments.
• Demonstrated experience with renewable energy, solar PV systems, electrical infrastructure, or rural electrification projects. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Experience working with donor-funded development projects, NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations is an advantage.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and construction reporting tools. Experience using AutoCAD or similar engineering software is desirable.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal skills in English for reports and communications documents. Ability to present complex information in a succinct manner. Proficiency in Tok Pisin.
• Proven ability to work effectively with government and diverse partners and stakeholders at all levels from regional to community, and to provide training as needed.
• Able to think strategically, prioritize, problem-solve, and meet deadlines in a complex and challenging environment.
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and negotiate clearly and effectively at all levels; must be culturally sensitive.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic with a high degree of flexibility with respect to working hours; ability to effectively plan and manage own time under pressure.
• Ability to work in challenging environments and varying weather conditions, with frequent travel to remote school locations in Bougainville.

Additional Information

• Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check
• Employees must sign on to Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against Key Performance Indicators, values, and demonstrated behaviors outlined above.
• Save the Children in PNG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Save the Children Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

How to Apply:

Your application should include a cover letter (2 pages maximum) together with a current CV and contact details of two recent referees, Certificates and current Police Clearance Certificate obtained in the last 12 months.

Interested Candidates are invited to submit their applications via email to: [email protected]

Please address your application to:

The People & Culture Manager, Save the Children, PNG

PO Box 503, Port Moresby, NCD

• Applications are encouraged from candidates residing in the advertised location(s)
• Candidates from other locations are welcome to apply; however, any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Application Deadline: Monday 24 August 2026. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.