Power Systems Modeling Researcher: MCC Energy Storage Evaluation

Power Systems Modeling Researcher: MCC Energy Storage Evaluation

Social Impact, Inc. (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Proposal Objective:

SI is pursuing a contract to conduct an evaluation of the MCC Kosovo Energy Storage Evaluation. The Project is comprised of three Activities (more details at the following link: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/kosovo-compact/):

1.     Frequency Restoration Response (FRR) Activity,

2.     Multi-Functional Energy Storage (MFES) Activity, and

3.     Energy Policy Support (EPS) Activity

The Evaluator will be contracted to meet MCC’s accountability and learning requirements as detailed in MCC’s M&E Policy (Policy for Monitoring and Evaluation of Compact and Threshold Programs) and as supplemented by MCC’s Evaluation Management Guidance (Evaluation Management Guidance). The evaluation will include key information interviews, power modeling, as well as analysis of secondary data sources, including:   

• Detailed design studies and implementation reports;
• Materials, reports, and data related to the construction and outfitting of BESS and the training of staff;
• Administrative data provided by KOSTT related to capacity reserved, activated reserves, imbalances, and arbitrage
• BESS Battery Management System (BMS), Energy Management System (EMS), and Power Conversion System (PCS) administrative data provided by BESS entities
• Administrative data provided by various Government of Kosovo entities responsible for energy regulation, human and natural systems impact for BESS and utility-scale variable energy resources; and
• Administrative data accessed through ENTSO-E's transparency platform.

Position Description:

SI is seeking a part-time Power Systems Modeling Researcher (PSMR) to support the evaluation. The PSMR will provide technical expertise, including modeling demand and frequency response. Across baseline, interim, and endline data collection, the PSMR will contribute to the work plan, evaluation design report, design and revision of data collection materials, data collection activities, data analysis, and the production of reporting. The PSMR will conduct electricity grid modeling with and without project scenarios.  The PSMR will report to the Team Leader and advise on proposal design as applicable. They will work closely with other members of the evaluation team to support deliverable production.

This will be a part-time position based remotely for the duration of the contract, contingent upon contract award. The overall anticipated period of performance of this contract is as follows:

• Base Period: January 2025 - September 2026
• Option Period 1: September 2026 - September 2029
• Optional Option Period 2: September 2027 - September 2030
• Option Period 3: September 2029 – September 2033

While the Contract will be awarded for the Base and Option Periods, the exercise of the option periods is at the sole discretion of MCC.

Please submit your CV in English for best consideration of your candidacy. CVs must not exceed a maximum of 5 pages.

Responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise in all areas of the evaluation and in all relevant evaluation deliverables and methods.
• Support data collection, including the use of key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and the collection of administrative data.
• Lead the power systems modeling component of the evaluation.
• Contribute to quantitative data analysis.
• Contribute to drafting project deliverables, including: the evaluation work plan, evaluation design report, data collection materials and their revision, baseline internal memo, interim report, final report, and data documentation package.
• Contribute to the preparation and presentation of the key evaluation findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ensure quality work in all deliverables and implement quality assurance processes in coordination with the Mission and Social Impact.
• Work closely with Social Impact and communicate in a timely and effective manner with all evaluation team members. 

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field such as electrical engineering;
• Excellent oral communication and report writing skills in English;
• At least seven years of professional experience, including modeling demand and frequency response;

Desired Qualifications:

• Past experience with MCC/MCA Compacts or Projects.
• Past experience working in Kosovo or other Eastern European countries.

Come join our energetic and innovative team!  We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world. To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website.

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.