Description
Background
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UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Office/Unit/Project Description:
The UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme is an integrated approach to address Ukraine’s needs to accelerate efforts towards a more diverse energy mix, following the impact of the war and outdated energy system, with less dependence on gas and coal generation. It has been designed based on extensive consultations with the Government of Ukraine, local and regional authorities, and thorough analysis of barriers and instruments for green energy sector recovery. The Programme supports achieving mid-term objectives and priorities indicated in the National Energy Strategy, contributing to energy security and independence, supporting a green recovery and transition of the energy sector, promoting decarbonisation and facilitating further synchronisation with the EU energy markets.
The Programme expands the scope of UNDP’s engagement in supporting reconstruction and recovery of the energy system, building on the partnerships, results and lessons learned under the multi-donor funded project “Winterization support to Ukraine”. In line with the priorities of UN Ukraine Transitional Framework 2023 and UN Winterization plans of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, UNDP is herein providing immediate and emergency support to the national and local governments to repair energy infrastructure in order to provide critical basic services to the population in war-affected areas.
The Green Energy Recovery Programme will contribute to distributing generation sources throughout the country and decentralizing the power system while increasing the share of renewable energy sources in an effort to contribute to gradually reducing coal generation, in line with Ukraine’s national commitments in reducing Co2 emissions. This will have significant positive impact on people’s access to energy from decentralized renewable energy capacities, economic empowerment, improved public governance of the energy sector, and decreased pollution rates. Outputs under the key objectives will thereby contribute to implementation of Ukraine’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) towards the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in the effort for global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable energy solutions provided through the pilot projects aligns with the UNDP nexus approach, contributing to risk reduction and increasing resilience of sub-national energy systems in war-affected communities in Ukraine. By increasing energy supply in the medium term and contributing to decentralization of the energy system, the proposed Project will furthermore reduce pressure on humanitarian aid for heat, water, and sanitation services, all which depend on electricity supply, in the war affected areas and reduce the vulnerabilities of the energy systems.
In order to ensure effective project implementation and achievement of project objectives of this and the other related projects in the Energy and Environment portfolio, UNDP is recruiting a qualified Programme Specialist / Technical Component Lead) (Renewables – Solar) who will be primarily responsible for ensuring that the project delivers the expected results as outlined in the project document, adhering to the required standards of quality, and within the defined time and budget constraints.
The incumbent will ensure mainstreaming of gender equality within the project, support acceleration of gender equality and women’s empowerment within the UNDP Energy and Environment Portfolio and promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance for any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.
Summary of key functions:
1. Project Delivery - To ensure that the project achieves the defined outputs and outcomes within the specified timeframes and budget:
- Support development, design and implementation of solar power projects (SPPs) in Ukraine.
- Coordinate the construction process of SPPs from the initial planning stage to the final commissioning, ensuring that deadlines and budgets are met.
- Oversee and manage the team of experts and consultants involved in providing technical, legal, financial, and other support for the implementation of SPPs.
- Work closely with central and local authorities to identify critically necessary projects that will ensure energy security, resilience, and sustainability.
- Evaluate technical and financial proposals for SPPs and determine the most effective solutions for each individual community.
- Coordinate the implementation of SPP projects in communities using various financial tools in Ukraine (ESCO-mechanism, Decarbonization Fund, PPP, etc.), including:
- Assisting in selecting potential sites and preparing preliminary feasibility studies (PFS), including cost, benefit, economic viability, and technical feasibility assessments, to attract appropriate funding;
- Support with the preparation and execution of tender procedures, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements in Ukraine;
- Supporting all stages of financial tool implementation, from developing technical requirements to signing contracts and monitoring their performance;
- Assisting in evaluating the performance of implemented SPPs and providing recommendations for improving future projects.
2. Quality Assurance - Maintain the quality of deliverables, ensuring alignment with the agreed project standards and objectives:
- Ensure that all projects comply with Ukrainian regulations and international standards in the field of renewable energy.
- Analyze innovative solutions in solar energy and integrate new technologies into projects to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Support the management and oversight of contract performance, ensuring effective implementation and achieving the expected energy efficiency, sustainability, and resilience targets.
- Provide advice on legal, tendering, and financial aspects of agreements, including preparing necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with Ukrainian and international standards;
3. Monitoring and Reporting - Provide regular updates to portfolio and office management through comprehensive reporting on project progress, including key milestones and risks:
- Monitor and report on project progress, including effectiveness, risks, and potential delays.
- Conduct impact assessments of SPP projects on the environment and local economy, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions and saving energy costs.
4. Risk Management:
- Identify potential risks related to the implementation of SPPs, including delays, challenges, and other obstacles.
5. Collaboration and Coordination - Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to align solar energy projects with project goals:
- Interact with local authorities and public utilities to integrate SPPs into community development strategies.
- Organize training programs for public utilities staff and public building personnel on the operation and maintenance of SPPs.
- Maintain dialogue with the public and stakeholders through public presentations, information campaigns, and consultations to raise awareness of the benefits of SPPs.
- Promote gender equality and inclusivity within SPP projects by encouraging women's participation in planning and implementation processes.
6. Compliance - Ensure adherence to all relevant policies, regulations, and sustainability criteria for financial mechanisms:
- Ensure adherence to Ukrainian and international policies, regulations, and sustainability criteria throughout the project’s lifecycle.
- Ensure that legal, tendering, and contractual processes align with UNDP rules and procedures.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement:
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Programme Specialist / Technical Component Lead (Renewables – Solar) is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of solar energy projects for public buildings and public utilities in Ukrainian cities using various financial instruments (grants, ESCO mechanism, Decarbonization Fund, and others).
This role includes overseeing all processes and stages of support, including grant assistance (monitoring design, equipment procurement, construction, commissioning, and staff training), technical support for applying various instruments (overseeing feasibility study development, preparing and conducting tender procedures, providing advice on legal, tendering, and financial aspects of agreements, including preparing necessary documentation), as well as coordinating experts and consultants. The Programme Specialist / Technical Component Lead (Renewables – Solar) will also evaluate technical and financial proposals, coordinate the use of national financial instruments, promote gender inclusivity, and analyze innovative solar technologies.
Core Competencies
| Achieve Results: |
LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact |
| Think Innovatively: |
LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems |
| Learn Continuously: |
LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences |
| Adapt with Agility: |
LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands |
| Act with Determination: |
LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results |
| Engage and Partner: |
LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion: |
LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity |
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
| Thematic Area |
Name |
Definition |
| Business Direction and strategy |
System Thinking |
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
|
| Business Management |
Risk Management |
Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks
|
| Business Development |
Knowledge Facilitation |
Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange |
| Partnership management |
IFI Partnerships |
Knowledge and understanding of IFIs (strategies, approaches, processes and systems) |
| Partnership management |
Private sector engagement |
Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector |
| 2030 Agenda: Partnerships |
Sustainable Energy Hub
|
Solar Energy
|
Min. Education requirements
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Administration, Project Management, Business Administration, Renewable Energy (preferably related to solar energy), Engineering is required, or
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the Master’s degree.
Min. years of relevant work experience
- Minimum of 5 years (with a Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in implementing energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects for public buildings and public utilities, as well as solar power station projects in the municipal sector using national financial instruments.
Required skills
- Proficiency in the use of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems is an advantage.
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
- Experience in collaboration with local communities and public utilities, as well as experience in cooperation and maintaining high-level contacts with the Government and Municipal Bodies will be considered as a strong advantage.
- Experience of work with national financial instruments (ESCO mechanism, Decarbonization Fund, etc.) for implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects will be an asset;
- Proven prior experience of providing professional or advisory services to the government (or national counterparts) and/or reputable international organizations will be an advantage;
- Experience of work with UNDP or other UN agencies in the relevant areas will be considered an advantage.
Required Language(s)
- Fluent in English and Ukrainian is required
Disclaimer
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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