Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS hosts Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Secretariat/Programme in Vienna, Austria. Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an independent organization with a global mandate to accelerate progress on the energy transition in emerging and developing countries. We work at the intersection of energy, climate, and development. We collaborate with governments and partners worldwide to end energy poverty, accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions, and combat climate change.
Our vision is a world where everyone, everywhere, can lead a dignified life on a healthy planet, powered by sustainable energy. We promote this vision by pushing for higher ambitions, stronger policies, greater finance flows, increased localization and green jobs, and faster results toward an energy transition that leaves no one behind.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched the Sustainable Energy for All initiative in 2011. Since then, our CEO has served as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy.
SEforALL is also spearheading a significant project in Zambia, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). The project aims to scale up Zambiaโs mini-grid sector by establishing a comprehensive data baseline, validating the technical and financial feasibility of mini-grids, and activating the market for the rollout of the โ1,000 communitiesโ program. This initiative focuses on supporting the deployment of an initial 100 mini-grids as a proof of concept to assess financial viability, identify operational challenges, and evaluate socio-economic impacts. The insights gained from this phase will inform strategies for scaling up the deployment to the remaining 900 communities, ensuring a sustainable and impactful nationwide rollout.
The project emphasizes stakeholder activation, sustainable program design, and the transfer of knowledge and technology to local communities, aiming to build in-country capacity and create a replicable model for other regions. By focusing on these strategic objectives, SEforALL is laying the groundwork for a successful expansion of clean energy access in Zambia, with the potential to serve as a model for similar efforts in other countries. This position is located within the Investment-grade Policy and Regulatory Frameworks team with a focus on the Zambia project.
Functional Responsibilities
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Provide technical support to the country coordinator to ensure communication and alignment between the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Ministry of Energy (MoE) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
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Ensure that relevant government stakeholders are engaged in the initiative under the guidance and autonomy of the PDU, organizing and facilitating meetings and convenings where required.
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Provide on-the-ground assistance to government departments, agencies, developers and partners to troubleshoot and accelerate the delivery of the programme and deployment of projects.
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Support in critical data collection and gathering to support the assessment of the viability of mini-grid sites to be included in the programme as well as feeding into programme design.
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Develop key programme concept notes, presentation material and communications to engage and influence stakeholders using data analysis and best-in-class approaches.
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Provide support in aligning technical insights with political considerations to ensure full buy-in of the programme.
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Provide inputs to internal SEforALL monitoring, evaluation and learning mechanisms.
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Support SEforALLโs fundraising efforts to mobilize resources for programme delivery in the long term.
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Participates in various missions, workshop and meeting related to initiative in Zambia
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Support SEforALL in identifying long-term opportunities for continued engagement, supporting the country to achieve SDG7.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsEducation
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Bachelors degree in energy, engineering, law, political sciences, economics, business administration or a related field.
Work Experience
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Minimum of 2 years of experience in the energy sector, particularly in the off grid or mini-grid sector, preferably as financier, private sector developer, government agency or donor support programme
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Experience working in rural development and implementing impactful projects in rural regions of Zambia is considered an asset.
Language
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Fluency in English (Reading, Writing and Spoken) is required.
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Working knowledge of another, official UN language is an asset.
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Knowledge and ability to work in local languages is considered an asset.
Competencies
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
- Contract type: International Individual Contract
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- Contract level: ICS 8/IICA 1
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- Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ โOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.โ
As per UNOPS policy, in duty stations where the NPO (National Professional Officer) category (Local scale) has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a home-based contract may be issued as a Local ICA Specialist position.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
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Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
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Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
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Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
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UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
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Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
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We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
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For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
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For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
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All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
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It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
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