Consultant for Local Energy System Integration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading global environmental authority established in 197

• UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices and to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, sustainable development, and the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

Job Overview:
The consultant will support UNEP's Buildings and Cooling Unit in developing a global program and partnership focused on Local Energy System Integration for an Affordable & Resilient Energy Transition. This role involves coordinating workstreams related to cooling, buildings, district energy, transport, renewables, and energy transition. The consultant will provide technical assistance to countries on integrated and decentralized energy system planning and implementation, emphasizing the importance of city and regional integrated energy planning. Responsibilities include conducting research, developing a draft global publication, creating knowledge products and case studies, maintaining partnerships, preparing training materials, and supporting UNEP at high-level global events. The consultant will also provide training and technical support to countries and cities and assist in preparing fundraising proposals. The position is expected to last for 10 months and will involve designing program activities and providing technical expertise to an implementation project in Ukraine, as well as supporting other ongoing and planned projects in various geographies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Supporting the implementation of the project 'Decentralised Energy Systems to Accelerate the Energy Transition' by assisting developing countries and selected cities in their transition to lower-carbon and climate-resilient societies.
• Conducting research and analysis on urban energy consumption, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by rising electricity demand, urbanization, and the integration of renewable energy sources.
• Developing strategies for modern decentralized energy systems, including district energy systems, that can enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Collaborating with city planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen their capacities in managing and implementing district energy systems.
• Promoting investment in district energy systems by leveraging private sector financing and ensuring sustainable implementation.
• Facilitating knowledge exchange between city and country partners on district energy innovation and best practices.
• Preparing training materials and conducting training sessions for stakeholders involved in energy planning and implementation.
• Supporting UNEP's participation in high-level global events and preparing fundraising proposals to secure additional resources for the project.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in energy systems, engineering, urban planning, environmental studies, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience is required, with a focus on urban energy, energy planning, district cooling/heating, smart grids, buildings, and energy policy. Candidates should demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills on energy, urban, and environmental topics, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office. Familiarity with project management best practices is essential, along with practical experience in energy policy analysis in developing countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in fields such as energy systems, engineering, urban planning, environmental studies, or similar disciplines. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of energy systems and their integration into urban planning and development.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of ten years of experience in a relevant field, particularly focusing on urban energy, energy planning, district cooling/heating, smart grids, and energy policy. This experience should ideally include practical work in developing countries, where candidates can demonstrate their ability to navigate the challenges of energy transition and policy implementation in diverse contexts. Experience in project management and collaboration with various stakeholders is also highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage, as it can facilitate communication and collaboration in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in additional languages can enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the project's success.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 10 months, and while specific details regarding contract duration and compensation are not provided, it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization is committed to ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process, and it does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.