Title: Technical Expert to CEREEAC
Requisition ID: 2464
Grade: ISA-Specialist
Country: Angola
Duty Station: Luanda
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration: 1 year
Application Deadline: 19-Jul-2023
Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.
Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.
The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization’s development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization’s normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.
The responsibility of the Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE) is to assist Member States in the transition to a sustainable energy future through the application of renewable energy solutions for productive uses, adoption of the efficient concepts of energy use by industry and the introduction of low-carbon technologies and processes. In transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division’s activities, as is the dissemination of relevant knowledge and technologies and paths to plan, manage and finance the energy transition. It collaborates closely on relevant and converging issues with the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) and analytical and strategic matters with TCS/CPA and ODG/SPU.
This position is located under Energy Systems and Decarbonization Unit (TCS/DSE/ESD) focuses on promoting sustainable energy solutions and infrastructure for industrial development. It promotes industrial decarbonization through crosscutting solutions, such as optimized energy management systems and the deployment of renewable energy technologies. Bringing together the supply and demand side for disruptive energy solutions, both technical and business related, the Unit fosters transformative change on the system level driven by the convergence of key technologies such as distributed generation, digitization and storage. The Unit is also responsible for coordinating dialogues and partnerships at national, regional and global levels to promote disruptive energy solutions and shape policy change for this. Finally, the Unit positions UNIDO strategically in the global energy and climate change forums and coordinates the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) program and related partnerships.
PROJECT CONTEXT
Under the GN-SEC program, UNIDO supports the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in the establishment of the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Central Africa (CEREEAC), which aims to accelerate the energy and climate transition by providing support “from the region for the region”. The geographic scope of the centre includes Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo (RoC), São Tomé and Príncipe.
The centre was adopted by the Energy Ministers on 8 June 2021 and officially inaugurated on 10 March 2023 during a high-level ceremony, co-organised by the Government of Angola, ECCAS and UNIDO. The Secretariat will operate through a network of National Focal Institutions (NFIs) and Thematic Hubs (THs) among all ECCAS countries. The CEREEAC management operates under the guidance and oversight of a Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) and an Executive Board (EB). The CEREEAC aims to address demand and supply-side barriers for integrated and inclusive ECCAS sustainable energy product and service markets by promoting economies of scales, equal progress, joint learning and spill-over effects between countries. Through cross-border approaches and methodologies, the centres will complement and accelerate national efforts in the areas of policy, regulation, quality infrastructure, qualification, knowledge and facilitation of investment and entrepreneurship. It will serve as a central hub for knowledge, counselling, as well as international and local partnerships.
The creation of CEREEAC is an important contribution to the envisaged structural transformation in Central Africa. The expansion of higher added value manufacturing and servicing in Central Africa requires rapid investments in climate-resilient low-carbon energy infrastructure. With the creation of the CEREEAC, the GN-SEC will cover the entire African continent. The Centre will become an important triangular capacity hub to accelerate the implementation of the industrialization, energy and climate goals in the African Union Agenda 2063 “The Africa We want”. It contributes to the AU efforts to establish a harmonized continental electricity market and free trade area, as well as the implementation of the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (2016–2025). UNIDO will facilitate south-south and triangular cooperation between CEREEAC and the other African centres.
The centre will operate according to local rules, within ECCAS ownership and decision-making processes. UNIDO provides mentoring and technical services related to institution-building, technical program development, partnership building and fund mobilization throughout the first operational phase of the centre. It is envisaged that the centre reaches full independence and financial and technical sustainability by the end of the project period. The centre will start with a small gender-balanced multicultural team of technical and administrative experts and could expand, based on its performance and raised programmatic funding. Therefore, as part of the peer-to-peer institution building efforts, UNIDO is recruiting a Technical Expert (TE), to be stationed at the CEREEAC Secretariat in Luanda, Angola. The TE will support the CEREEAC Head of the Start-Up Unit (HSU) in the establishment of the centre. Further information: www.gn-sec.net and www.cereeac.org.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the UNIDO Project Manager (PM) and his team, the TE will support the CEREEAC HSU in the establishment of the centre, its key operational processes, quality frameworks, technical programs and partnerships. The HSU has the overall CEREEAC management responsibility and decision-making power, while the TE will contribute with technical expertise towards the establishment of the centre. The TE will report to the UNIDO PM and the HSU through regular coordination meetings.
MAIN DUTIES
1. Organizational development
Assist the HSU in the establishment of the functional office space and IT infrastructure of the CEREEAC Secretariat; follow-up with the host country on the given commitments regarding the provided office space; assist the HSU in the establishment of a (electronic) enterprise management system (EMS) capturing the main administrative, financial, and technical decision-making processes.
Concrete/measurable Output to be achieved: Evidence on established office and IT infrastructure; planning of EMS commenced;
Work closely with the UNIDO PM and the CEREEAC HSU on the development of the administrative and financial rules and procedures of the center, in line with ECCAS, and required fiduciary standards of international donors (e.g., EU, GCF, GEF, other UN agencies, etc.); support the center in qualification processes for donor funds; incorporate lessons learned and best practices from other GN-SEC centers.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Package of quality rules and procedures adopted by the EB and under implementation; GN-SEC lessons learned integrated.
Assist the HSU in the establishment of the gender-sensitive organizational staff chart, a transparent recruitment system and management structure, which puts emphasis on fairness, ownership, innovation, team work and gender balance; prepare vacancy announcements and assist with the selection of key administrative and expert staff in line with the established staff rules.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Gender-sensitive organizational chart and recruitment system; developed JDs and evaluation reports.
Assist the HSU in the establishment of the procurement system and committee; prepare and execute complex procurements for services and RE&EE consultancies.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Procurement system and committee available; developed TORs, evaluation reports and contracts.
Support the HSU in the development of a financial and technical sustainability strategy, which allows the center to continue operating after the UNIDO project closure. Contribute to the development of a sustainable financial model considering various income streams (e.g., membership fees, donor core contributions, project funding and overheads, fee-for-service, cost-recovery policy for implemented activities).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Financial and technical sustainability strategy; financial model available and under implementation.
Assist the HSU in the development of a fund mobilization strategy; pro-actively approach donors, while coordinating closely with UNIDO and other partners on the funding opportunities, including bilateral donors, EU, GEF and GCF; facilitate the signing of funding agreements.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Fund mobilization strategy; evidence on discussions with donors; at least one funding agreement signed during the contract period.
Advise the CEREEAC HSU on issues related to organizational development of the center and its strategic positioning within regional and international RE&EE landscape.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular, strategic advice documents.
Provide technical inputs for the development of the CEREEAC Business Plan, annual work plans and progress reports, subject to the approval by the Executive Board.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Draft Business Plan available; 1st annual work plan and progress report developed.
Contribute to the creation of a reporting system and tracking framework to measure the performance and impact of CEREEAC, in line with the established indicators in the results framework of the UNIDO project document.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Draft reporting system (xlsx) and tracking framework developed and filled with initial data.
Assist in the creation of the network of NFIs and THs and contribute to the organization of the regular meetings of the MSC, EB and TC, particularly in the beginning, ensure that the local team sends invitations and documents in timely manner in advance to the meetings; support the establishment of further sub-committees.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Official communication or MOUs with NFIs and THs available; rules and procedures of the MSC, EB and TC; meetings minutes.
Contribute to relationship building with the ECCAS Secretariat and a broad range of national, regional and international public and private partners; facilitate the signing of different types of agreements (e.g. MOUs, joint declarations).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular online meeting mechanism with the ECCAS energy team established; evidence on partners consultations; at least five MOUs signed.
In coordination with the HSU, provide support to external auditors and evaluators assigned by the Executive Board to monitor the transparency, accountability and performance of the center and facilitate the implementation of follow-up actions.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Written evidence on support for auditors and evaluators.
Actively assess capacity gaps and training needs of the CEREEAC team and work closely with the UNIDO experts on the development and execution of training plans related to procurement, finance, project cycle management and technical RE&EE issues or solutions; facilitate the visits of UNIDO missions or trainings within the host country.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Training needs assessment and plan available and under implementation; evidence on UNIDO trainings.
Contribute to the improvement of internal controls and “check and balances” and report wrongdoing or fraud immediately to the UNIDO project management team; ensure that all supported UNIDO activities stay in line with the sanctions regime in the CAR and the DRC, as determined by the UN SC.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Written evidence; integration of sanction regimes into CEREEAC rules and procedures.
Develop and implement tools and methodologies to strengthen the technical capacities and project cycle management skills of CEREEAC’s National Focal Institutions (NFIs).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Quality framework and related documents (e.g. appraisal policy).
Coordinate bi-weekly meetings with the UNIDO project manager and his team; submit a quarterly overview on implemented activities and assist in developing the progress reports for the donor.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Meeting minutes; quarterly status reports.
2. Technical cooperation and quality assurance
As delegated by the HSU, represent the centre and raise awareness on RE&EE opportunities in the ECCAS region as well as on international levels; as authorized by the UNIDO project manager and the HSU, travel regularly to Central Africa and international key events to participate in conferences and workshops.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Documented awareness raising activities, including minutes, reports and presentations;
Assist the HSU in the timely identification of technical priority activities and flag-ship programs, with high impact and visibility on a national, regional, and international level; promote the implementation of the included activities in the UNIDO project document.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Prioritization and list of flag-ship programs incorporated in the work plans.
Advise the local team on RE&EE technology characteristics, economics, solutions, policies, and business models; review prepared documents and provide guidance; identify knowledge gaps in the team and organized knowledge workshops.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Reviewed documents and documented briefings for CEREEAC staff.
Contribute to the overall coherence and focus of the CEREEAC programs, project and activities and link them to the performance indicators framework in the UNIDO project document and the Business Plan, (once available).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Chapter on coherence and strategic focus in the annual work plans and progress reports of the centre.
Assist in the execution of the annual work plan, related programs, projects, activities and key events as required; contribute to the creation of a teamwork culture, create linkages, synergies and cost-sharing arrangements.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Documentation on provided institution building support (documents, guidelines, workshops).
Contribute to quality assurance throughout the project cycle of a wide range of different CEREEAC activities (e.g., trainings, conferences, policy activities, co-funding of projects); develop a quality and appraisal framework for supported technical activities, including gender aspects, environmental and social safeguards.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Quality and appraisal framework with criteria and rating established.
Proactively support funds mobilization and develop new CEREEAC programs and projects in line with the set priorities by the HSU and the UNIDO project document, covering a broad range of countries, technologies, and areas of intervention, including capacity and policy advisory, knowledge management, quality infrastructure, investment and business promotion.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: At least USD 1 million raised for a new project (funding commitment); at least 3 quality project concept notes for various donors or call for proposals developed and submitted.
Contribute to the implementation of CEREEAC programs and projects and act as a role model and mentor for the local staff; stay in the background and empower the local team; ensure timely handover of programs and projects.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Project cycle management documents and reports; evidence on procurements, recruitments and implemented activities in the CEREEAC progress report.
Facilitate links to donors and financial institutions regarding grant, loan and equity financing for RE&EE investment projects and programs in the ECCAS region; develop concepts and project proposals meeting the requirements and interest of these partners; act as a matchmaker between financial institutions and local financing interested in REⅇ closely coordinate with UNIDO programs in this context (e.g., GCIP, PFAN).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Written evidence on partnerships with donors and financial institutions; project concepts on RE&EE investment projects and programs in the region.
Pro-actively engage in joint south-south and triangular projects and initiatives of the GN-SEC platform in partnership with other regional centres; as far as possible participation in the annual GN-SEC Steering Committee meetings.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Evidence on active participation in GN-SEC activities; support the development of at least one GN-SEC project proposal.
Elaborate TORs and technical specifications for hardware procurements and consultancy assignments, which require extensive research, data collection and communication with local stakeholders of the relevant sectors (e.g., transport, buildings, industry); once contracted, contribute to the effective coordination of consultants and hardware suppliers.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: TORs and technical specifications; completed evaluation forms and minutes of the procurement committee; signed contracts and reports.
Support contracted external consultants in the development of a broad range of baseline assessments, studies, and analytics by providing background research, field data collection, and baseline studies; assist external consultants in the drafting of various RE&EE regulations.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Baseline and technical reports and analyses, minutes, agendas and briefing reports, revision of deliverables provided by external consultants.
Support the organization of a broad range of regional conferences, workshops, and trainings, as included in the UNIDO project document and annual work plans; prepare agendas, concept notes, budgets, minutes and reports as required; such events envisage 50% women participation.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Documentation on events, including agenda, reports, list of participants, certificates, and feedback surveys.
Arrange regular (online) meetings with the regional energy bodies (e.g., CAPP), the ECCAS Secretariat, the NFIs and THs; particularly coordinate the collaboration with the Oyo Centre of Excellence for RE&EE, currently under establishment in the Republic of Congo by UNIDO.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular online meeting mechanism and minutes; documented coordination with the Oyo centre.
Arrange regular meetings with other UNIDO energy staff in the Central African region and create synergies and links to ongoing national energy projects (e.g., Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular online meeting mechanism and minutes.
3. Advocacy, knowledge management and communication (KMC)
Prepare timely policy inputs and briefs for ECCAS to be considered in international energy and climate processes (e.g., COP, SDGs, etc.); advocate for a just and inclusive energy transition addressing particularly the needs of the LDCs and the SIDS; Coordinate closely with UNIDO on SDG-9 relevant positions; contribute to the preparation of the regular meetings of ECCAS energy ministers and heads of state; prepare relevant speaking notes and speeches for the HSU.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: At least two policy briefs on timely RE&EE issues prepared and submitted; inputs to ECCAS and UNIDO meeting documents and speeches.
Contribute to the creation of the cooperate identity of the center, including templates for letters, presentations, official logos and colors; from the very beginning facilitate a communication culture in all four ECCAS languages.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Cooperate identity of the centre is established and templates and logo available.
Contribute to the development of the CEREEAC website and the public relation and knowledge management activities of the Centre (e.g., regular newsletters, social media tweets/posts); establish a contact network of like-minded journalists within the region.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Website developed in partnership with media consultants; contacts of ECCAS journalists collected.
Assist in the development of a KMC strategy, in close coordination with the GN-SEC activities; an effective internal KMC and team work; relevant licenses are procured (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom, Dropbox).
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: KMC strategy and system established.
Prepare contents for CEREEAC knowledge management activities and regional (social) media campaigns on RE&EE priority issues; establish and maintain technical blogs as feasible and useful.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: At least two regional social media campaigns with informative tweets are implemented.
Contribute to the planning and establishment of a GIS-based ECCAS energy information system by incorporating best practices and lessons learned from other GN-SEC centres and internationally; contribute to a smart indicator framework facilitating gender-sensitive RE&EE planning and tracking of progress; contribute to the establishment of a regional data gathering system and network.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Planning framework, including indicators; TOR for the development of the CEREEAC energy information system available; data network contacts established.
Actively inform CEREEAC staff on RE&EE sector innovations and advise on the establishment of international partnerships with industry and science to facilitate knowledge transfer and institutional innovation.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular meeting cycles set; minutes of meetings.
Contribute to the establishment of a CEREEAC RE&EE contact network (e.g., focal points, private sector) regionally and internationally.
Concrete/measurable output to be achieved: Regular meeting cycles set; minutes of meetings.
MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in engineering, economics, social sciences, or other relevant discipline is required. Additional qualifications in the areas of renewable energy or energy efficiency will be considered as advantage.
Technical and Functional Experience:
Minimum five (5) years of work experience in technical positions in the area of energy, environment or climate change with focus on sustainable energy solutions is required; a mix of public and private sector experience is an asset.
Demonstrated knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology characteristics, economics, policies, incentives and business models is required; qualitative and quantitative track-record regarding implemented programs and projects, (evidence on the track-record should be provided in the application) is required.
Good knowledge of project development quality tools is an asset (e.g. logical framework, problem and stakeholder analyses); proven capabilities in similar technical expert positions, or with similar complex institution-building processes, are an asset.
Relevant work experience with and a good knowledge of the sustainable energy landscape in Sub Saharan Africa is required; professional experience in the ECCAS region is an asset; previous experience in international development cooperation, the UN System or development banks is an asset.
Strong analytical writing, negotiation, presentation and communication skills are required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Package is required; knowledge or certifications in energy planning tools are desirable (e.g. RETScreen, HOMER, LEAP).
Ability to work under pressure and handle politically and culturally sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner is desirable.
Languages: Proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French, or Portuguese, represents is highly desirable.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Core Values
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.
WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.
WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.
Key Competencies
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.
WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.
WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.
WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another
This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside.
Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.
All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.
Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org
NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.
Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org
https://careers.unido.org/job/Technical-Expert-to-CEREEAC/947698155/
