Consultant – Solar PV and Battery Waste Management

1. Your New Organization

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an intergovernmental organization of 125 Member Countries working to accelerate the deployment of solar energy to achieve universal energy access, energy security, and a sustainable, low-carbon future. Co-founded by India and France under the Paris Agreement, ISA serves as a platform for cooperation among solar rich nations to mobilize investments, build capacity, and promote innovation in solar energy deployment across the Global South. Its mission is to unlock solar investments by 2030, while reducing technology and financing costs. Through initiatives across agriculture, health, transport, and power generation, ISA Member Countries are driving change by shaping policies, sharing best practices, setting standards, and mobilising investments.

2. About the program

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is implementing Programme 8 – Solar PV and Battery Waste Management to support its Member Countries in addressing the growing challenge of end-of-life (EoL) management of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems. The programme promotes safe, environmentally sound, and economically viable approaches for collection, recycling, repurposing, and disposal, aligned with circular economy principles.

In line with this objective, ISA launched SUNRISE – Solar Upcycling Network for Recycling Innovation and Stakeholder Engagement at the ISA Assembly 2025 as a global platform to convene stakeholders, share best practices, and accelerate collaboration on solar and battery waste management. ISA is currently operationalising SUNRISE as a key delivery mechanism under Programme 8, including the establishment and long-term sustenance of a SUNRISE Community of Practice (CoP).

To support Programme 8 implementation and the operationalisation of SUNRISE, ISA seeks to engage a Consultant – Solar PV and Battery Waste Management.

3. Objective of the Assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide technical, analytical, and coordination support to ISA’s Programme 8 activities, with a specific responsibility for operationalising and sustaining the SUNRISE platform and its Community of Practice. The consultant will support knowledge development, stakeholder engagement, policy inputs, and programme delivery across Member Countries, working in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment.

4. Scope of Work

The consultant will support Programme 8 and SUNRISE across the following areas:

A. Technical & Analytical Support

• Provide technical inputs on e-waste management, recycling systems, repurposing, refurbishment, and repowering of electronic or semiconductor goods, with relevance to solar PV modules and battery storage systems.

• Support assessments of waste management frameworks, recycling capacities, and technology readiness in Member Countries.

• Contribute to technical notes, analytical briefs, and background papers related to solar PV and battery waste management and circular economy approaches.

B. Policy & Regulatory Support

• Support development of policy guidance and regulatory frameworks for safe handling, collection, storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal of solar PV and battery waste.

• Assist in reviewing and benchmarking international regulations, standards, and compliance mechanisms related to e-waste and renewable energy waste streams.

• Provide country-specific policy inputs and advisory notes, as required.

C. Operationalisation of SUNRISE & Community of Practice

• Support the operationalisation of the SUNRISE platform, ensuring it functions as an effective coordination and knowledge-sharing mechanism under Programme 8.

• Lead the development, management, and long-term sustenance of the SUNRISE Community of Practice, including:

o Stakeholder onboarding and engagement

o Coordination of expert interactions and thematic discussions

o Documentation of outcomes and best practices

• Support organisation of roundtables, consultations, and working group meetings under SUNRISE. • Serve as a focal point for coordination between ISA, SUNRISE stakeholders, and partner organisations.

D. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Conduct stakeholder mapping across the solar and battery value chain, including manufacturers, recyclers, waste handlers, regulators, financiers, and technology providers.

• Engage with government agencies, private sector stakeholders, recyclers, industry associations, and international partners to support programme objectives.

• Translate stakeholder inputs into actionable technical and policy recommendations.

E. Knowledge Products & Programme Support

• Support development and delivery of knowledge products, including reports, guidelines, toolkits, case studies, and best-practice repositories related to solar PV and battery waste management.

• Contribute to technical materials, presentations, and session content for ISA-led engagements at regional and global platforms.

• Support documentation, reporting, and progress tracking for Programme 8 and SUNRISE activities.

F. Internal Coordination & Delivery Support

• Support ISA teams in planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of Programme 8 activities.

• Assist in preparation of concept notes, technical briefs, and partner engagement materials.

• Provide timely inputs across multiple parallel workstreams, adapting to evolving priorities and deadlines.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

Only those individuals who fulfil the following qualifying criteria are eligible to respond.

Essential:

• At least a master's degree with five years of work experience or a bachelor's degree with seven years of work experience with Environmental Engineering, Waste Management, Sustainability, Renewable Energy, Circular Economy, Energy Policy, or a related field from a recognised Institute or university.

• Minimum three years of professional experience in:

o E-waste management, recycling, refurbishment, or repowering of electronic goods

o Waste management systems, circular economy, or resource recovery initiatives

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement is mandatory, including working with government bodies, private sector entities, recyclers, industry associations, or international organisations.

• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts for diverse audiences—from technical experts to senior policymakers.

Desirable

• Experience in solar PV and/or battery waste management is highly advantageous.

• Experience working in intergovernmental, multilateral, or development programmes is an advantage.

6.Key Skills to thrive in the role

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-tasking environment.

• Strong coordination and facilitation skills, particularly for Communities of Practice and multi-stakeholder platforms.

• Excellent drafting, communication, and presentation abilities.

• Capacity to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse teams.

• Adaptability and agility to respond to evolving technologies and priorities.

• Strong organisational and work-planning skills to ensure timely delivery.

7. Reporting & Supervision

The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme 8 – Lead under Technology Roadmap and Policy Unit, ISA Secretariat, and will coordinate closely with relevant internal teams and SUNRISE stakeholders.