National Energy Specialist

Background
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 1. Office/Unit/Project Description 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is an international organization with over 17,000 employees working in some 170 offices around the world to help governments develop policies, institutions and strong partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. UNDP's policy work at headquarters, regional and country office levels forms a contiguous spectrum of in-depth local knowledge in alignment with international development perspectives.

Among the themes supported in Algeria, adaptation to and mitigation of the effects of climate change are central. Indeed, supporting the strengthening of public policies for adaptation, notably through adaptation mechanisms adapted to the national context, particularly in terms of climate finance, and mitigation, which involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, notably through energy efficiency and energy control policies, are central priorities for the Government. To give concrete expression to this commitment, the UNDP is planning to support the updating of Algeria's energy model and the establishment of a regulatory framework conducive to the energy transition.

• Support for energy transition in Algeria

As a result of Algeria's development progress and economic growth, energy consumption has increased exponentially over the past 20 years. According to reports from the Ministry of Energy and Mines, energy consumption has risen from 31.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) in 2010 to 50.4 million in 2019. In light of this, and as part of the 2015 Paris Agreement, Algeria's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aims to reduce its overall energy consumption by 9% and increase the share of renewable energies in electricity generation to 27% (currently 0.1% of the energy mix) by 2030.

In this area, the Algerian government has asked the UNDP to support the conceptualization and development of a new energy model. Supporting the updating of the energy model and the development of a regulatory framework to promote the energy transition is fully in line with the objectives set out in the Country Program Document (CPD), specifically in its Product 1.3: The national strategy for the energy transition is supported.

• UNDP's work in the field of energy transition

Energy is one of UNDP's six flagship solutions - alongside the fight against poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, the environment and gender equality - to accompany countries in three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and resilience.

UNDP's strategy for promoting sustainable energy solutions worldwide includes three key areas of action in line with the targets of MDG7: increasing access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy; increasing the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency; and increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

UNDP's approach to helping countries achieve the above three interdependent areas is based on a series of integrated interventions in public policy, technology, finance, delivery systems, capacity development, community mobilization and awareness-raising to reduce and, where possible, remove a range of barriers that impede investment in scaling up sustainable energy solutions.

In line with the UNDP's new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the UNDP's first goal is to increase access to energy for the world's poorest people. By accelerating investment in distributed renewable energy solutions, particularly for the hardest-to-reach and in crisis contexts, it aims to increase access to clean, affordable energy for 500 million people. Secondly, UNDP will work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive, green economies, particularly in countries with low levels of renewable energy production or low rates of energy efficiency improvement. This work will capitalize on technological gains, clean energy innovations and new business models in the energy sector.

• Rome Center for Climate Action and Energy Transition

The central objective of the newly created Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition is to ensure the effective implementation and further development of the strategic partnership between Italy and the UNDP. The initial phase of activities under this partnership will run from 2022 to 2025, preparing - among other initiatives - for the Italian presidency of the G7 in 2024. In addition, the objectives of the partnership are linked to the 2030 targets when an assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals targets is expected to take place.

In this initial phase, the partnership is focusing on the critical policy areas of climate action, youth engagement and energy transition. These objectives will be achieved through the rapid, effective and sustainable implementation of two main programs:

• The Youth for Climate Program
• The Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership

 Within the framework of the Italy-UNDP partnership, the Centre supports Italy's international cooperation efforts, as well as the UNDP's global policy initiative.

• The Italy-UNDP energy partnership 

The Italian government and UNDP are committed to working together to contribute to the achievement of MDG 7, and to help countries unlock financing to step up the spread of clean energy and other effective, sustainable solutions to boost the energy transition. In this context, the UNDP Rome Centre works in partnership with UNDP Country Offices (COs) in the program's target countries to identify actions that can contribute to this goal, and offers support for their implementation.

 2- Scope of Work 

Based at the UNDP office in Algeria, the National Energy Specialist will act as focal point for the Italy-UNDP energy partnership in Algeria. 

His/her role will include strengthening the UNDP country office's capacity in terms of energy expertise and contributing to the work of the Rome Centre for the implementation of the Italy-UNDP energy partnership in Algeria, in close collaboration with UNDP's global offer on sustainable energy.

His/her main role will be to support the country office in the implementation of projects already supported by the Italy-UNDP energy partnership, to ensure their timely implementation and the achievement of defined results. 

He/she will help identify opportunities for action at national level that can stimulate the energy transition and contribute to the country's and UNDP's energy objectives.

The National Energy Specialist will strengthen the capacities of UNDP Country Offices in the field of energy and climate, providing technical expertise and knowledge, particularly in the following areas 

• Policy research and development
• Policy advice / program support
• Political positioning and representation
• Partnerships, resource mobilization and strategic planning
• Knowledge management

He/She will support UNDP efforts in the field to enable progress on SDG 7, including ongoing national activities to:

• Identify opportunities for action at country level in the field of energy access and transition.
• Advise and support the implementation of ongoing programs in the energy transition sector at country level.
• Identify bankable project opportunities in sustainable energy solutions. 
• Participate in and support the organization of stakeholder meetings and events related to the work area of the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership.
• Organize workshops and events, including drafting agendas and finalizing participant lists, as required by the team.
• Prepare technical advisory work, policy and communication documents related to the activities of the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership and in relation to UNDP's strategic partnership with key actors managed by the Rome Centre.
• Ensure the timely publication and dissemination of reports identified as project outputs.
• Examine investment and action opportunities in neighboring countries to develop synergy solutions at the regional level.
• Work with key partners in government, civil society and the private sector to increase the reach of UNDP programs.
• Advise and support the design and preparation of project proposals for different funding sources and stimulate and establish links with related national and regional projects on energy transition. 
• Work in close coordination with the UNDP Country Office team, the UNDP Country Office Energy Strategy which will contribute at the national level to the objectives of the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025.
• Work closely with the Sustainable Energy Hub (Global Team) on other related requests and needs that link national, regional and global programming efforts on energy transition and contribute to the strategic development of UNDP's energy sector expertise.
• Adopt a human-centered approach (e.g., support integrated energy programming that connects to other areas such as poverty and gender equality).

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The National Energy Specialist hired will be part of a network of selected consultants working for the Rome Centre. He/she will explore opportunities for synergies and contribute to the creation of such a network to be deployed to realize the Italy-UNDP partnership on energy and contribute globally to strengthening UNDP's energy offer at national, continental and global levels.

3- Institutional Arrangement 

The National Energy Specialist will report to the UNDP Rome Center Coordinator and UNDP Algeria DRR, in coordination with NCE Team Leader and in alignment with the Italy-UNDP Energy Partnership Coordinator and will work closely with UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub team and related actors of the UNDP energy offer. 

The Italy UNDP Energy Partnership Coordinator will provide technical assistance for the effective implementation of the work of the National energy specialist. 

The National Energy Specialist will have access to relevant information necessary for task execution. 

The National Energy Specialist is required to undertake field missions to UNDP country offices in interested countries in the MENA region. 

4- Competencies

Core
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  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 
Thematic Area Name Definition

2030 Agenda: Planet 

Nature, climate, and energy

•  Energy planning, de-risking energy investment and financial appraisal

2030 Agenda: Planet 

Nature, climate, and energy •  Market based energy financing and practical application
Business Management Partnerships Management

• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Management Operations Management

• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization’s business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. 
• Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms

Business Direction & Strategy 

Systems Thinking 

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Partnership management: Resource mobilization

• Ability to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programs/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements.

Communications Advocacy strategy and implementation

• 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.

5- Minimum Qualifications

Min. Academic Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Renewable energy, climate change, international development, Finance, Energy Policy, Engineering, or other related fields is required. Or 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree;

Min. years of relevant Work experience 

• Minimum of 7 years (with Master’s degree) or 9 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional work experience providing policy advice and programme support in the general area of sustainable development, climate change and green growth in different development contexts.

Required skills and competencies

• Previous experience in developing a pipeline of bankable projects, energy investment facilities is required.
• Previous experience in resource mobilization for clean energy investments is required.

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Experience in providing operational and project/programme management support for projects/programmes related to sustainable energy and climate change, prior work experience with UNDP is an advantage.
• Demonstrated capacity in elaborating investment plans in the field of energy, particularly in the field of energy access and transition with a focus on energy financing mechanism.
• Experience in developing energy investment facilities, resource mobilization and risk management for clean energy investments within UNDP or other international organisation is an advantage.
• Substantive and proven understanding of energy policies, regulations, and incentives at local and national levels, notably in Africa and MENA, is required.
• Experience in developing strategies for unlocking renewable energy financing (working experience with actors such as IFC/ World Bank, Africa Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, European Investment Bank and other Multilateral Development Banks) will be an asset.
• Experience in fostering partnerships between public and private entities to leverage resources and finance energy projects is an asset.
• Experience with development policy financing for clean energy projects is an advantage.
• Experience in active engagement with multiple public and private stakeholders in Africa in the energy sector. 
• Experience at a professional level in a large international or governmental organization, prior experience working with UN system agencies is a strong asset.
• Experience with policy research and publications on topics such as sustainable development, green transition, climate, environment, and sustainable energy is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to negotiate terms and conditions of financing agreements, contracts, and partnerships with stakeholders.
• Technical/advisory experience in the UN System related to climate change and energy desirable.
• Proven relevant relationship and network building in the field of SDG7 in Africa. 

Required Language(s) (at working level)

•   Excellent knowledge of the French and arabic language, with