[Hiring] Consultant - Agri-PV System Design @International Water Management Institute

Role Description

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is seeking a qualified consulting organization to undertake the Agri-PV System Design Consultancy under the SoLAR Phase II Project. The selected consulting organization will support the development of agrivoltaics in Bangladesh by combining international engineering expertise with local hydro-agronomic knowledge. The assignment includes:

• Conducting Agri-PV system simulations to optimize clean energy generation under Bangladesh’s solar irradiance conditions.
• Developing calibrated crop growth models using empirical agronomic data, including photosynthetic light-response analysis of selected high-value vegetable crops under varying direct and diffuse light conditions.

Objectives of the Assignment

• Assess the technical feasibility of integrating Agri-PV systems with existing and new solar irrigation pump infrastructure in Bangladesh.
• Optimize Agri-PV system designs through engineering simulations to maximize clean energy generation under local climatic conditions.
• Evaluate crop performance under Agri-PV systems by developing calibrated crop growth models based on field-generated agronomic data and light-response analyses.
• Provide technical recommendations for pilot implementation and scaling of Agri-PV systems, integrating engineering and agricultural considerations to support sustainable deployment in Bangladesh.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consulting organization will develop a comprehensive Agri-PV design package covering two pilot models in Bangladesh:

• Pilot 1: Retrofit of an existing multi-leg solar PV structure at the ESDO Gorgori site in Alamdanga.
• Pilot 2: Design of a new elevated monopole Agri-PV structure for a second ESDO site.

The consultancy will be structured around four interconnected work packages:

• Agronomic Design Simulation
• PV Layout and Energy Optimization
• Structural Design and Engineering
• Business Model and Scale-Up Inputs

Deliverables

• Inception Note and Design Basis - Summary of site data, assumptions, modelling approach, crop selection methodology, PV design parameters, and identified data gaps for both pilot sites.
• Agronomic and Light Simulation Report - PAR modelling, seasonal light distribution analysis (Rabi, Kharif-I, and Kharif-II), crop suitability assessment, shading analysis, and recommended crop shortlist.
• PV Layout and Energy Optimization Report - Optimized PV configurations, energy generation scenarios, irrigation-energy integration assessment, bifacial gain analysis, and layout comparisons.
• Structural Design and Engineering Package - Retrofit design and structural modification package for Pilot 1, and detailed monopole design package for Pilot 2, including wind load analysis, foundation assessment, drawings, specifications, and reinforcement recommendations.
• Business Model and Cost Inputs Note - Energy yield estimates, cost benchmarking for retrofit and new-build options, key cost drivers, and inputs for financial viability and scale-up assessments, including net-metering considerations.
• Final Integrated Technical Report - A consolidated report covering agronomic analysis, PV layout optimization, energy performance, structural design, cost considerations, risks, and final recommendations for both pilot sites.

Qualifications

• Valid company registration certificate in the country of incorporation.
• Company profile indicating legal status, year of establishment, office locations, and areas of expertise.
• Valid Tax Registration Certificate (where applicable).

Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in solar PV system design, including ground-mounted and elevated structures.
• Proven experience in Agri-PV design, including structural design, agronomic assessment, crop simulation, and energy yield analysis.
• Experience working in South Asia or comparable agro-climatic contexts, preferably Bangladesh or India.

Benefits

• This is a national hired consultancy; therefore, firms with relevant abilities are encouraged to apply.
• IWMI offers a competitive rate for this assignment.
• The duration of the contract will be for a period of two (02) months.

How to Apply

Apply for the position by following the application instructions at www.iwmi.org/jobs . We will be accepting applications through 24:00 (IST) on August 17, 2026 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis). Your application must include the following:

• Company Profile
• Certificate of Incorporation
• CVs of key personnel
• Technical Proposal
• Financial Proposal
• Proposed implementation schedule
• Relevant project references, which may be contacted if you are shortlisted
• Additional supporting documents demonstrating relevant expertise in the sector

Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.