National Contractor for Technology Needs Assessment (TNA)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. With a workforce of over 8,000 personnel across 80 countries, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a diverse range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. The organization is committed to making significant contributions to results on the ground, often in challenging environments, by implementing around 1,000 projects at any given time. UNOPS is also the operational arm of the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), which is a leading international advisory institution focused on energy, climate, and sustainable development. UNEP-CCC assists developing countries and emerging economies in transitioning towards low carbon development paths and integrates climate resilience into national development strategies. The Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) project, implemented by UNEP and UNEP-CCC with support from UNOPS, aims to identify, prioritize, and diffuse environmentally sound technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, thereby supporting countries in their efforts to meet their national sustainable development goals and climate commitments.

Job Overview:
The position of National Contractor for Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) involves providing technical services on a part-time basis to support the assessment of technology needs for climate change mitigation activities in Eritrea. The contractor will work under the direct supervision of the TNA Coordinator and will be responsible for producing several key outputs, including a portfolio of technologies for the energy sector, a comprehensive TNA report, a Barrier Analysis and Enabling Framework (BA&EF) report, and a Technology Action Plan (TAP) report. The contractor will engage in stakeholder consultations, facilitate workshops, and collaborate closely with the national TNA team to ensure that the assessment process is participatory and inclusive. The role requires a strong understanding of the energy sector and the ability to analyze and synthesize information to inform technology prioritization and implementation strategies. The contractor will also be expected to prepare policy briefs and co-organize dissemination events to share findings with relevant stakeholders and decision-makers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The contractor will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Organizing consultative stakeholder meetings and workshops for TNA validation, BA&EF validation, and TAP validation.
• Identifying and prioritizing technologies for the energy sector through a participatory process involving relevant stakeholders.
• Leading the analysis of how prioritized technologies can be implemented in Eritrea, addressing barriers and developing an enabling framework based on local market assessments.
• Preparing and finalizing the TNA, BA&EF, and TAP reports, ensuring stakeholder inputs are incorporated.
• Providing additional inputs relevant to the TNA process as requested by the TNA Coordinator and UNEP-CCC.
• Utilizing best practices and methodologies from UNEP-CCC and other approved sources to guide the assessment process. The contractor will also be required to conduct field trips and attend training and capacity-building workshops as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a postgraduate degree in environmental management or a related climate field. Expertise in the energy sector is essential, along with at least 5 years of relevant work experience in the energy sector or related fields, preferably within Eritrea. The candidate should have practical experience in research analysis and project management, with a strong understanding of climate change mitigation strategies. Experience working with international agencies or organizations is desirable, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of the TNA process and engage effectively with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates are required to have at least a postgraduate degree in environmental management or other climate-related fields. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in the principles of sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and energy management, equipping the candidate with the necessary knowledge to effectively contribute to the TNA process.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of work experience in the energy sector or related fields is required. This experience should include practical involvement in research analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities related to climate change mitigation in Eritrea will be an advantage, as it will enable the contractor to provide relevant insights and recommendations throughout the TNA process. Experience in an international agency or organization is also desirable, as it indicates the candidate's ability to work in diverse and multicultural environments.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of a local language will be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the consultative process.

Additional Notes:
The position is part-time and expected to last for 14 months. The contractor will report to the TNA project manager at UNEP-CCC, and the outputs will be evaluated by the UNEP-CCC Country Responsible in consultation with the National TNA Coordinator. International travel may be required for this consultancy. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training.