What's the context and purpose of the role?

The Environmental Foundation for Africa (EFA) aims to protect and restore the environment in West Africa. The agency believes that for development to be sustainable, the environment must be taken strongly into account. EFA is currently focusing on developing renewable energies in Sierra Leone. As a Solar Energy Adviser you'll expand the country's solar power programme, particularly in solar water pumping for agriculture, solar battery recharging for communities and small-scale solar lighting for schools.

What does the role involve?

• Creating a strategic plan for EFA's Sierra Leone Solar Energy Programme
• Researching different potential users of solar energy in Sierra Leone and identifying where solar power can be implemented
• Developing links with the Forah Bay College electrical engineering department and training students in a range of Solar power development skills
• Identifying potential donors for solar energy projects

What skills, experience and personal qualities are needed for the role?

You'll have an engineering degree or equivalent and have experience of installing solar power systems, preferably in a local authority context. Management experience and the ability to develop strategic plans are essential, as is the capacity to work effectively in a cross-cultural environment. You'll need a positive, pro-active attitude and have excellent communication and inter-personal skills. Patience, flexibility and a good sense of humour are important traits in all VSO volunteers!

And the rest…

Sierra Leone borders Liberia to the southeast, the Republic of Guinea to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. The people of Sierra Leone are naturally very friendly and accommodating and greeting is part of Sierra Leonean culture. When meeting people you know, it is polite to enquire about their, and their family's well being in great detail! You'll be based in Lakka, a seaside village just 30km drive from the Capital Freetown. At Lakka, there are a number of small bars and restaurants on a wide sandy beach. Nearby Freetown is known for it's beautiful scenery and natural beaches and boasts a wide range of shops, markets and leisure facilities.

We'll ask you to commit to 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we'll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local salary, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll help you to resettle and many of our returned volunteers stay involved with us long after their placement ends. www.vso.org.uk/volunteering

To apply please go to http://www.vso.org.uk/volunteering/stepthree/ and complete our online application form or call us on 0208 780 7500 to request a paper application form.