Consultant for Energy Efficiency Pilot Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established in 1972, UNEP has a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 150 countries with a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. UNEP works with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to develop and implement policies that address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing a high-quality energy efficiency pilot project proposal for the Maldives, ensuring that it aligns with the Government’s and UNEP’s comments and adheres to the guidelines set by the Executive Committee (ExCom). This position requires the consultant to work closely with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Maldives and the Montreal Protocol Programme Management Officer of the South Asia Network. The consultant will be responsible for preparing a comprehensive project proposal that addresses energy efficiency in the context of HFC phase-down, which is a critical aspect of the Montreal Protocol. The consultant will need to mobilize adequate time and resources to complete the assignment within the agreed timeframe, demonstrating a strong commitment to the project’s success.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing a draft work plan in consultation with UNEP and NOU of Maldives, outlining a timeline for project preparation and defining the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved.
• Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify feasible and cost-effective interventions in the assembly and installation sector, servicing sector, and providing technical assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Reviewing existing national policies, regulations, and institutional frameworks related to energy efficiency and refrigerant management to identify gaps and opportunities for alignment with the pilot project objectives.
• Coordinating with the NOU, energy-efficiency authorities, national standards bodies, and industry stakeholders to gather technical and policy inputs, ensuring alignment with national priorities.
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations and data validation meetings to present findings, validate proposed interventions, and achieve consensus on the project’s strategic direction.
• Formulating a strategic framework to promote energy-efficient technologies and developing a comprehensive project proposal document for submission to the Multilateral Fund.
• Supporting UNEP in addressing feedback from the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, revising and finalizing the strategy and proposal document based on received comments.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Engineering, Energy, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience related to the Montreal Protocol is required.
• A good understanding of energy efficiency policies and requirements for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector is essential.
• Thorough knowledge of Montreal Protocol institutions, policies, and procedures, as well as national obligations arising from the Kigali Amendment, is required.
• Demonstrated skills in data analysis, report development, and stakeholder consultations at the regional or national level are necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Engineering, or Energy. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of environmental policies and energy efficiency initiatives.

Experience:
The consultant must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in relation to the Montreal Protocol. This experience should include a solid understanding of energy efficiency policies and requirements specific to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Familiarity with the institutions, policies, and procedures of the Montreal Protocol, as well as national obligations stemming from the Kigali Amendment, is essential. Additionally, the consultant should have experience in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder engagement at both regional and national levels.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. The ability to write reports effectively is highly desirable, as the consultant will be required to document findings and proposals clearly and professionally.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. The consultant will need to allocate sufficient time and resources to fulfill the assignment within the agreed timeframe. 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 stages.