Energy Sandbox Mechanism Support Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. Established in 1965, UNDP operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The organization employs thousands of staff members worldwide, collaborating with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement development projects and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Energy Sandbox Mechanism Support Specialist will play a pivotal role in supporting the operational functions of the Sandbox Secretariat, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of innovative test spaces in the energy sector in Moldova. This position involves providing expert input into the organizational design of the Secretariat, developing training programs for stakeholders, and analyzing project proposals to ensure they align with strategic priorities. The Specialist will also establish a monitoring and evaluation framework for ongoing sandbox pilots, ensuring compliance with established rules and tracking progress against milestones. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, making it essential for the Specialist to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government institutions, regulators, and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Energy Sandbox Mechanism Support Specialist include:

• Supporting the Sandbox Secretariat’s operational functions by providing expert input into organizational design, workflow structuring, and documentation systems.
• Designing practical tools and templates for application intake, evaluation, pilot tracking, and reporting.
• Establishing operational protocols for managing the pilot project lifecycle from application to completion.
• Developing and delivering targeted training programs and guidance materials for stakeholders, ensuring they understand the sandbox framework and project implementation requirements.
• Analyzing sandbox project proposals by supporting the design of evaluation criteria and assisting in the review of applications to ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and strategic priorities.
• Establishing and implementing a monitoring and evaluation framework for ongoing sandbox pilots, overseeing the collection of progress reports, and addressing operational challenges.
• Collaborating closely with the Just Energy Transition Portfolio team to achieve effective results and resolve complex project-related issues.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Energy Sandbox Mechanism Support Specialist position include:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Energy, Economy, Engineering, or closely related fields; or a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) with an additional two years of qualifying experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory frameworks or innovation governance, preferably in the energy sector, is required.
• At least 5 years of experience working with or supporting government institutions, regulators, or development partners in energy transition, innovation policy, or regulatory reform.
• Proven experience in designing and managing institutional workflows and inter-agency coordination processes.
• Proficiency in productivity and collaboration tools such as MS Office, SharePoint, and Trello is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s Degree) in Energy, Economy, Engineering, or other closely related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of energy regulation and innovation governance.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in regulatory frameworks or innovation governance, particularly within the energy sector. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree must have at least 7 years of relevant experience. This experience should include working with government institutions, regulators, or development partners in areas related to energy transition and innovation policy.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Romanian and/or Russian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the Specialist's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The Energy Sandbox Mechanism Support Specialist position is expected to adhere to UNDP's programming, financial, procurement, and administrative rules and regulations. The role emphasizes the importance of compliance with internal control systems and the application of human rights-based approaches and gender equality principles. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and conducts relevant checks on selected candidates. Additionally, UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.