Renewable Energy Grid Integration Specialist - Jamaica

Tetra Tech is Leading with Science® to implement clean energy projects and policies that advance global climate and decarbonization goals. We advise on national energy transition initiatives and structure finance to deploy clean energy solutions. We help create sustainable utilities and modern power grids. We promote equality and inclusivity in the global energy sector. We improve lives and livelihoods in the biggest cities and smallest villages, and at the intersection of energy-health and energy-water-food.

Through the Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) program, USAID and Tetra Tech help partner countries power economies, meet international climate commitments, and strengthen energy security via private investment in, and competitive procurement of, clean electricity. USAID is supporting the Government of Jamaica in planning and executing renewable energy (RES) and battery storage (BESS) auctions to achieve its target of 50 percent renewable energy in the electricity sector by 2030.

We are seeking an experienced Renewable Energy Grid Integration Specialist to support the planning and execution phase of an upcoming auction. The successful candidate must be based in Jamaica or be able travel to Jamaica for occasional work meetings. Tetra Tech values a diverse workplace and strives to achieve gender equality.

The Specialist will:

• Auction Planning Phase
  • Attend meetings with Jamaica’s Generation Procurement Entity (GPE) and GPE assigned professionals to support with technical knowledge on RES and/or BESS grid integration.
  • Review technical studies conducted by third parties related to RES and/or BESS grid integration.
  • Evaluate external comments on GPE's proposed transaction structure and Jamaica’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP-2) related to RES and/or BESS grid integration.
  • Review draft bidding documents (RfP, PPA, interconnection agreement) with a focus on RES and/or BESS grid integration aspects.
  • Review of regulatory requirements for energy storage.
  • Review evaluation criteria and methodology for the ranking of bidders’ proposals and make recommendations for improvements to future procurement processes.
  • Support the preparation of communication materials for stakeholders for the auction launch with technical knowledge.
• Auction Execution Phase
  • Attend bid evaluation team meetings. The Specialist shall function as a member of a bid evaluation team complemented by GPE assigned professionals.
  • Evaluate project proposals with respect to RES and/or BESS grid integration aspects.
  • Utilize own DigiSILENT PowerFactory software and interconnection data/cost estimates from bidders to analyze shortlisted projects per RFP guidelines.
  • Verify information submitted by applicants.
  • Write to bidders for clarifications where necessary in accordance with the provisions of the RFP.
  • Review proposals to determine responsiveness to the RfP and advise on proposals which are not substantially responsive, outlining the basis for such.
  • Review and comment on documentation from relevant government and statutory organizations in connection with approvals and permits for construction and licensing of projects.
  • Review and comment on projects technical feasibility reports for soundness, grid impacts and for compliance with the electricity sector grid codes and other applicable standards.
  • Draft a grid impact assessment report that includes:
    • Results of assessments performed, including gap analysis.
    • Recommendations for projects with minimal transmission system impact, with justifications.
  • Review and comment on proposed project implementation schedule.
  • Rank selected proposals and outline the basis for such rankings.
  • Contribute to the preparation of a detailed bid evaluation report, covering proposal details, evaluation outcomes, and bidder rankings.
  • Assist with the preparation and presentation of bid evaluation results to the GPE management and key stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• Professional experience and track record working in the utility, generation, and/or transmission/distribution sector of at least 10 years.
• Advanced degree in electrical engineering or similar field.
• At least eight years of experience with energy flow modeling, specifically renewable energy integration and grid impact studies.
• Access to a valid DIgSILENT PowerFactory software license to conduct case studies.
• Ability to read and interpret data from software such as PTI PSS/E, DIgSILENT, and PLEXOS.
• Strong project management and coordination skills.
• Fluency in the English language with excelling verbal and written reporting and communication skills.

Preferred but Not Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulation relevant to Jamaica’s electricity sector is an asset.
• Experience with the integration of utility scale BESS projects in transmission and/or distribution grids.
• Familiarity with working on donor-funded projects.

Please note that this call for Renewable Energy Grid Integration Specialist is an ongoing expression of interest and not a direct employment opportunity. Interested Specialists will be engaged as short-term, specialized needs arise.

To submit your interest, please utilize the “Apply with LinkedIn” option.