The result of services is to support the Energy and Climate Branch in the implementation of the District Energy in Cities Initiative work-stream globally. This will be through assisting with activities of administrative, analytical and technical nature, including a) supporting the District Energy in Cities Initiative Secretariat with administrative tasks (including the preparation of reporting material), b) undertake research and support the development of global knowledge products and tools, c) support the implementation of activities in the pilot cities and countries, d) support awareness raising and communications activities, and e) support the development of funding proposals.
Remote
6 months with possibility of extension
A consultant is needed to perform tasks of a technical, organizational and analytical nature, as part of the District Energy in Cities Initiative (DES Initiative) secretariat, in close cooperation with the Cities Unit team. This position is home based.
The DES Initiative is a multi-stakeholder partnership, launched in 2014, and coordinated by UN Environment programme (UNEP) that assists developing countries and cities to accelerate their transition to lower-carbon and climate resilient societies through promoting modern district energy. Since its launch, the initiative has grown to a partnership of 43 partners working across 4 pilot countries and 10 replication countries.
The consultant’s assignment is to technically support the Economy Division’s Energy and Climate Branch in the implementation phase of the District Energy in Cities Initiative, and contribute to the achievement of the initiatives’ goals and targets by providing support in the implementation of activities, assisting with reporting tasks, doing research for the development of knowledge products and tools, and supporting awareness raising and communications efforts.
The tasks will be executed in close cooperation with UNEP regional and country offices, and UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre
Skills:Has some knowledge of district energy technology, policies and financial instruments, and some experience in energy project development in coordination with a large number of multi-stakeholders. Possesses strong analytical skills and the ability to proactively seek and identify relevant lessons and case studies. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence and flexibility when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
Academic Qualifications:Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in Energy Policy, Engineering, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Physics, or a similar discipline is preferable. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:A minimum of two years in a relevant field of work, preferably with a focus on energy, cities and the environment. Practical experience in multi-stakeholder project development, financing, partnership building, and administration, preferably within the sustainable energy context is desired. Experience in working with developing countries and the GEF, GCF and/or NAMA is an asset. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
Language:English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English is required, French and/or Spanish is an advantage.
The overall objective of this assignment is to technically support the Economy Division’s Energy and Climate Branch in the implementation of the District Energy in Cities Initiative work-stream globally.
The assignment will contribute to: the achievement of the District Energy Initiative’s goals and targets by supporting the successful demonstration of district energy in chosen pilot cities, supporting knowledge product development and replication of project activities, and assisting the Secretariat with reporting tasks and communications tasks.
The consultant will provide support in the following areas:
1)Support the implementation of activities in pilot cities and countries, including:
-Do research and collect information for the drafting of methodologies, ToRs, tools, training material and case studies
-Support the engagement of partners including establishing links between learning cities and champion cities and partners.
-Organize capacity building activities
-Review and provide input to technical assessments and reports
2) Support the District Energy Initiative’s Secretariat with administrative tasks and global awareness raising and communications activities, including:
-Support reporting tasks
-Support the drafting of MoUs, and due diligence with partners when required.
-Support the development of funding proposals
-Support coordination and engagement of global partners
-Assist in the organization of the annual partners meeting and global awareness raising events
-Coordinate engagement of partners in awareness raising activities
-Draft communications material and update the Initiative’s website with new content
3) Support data collection and research for the development of knowledge products and tools:
-Support the logistics of the organization global training webinars on topics based on pilot country needs and knowledge gaps
-Do research and collect data to support the drafting of global technical knowledge products, tools and methodologies using the Initiative’s Technical Taskforce of partners
4) Review, provide technical inputs and support the drafting of technical assessments and reports produced by the Initiative:
-Undertake stakeholder consultations and coordinate the collection of inputs from partners on technical assessments and reports.
-Coordinate the review process, provide technical input and support the drafting of technical assessments, policy briefings and reports produced by the Initiative
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.