Background
UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to end poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, as well as protect the planet, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, these efforts aim to ensure that improvements in human wellbeing remain within ecological boundaries. We also help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities and institutional capabilities, as well as build resilience, in order to achieve the SDGs. ย
UNDP China has been working in China over the past 40 years, partnering to advance various phases of Chinaโs development. UNDP Chinaโs actions and programmes for the period of 2021-2025 are defined in its Country Programme Document for China (CPD), prepared in cooperation with the Government of China and other partners. The CPD contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for China 2021-2025 and aligned to support the development priorities outlined in the Government of Chinaโs 14th Five Year Plan.
With only 5 years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the world needs bold, decisive actionโand we need you. Therefore, UNDP China is building a high-impact talent roster to bring together top-tier experts across critical fields. This is your chance to lead transformative projects, collaborate with UNDPโs portfolio managers, and drive real progress toward the SDGs in China. The selected the candidate will be assigned in one or more listed job responsibilities areas based on the actual needs of the office.ย
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Duties and Responsibilities
Provide technical advisory on Electric Vehicles related projects, support with project development and implementation.ย Evaluate technical specifications of e-vehicles and related sustainable products. Analyze the global market and acknowledge industry insights.Responsibilities:ย
Under the guidance and supervision of the Programme manager of the relevant portfolio, the E-Vehicles Technical Specialist provides global e-vehicle industry insights, technical evaluation for e-vehicles, and other relevant work in the following areas:
โข ย ย ย ย Provide expert guidance on e-mobility solutions (e-vehicles, charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, and micro-mobility) for UNDP projects, from design to implementation.
โข ย ย ย ย Advise on integration of e-mobility with renewable energy and smart urban planning in policy dialogues, workshops, and pilot projects.
โข ย ย ย ย Develop technical standards for e-mobility procurement (RFI/RFQ/ITB), ensuring alignment with sustainability and accessibility goals.
โข ย ย ย ย Serve as UNDPโs technical authority on e-mobility, bridging gaps between global best practices and local contexts. Market Analysis & Innovative Solutions
โข ย ย ย ย Conduct global and regional e-mobility assessments, identifying trends (e.g., battery tech, shared mobility) and risks (e.g., grid capacity, mineral sourcing).
โข ย ย ย ย Benchmark e-mobility vendors, policies, and business models (e.g., battery swapping, EV leasing) to recommend scalable solutions for developing countries.
โข ย ย ย ย Design financing strategies (e.g., green bonds, pay-as-you-go models) to accelerate e-mobility adoption in underserved communities.
โข ย ย ย ย Evaluate cross-cutting technologies (renewable energy integration, smart charging, circular battery systems) for SDG impact.
โข ย ย ย ย Ensure projects comply with emissions standards, energy efficiency norms, and equitable access principles. Strategic Partnerships & SDG Alignment
โข ย ย ย ย Advise on e-mobility solutions that advance SDG 7 (Energy Access), SDG 9 (Sustainable Transport), and SDG 11 (Inclusive Cities).
โข ย ย ย ย Build partnerships with governments, private sector (e.g., OEMs, utilities), and academia to scale UNDPโs e-mobility portfolio.
โข ย ย ย ย Lead knowledge-sharing initiatives (e.g., South-South exchanges) on inclusive e-mobility policies and gender-responsive design.
โข ย ย ย ย Support fundraising efforts by drafting technical proposals and demonstrating e-mobilityโs socio-economic co-benefits (jobs, air quality, etc.).
โข ย ย ย ย Advocate for pro-poor e-mobility policies (e.g., subsidies for electric buses, rickshaws) and address barriers (grid reliability, affordability).
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Competencies
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:ย 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 :
Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns. Business Management - Working with Evidence and Data: Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making Business Management - Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
โข Advanced university degree (masterโs degree or equivalent) in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required. OR
โข A first-level university degree (bachelorโs degree) In the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
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Experience:
โข Minimum 7 years (with Bachelorโs degree) or ย 5 years (with Mastersโs degree) of electric vehicles or relevant working experience is required.
โข ย Proficiency in the use of computers, office software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office), and web-based management systems.
โข Experience in market research, sourcing, or project management related to electric vehicles or sustainable automotive technologies is desirable.
โข ย Experience with online databases or data management tools specific to the automotive industry is an asset.
โข ย Basic knowledge of Quality Assurance (QA) processes or procurement practices in the automotive sector is a plus.
โข Familiarity with international automotive standards, such as ISO 26262 (Functional Safety for Road Vehicles) or other relevant standards is preferred.
โข ย Knowledge of sustainable transportation practices and emerging trends in electric vehicle technology is an asset.
Required Language(s) :
Fluency in both Chinese and English
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.The successful candidates will be awarded a retainer/short-termย agreement with UNDP China.
This retainer agreement will be issued for 12 months (with maximum 130 working days) during which the services of the contract holder are required intermittently.ย
The service will be used as needed, theย remuneration of retainerย agreement will be based on daily rate and the actual days worked.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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