Programme Policy Officer - National Energy Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. WFP's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, which guide its operations and interactions with partners and beneficiaries. The organization is recognized for its efforts in humanitarian assistance and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger worldwide. WFP is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background or identity. For more information, visit their website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on various social media platforms.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer - National Energy Expert position is crucial for the WFP Madagascar Country Office as it implements its new Country Strategic Plan (CSP) for 2024–202

• This role focuses on integrating energy access as a vital component to achieve WFP's goals of saving and changing lives, particularly in a country significantly affected by climate change. The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating and supporting the installation of solar systems in field offices, ensuring reliable electricity supply, and assisting in the implementation of energy-focused projects. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, to promote clean cooking technologies and sustainable energy solutions. The National Energy Expert will also play a key role in drafting proposals for energy sector funding and will be expected to manage energy activities independently by the end of the mission. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to WFP's mission by enhancing energy access and sustainability in Madagascar, ultimately empowering rural communities and supporting WFP's energy initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Energy Expert will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Evaluating solar system needs in field offices to ensure that energy requirements are met effectively.
• Supporting the installation of new solar systems in field offices, ensuring that they are operational and meet the needs of the staff and beneficiaries.
• Ensuring a reliable electricity supply in off-grid field offices by utilizing sustainable energy sources.
• Assisting the Resilience Unit in implementing activities related to food systems, agriculture, and other productive uses of electricity.
• Piloting various management models for solar hubs, including community-based, private operator, and hybrid models, to determine the most effective approach for local contexts.
• Monitoring the performance of solar hubs and following up on the implementation of recommendations from stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement.
• Assisting in piloting and evaluating clean cooking technologies in schools, drafting a scale-up strategy at the national level, and presenting findings to relevant ministries.
• Supporting the drafting of strategies for the dissemination of clean cooking technologies for households in southern Madagascar.
• Collaborating with the procurement unit to manage relevant tenders involving energy systems. 1
• Writing proposals for energy sector funding from various international donors to secure necessary resources for projects. 1
• Participating in national energy and environment working groups to advocate for WFP's energy initiatives. 1
• Collaborating with the international energy expert to train and eventually transition to lead energy activities independently, ensuring sustainability and capacity building within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with additional years of relevant experience will also be considered. The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in energy systems, renewable energy projects, or a related field. Technical skills in solar energy systems, energy planning, and sustainable energy technologies are essential. Candidates should demonstrate project management capabilities, strong interpersonal and communication skills in Malagasy, French, and English, and the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders. Analytical skills for conducting technical and economic analyses of energy systems are also required, along with cultural awareness of the socio-economic and environmental challenges in Madagascar, particularly in rural areas. Flexibility and a willingness to travel frequently to remote field locations and work in challenging environments are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree will be considered if they have additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of energy systems and their application in humanitarian contexts, particularly in a country like Madagascar that faces significant energy challenges due to climate change and socio-economic factors.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in energy systems, renewable energy projects, or a related field. This experience should include hands-on involvement in the evaluation, installation, and management of energy systems, particularly solar energy solutions. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and implementing innovative energy solutions in challenging environments. Experience in drafting proposals for funding and engaging with government entities and international donors is also highly desirable, as it will be essential for securing resources for WFP's energy initiatives in Madagascar.

Languages:
Proficiency in Malagasy, French, and English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for effective interaction with various stakeholders, including local communities, government officials, and international partners. The ability to communicate technical information clearly and persuasively in all three languages will be crucial for the successful implementation of energy projects and initiatives. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with local communities or stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a Service Contract SC10 with a mission length of 12 months, based in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with frequent field missions to southern and southeastern regions. The role is full-time and involves significant travel to remote locations, which may present challenging working conditions. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. The organization offers an attractive compensation package, which will be detailed in the Terms and Conditions section of the vacancy announcement. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not charge any fees during the application process, and all employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, job requirements, merit, and individual qualifications.