SICREEE Energy Expert

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 Divisions/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 Industrial Decarbonization Unit (TCS/DSE/ESD) which 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 and related partnerships.

 

PROJECT CONTEXT

Project Title: The Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres Platform – South- South and triangular cooperation for accelerated progress (SAP ID: 180301)

The project aims to accelerate the energy transition in developing countries by making the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) a unique multi-stakeholder platform for south-south and triangular industrial cooperation “from the regions for the regions”. During implementation, the GN-SEC will become an internationally acknowledged SDG accelerator, particularly contributing to the progress towards SDG-7, 9, 12 and 13. It will serve as a best practice example for enhanced means of implementation for the Agenda 2030 in line with SDG-17 and the outcomes of the 2nd High-level United Nations Conference on South- South Co-operation (BAPA +40), held in Buenos Aires in March 2019.

The GN-SEC model will showcase how regional institutional capacities and integration can address cross-border challenges more effectively and at lower cost. Based on ownership and leadership of the centres and the respective regional economic communities (RECs), the GN-SEC is an advocate for a just and inclusive energy transition, particularly addressing the needs of least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). The project will build on the achievements of the GN-SEC program since 2010 and provide resources to consolidate the network of centres and upscale the intra-regional, south-south and triangular (SSTC) activities in a gender-responsive and youth inclusive manner.

The project mobilises the required financial and human capacities for the GN-SEC platform to further expand the network of centres and to upscale its SSTC cooperation activities. Since the GN-SEC platform is already operational and operated by a part-time UNIDO team, no specific start-up process is required. During the project period, the platform will continue to provide “traditional” services aiming at the creation of new or the strengthening of existing centres. Simultaneously, it will upscale the facilitation of SSTC activities on demand driven sustainable energy solutions. Therefore, the project’s overall objective is to contribute to the acceleration of the energy transition in developing countries through regional, south-south and triangular cooperation actions.

In this line, the project through its “Outcome 1.4.: Enhanced technical assistance modalities for individual centres in defined priority areas” will contribute to technical support, activities and experts for GNSEC centres, including SICREEE (SICA Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) since the centre is not getting funding support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) directly or indirectly channeled through UNIDO, and upon request of SICA to contribute to the 2nd operational phase of SICREEE to reach centres’ legal identity and financial self-sufficiency for a period of two years. The geographic scope of the centre includes Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. 

The establishment of SICREEE begun in 2015, when UNIDO received a request to support the creation of such Regional Center as part of the GN-SEC. It was made official when the SICA Council of Energy Ministers agreed in December 2015, during the meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers, held in El Salvador. Therefore, the SICA General Secretariat (SG SICA) was mandated to initiate coordination activities with UNIDO to develop the preparatory phase of SICREEE, with the support of ADA. This technical center supports the SICA Energy Coordination Unit (UCE-SICA). The management of SICREEE operates under the guidance and supervision of an Executive Committee (EC) and a Technical Committee (TC). However, the SICREEE has not developed its full potential having had significant delays that impacted negatively on the resource base and fund-raising abilities of SICREEE. The initial objective to establish the centre as full-fledged institution has not been achieved. Therefore, the SG SICA has requested the support of UNIDO for the second phase that will give continuity to the project "Establishment of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of the SICA countries (SICREEE)". The additional support aims at reaching a legal identity based on the legal personality study developed by SG SICA and the implementation of the business and strategic plan approved by the SICA Energy Ministers. The centre will expand its programme portfolio and become a regional and international hub for RE&EE issues and solutions with financial self-sufficiency. The centre will increase the implementation of technical activities and join some programs of the GN-SEC. In recent years, the Center has created a network of national liaison institutions and various international associations. SICREEE has carried out training activities, a study, awareness campaigns, webinars and has developed a portfolio of projects on priority issues in the SICA region. The center is defined within the SICA structure as technical support and is an active member of the GN-SEC.

Therefore, currently the centre is strengthening its technical staff capacities. In this context, UNIDO is recruiting a SICREEE Technical Expert, to be located at the SG SICA offices in El Salvador, El Salvador. It shall be noted that UNIDO looks for new innovative experts. Further information is available at: https://open.unido.org/projects/M0/projects/180301, www.sicreee.org and www.gn-sec.net.

 

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Under the direct supervision of the UNIDO Project Manager and the UNIDO HQ team, in close cooperation with the SICREEE Interim Coordinator (IC) and project team in the field location, the SICREEE National Energy Expert will be responsible for the following main tasks:

 

 

MAIN DUTIES

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Deliverables:

1. Contribute to the overall coordination/implementation of the project in a timely and consistent manner

 

  • Assist the SICREEE Interim Coordinator on issues related to organizational development and the strategic positioning of the centre within regional and international renewable energy and energy efficiency landscape;

 

  • Assist the SICREEE Interim Coordinator to solve the existing institutional issue of SICREEE;

 

  • Assist SICREEE Interim Coordinator in the organization of SICREEE Technical Committees meetings as required;

 

  • In coordination with the SICREEE Interim Coordinator, arrange regular (online) meetings with the regional energy bodies, National Focal Institutions (NFIs) and Thematic Hubs (THs);

 

  • Develop and support the implementation of SICREEE work plan, business and strategic plan, approved by the Council of Energy Ministers;

 

  • Develop and implement a monitoring and evaluation system including indicators measuring the SICREEE progress and impact in line with the established indicators in the results framework of SICREEE work plan and the Business Plan;

 

  • Assist in mainstreaming gender activities throughout the technical activities of the centre;

 

  • Elaborate terms of references (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. renewable energy, energy efficiency, industry, transport, etc.); once contracted, contribute to the effective coordination of consultants and hardware suppliers;

 

  • Contribute to the coordination and monitoring and evaluation activities of the project; monitor and execute aspects of the project, draft progress of the project, identify problems and propose solutions;

 

  • Draft project revision document for the purpose of making adjustments to the work plan and budget;

 

  • Contribute to the preparation of steering committee meetings (SCs) for the project, including organizing meetings/briefing; preparing relevant background documents;

 

  • Contribute the coordination and liaison with the Government counterpart and other stakeholders to keep them updated on project progress;

 

  • Identify, analyse and select the appropriate outreach and promotion  media; provide inputs to the content of the promotional material on the project in consultation with the SICA and member countries;

 

  • Disseminate information to the relevant audience about the project;

 

  • Represent the centre and raise awareness on renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the SICA region as well as on international levels; as authorised by the UNIDO project manager. Additionally participation in some international key conferences and workshops;

 

  • Support the organization of a broad range of regional conferences, workshops and trainings; prepare agendas, concept notes, budgets, minutes and reports as required; such events envisage 50% women participation; 

 

  • Participate in bi-weekly meetings with the UNIDO PM and UNIDO HQ team; submit a quarterly overview of implemented activities; assist in developing the UNIDO progress reports every four months and once a year to the donor;

 

  • Provide support to external auditors and evaluators assigned to monitor the transparency, accountability and performance of the centre and facilitate the implementation of follow-up actions;

 

  • Provide flexible support to SICREE and UNIDO in managerial and technical activities in favour of the region.
  • Agendas, minutes and power points presentations;

 

  • Project management implemented and project reports provided;

 

  • Final report of the overall implementation of the project;

 

  • Annual works plans available (incl. budget)  and under implementation;

 

  • Monitoring and evaluation system developed and implemented;

 

  • Inputs for outreach and promotion  media developed or provided;

 

  • Developed procurement documents and conducted evaluations (e.g. TORs, evaluation sheets) in partnership with the UNIDO procurement teams;

 

  • Provided assistance for the start/finalization of contracts and agreements with project partners (e.g. consultants, suppliers);

 

  • Provided quality assurance on documents generated by counterparts and/or contractors;

 

  • Established coordination mechanism with NFIs, UNIDO and project counterparts;

 

  • (evidenced by regular meetings and written communication) – at least bi-weekly meetings by MS Teams or Zoom.

2. Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of renewable energy and energy efficiency activities

 

  • Contribute to quality assurance throughout the project cycle of a wide range of different SICREEE activities (e.g. project documents, 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;

 

  • Advice the NFIs and key stakeholders of the SICA region on renewable energy and energy efficiency technology characteristics, economics, solutions, policies and business models; review prepared documents and provide guidance; undertake extensive research on various topics as required;

 

  • Formulation of regional policy, strategies and regulation proposals on RE and EE;

 

  • Conduct data collection, studies, and technical/financial analyses in order to develop project proposals for funds raising;

 

  • Assist in the identification of technical priority activities and flag-ship programs, which generate high impact and visibility on national, regional and international level in a relatively short period of time; promote the implementation of the included activities in the UNIDO GNSEC project document linked to SICREEE;

 

  • Support the UNIDO PM and SICREEE Interim Coordinator in the development/implementation of current and new SICREEE programs and projects for funds raising, covering a broad range of countries, technologies and areas of intervention, including capacity and policy advisory, knowledge management, quality infrastructure, investment and business promotion (e.g. SICREEE 2nd operational phase, sustainable mobility, energy access, sargassum, agrivoltaics, clean tech, industrial deep decarbonization, etc.);

 

  • Support in establishing links to donors and financial institutions regarding grant, loan and equity financing for RE&EE investment projects and programs in the SICA region; actively create synergies with UNIDO programs and projects in this context (e.g. GCIP, PFAN, BLOOM, IDDI, GNSEC, among others);

 

  • 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;

 

  • Development of a broad range of baseline assessments, studies and analytics by providing background research, field data collection, and baseline studies.
  • Provided quality assurance on documents and material generated (when applicable, including gender aspects, environmental and social safeguards);

 

  • Provided advice to counterparts with regard to renewable energy and energy efficiency policies, standards, regulations, investment projects, qualification and certification;

 

  • Policy proposals, strategies, and regulation on RE and EE developed in coordination with the Interim Executive Coordinator, SICREEE staff and NFIs;

 

  • Conducted background research and analytics for SICREEE / Central America programs and projects;

 

  • Studies, analytical assessments reports available and in consultation with NFIs and SICREEE/UNIDO project partners;

 

  • Development of at least 3 project concept notes/project documents  and submitted to donors (e.g. bilateral, GEF/GCF, IKI, MAF, etc.) through UNIDO with a volume of at least 1,5 million USD /project.

3. Advocacy, knowledge management and communication

 

  • As delegated by the SICREEE Interim Coordinator and UNIDO PM, represent the centre and raise awareness on renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the SICA/LAC region as well as on international levels; from time to time, as authorised by the IC and UNIDO PM, the expert will travel to Central America / Latin America and international key events to participate in conferences and workshops;

 

  • Contribute to the development of timely policy inputs and briefs for SICA 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 region;

 

  • Coordinate closely with SICREEE and UNIDO on SDG-9 relevant positions; contribute to the preparation of the regular meetings of SICA energy ministers and heads of state; prepare relevant speaking notes and speeches for the IC;

 

  • Contribute to the further development of the SICREEE/SICA website and the public relation and knowledge management activities of the Centre (e.g. regular newsletters, social media tweets); establish a contact network of like-minded journalists within the region;

 

  • Prepare contents for SICREEE knowledge management activities and regional (social) media campaigns on RE&EE priorities issues within the region; establish and maintain technical blogs as feasible and useful;

 

  • Actively inform SICREEE/ SICA stakeholders on new innovations in the RE&EE sector and advice on the establishment of international partnerships with industry and science to facilitate knowledge transfer and institutional innovation;

 

  • Contribute to the reinforcement of a SICREEE RE&EE contact network (e.g. focal points, private sector) regionally and internationally.
  • Provided written inputs and evidence on supported activities (e.g. mission reports, speaking notes, social media content, written contributions to SICREEE webpage and social media).

 

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

 

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in energy (engineering or sciences) is required; special focus or additional qualification in renewable energy and energy efficiency is desirable.

 

Technical and Functional Experience:

  • At least three (3) years of work experience in the energy field, including some exposure in the context of technical cooperation project implementation at national level is required.
  • Experience in evaluating the needs, conditions and problems of the country and SICA countries is desirable.
  • Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment is required.
  • Experience and good knowledge of sustainable energy in the energy sector in the SICA region will be considered as an added value.
  • Proven capabilities in similar positions in the energy fields or with similar complex institutions are an asset.
  • Previous experience in international development cooperation, the UN System or development banks is an added value. 
  • Good analytical writing, presentation and communication skills are required. The application shall show-case a track-record of written project concepts or reports.
  • Quality and quantity of the track-record regarding developed technical documents, reports and project documents; good knowledge of project development quality tools is an asset (e.g. logical framework, problem and stakeholder analyses); evidence on the track-record shall be provided in the application.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft processing software (e.g. Word, Excel) is required.
  • Demonstrated understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the field of energy, as well as the interconnections between energy and sustainable development.
  • Ability to work under pressure and handle politically and culturally sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner.

 

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is required. Working knowledge of English is required. 

 

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

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GN-SEComm

Published on 15/08/2024

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