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.
This position is located within the UN-Energy team with a focus on two key workstreams:
- The Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative (Africa REMI) workstream was launched in January 2023 with the objective of catalyzing local manufacturing of energy transition solutions, including solar modules, batteries and electric vehicles, on the continent to maximize socio-economic benefits. With funding support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Africa REMI is focusing presently on Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa with the activities structured across four pillars: enabling industry policy design; building green manufacturing skills; supporting local enterprises; and attracting manufacturers to invest in Africa through south-south cooperation.
- The Critical Energy Transition Minerals workstream, launched in 2024 with the objective of facilitating south-south cooperation enabling Global South countries to attract investments in local minerals processing and refining, and build forward linkages with manufacturing for energy transition technologies. With support from ClimateWorks Foundation and SED Fund, SEforALL announced a partnership with the Institute for Transportation Studies and Swaniti Global in May 2024 to establish a Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South. As a government-led platform, the Council aims to deliver tailored support to governments looking to build local value chains and strengthen the collective voice of the Global South on a just transition. Furthermore, SEforALL is also participating in global processes, including on the Technical Advisory Group to the UNSG Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Principal Specialist, Renewable Energy, the Energy Officer will be responsible for the following key functions: -
Support in-country programme implementation for Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative (Africa REMI) pillars, in particular enabling industry policy design and building institutional capacity
Support the implementation of the Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative, including stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, monitoring of results and impact, and donor reporting
Contribute to the critical minerals programme implementation on capacity building and data and analytics pillars, with in-country and regional focus, including Africa and Southeast Asia
Support the critical minerals workstream, including country and partner engagement, resource mobilization, monitoring and donor reporting
Actively participate and represent the programmes across several sector stakeholder platforms, in industry-events and knowledge sharing activities.
Contribute in liaising with SEforALLโs Operations, Communications, MEL and Partnerships & Development teams
Provide input and support UN-Energy related engagements as necessary
Stay abreast of market trends and policy discussions related to sustainable energy development globally and in developing countries and provide insight on opportunities identified.
In conjunction with the Workstream Lead, assist in the development of country strategies related to UN-Energy work and for mobilization of partnerships to accelerate clean energy transition.
Education/Experience/Language requirementsEducation
First Level University (Bachelorโs) degree in energy, engineering, economics, international relations, business management or a related field is required. An Advanced Degree (Master's or equivalent) will be considered an advantage. Work Experience
A minimum of two (2) years experience related to energy transition is required.
Work experience in and understanding of the UN system is a strong asset.
Experience in energy value chain development, industrial policy analysis and design, critical minerals is required.
Experience in liaising with government officials, private sector, donors and other stakeholders is an asset.
.
Language
Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of another, official UN language is an asset.
CompetenciesTreats 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 Contract level: ICS 8 /IICA 1 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ โOpen-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.โ 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
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
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.
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.
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
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
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.
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.
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.