Consultant for EmPower Phase II and III

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established in 1972, UNEP has been at the forefront of environmental governance and advocacy, working to inspire, inform, and enable nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. UNEP operates in over 40 countries, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where it collaborates closely with governments, the private sector, civil society, and other UN agencies to promote sustainable development solutions. The organization is committed to addressing the climate crisis and advancing gender equality, recognizing the critical role of women and marginalized groups in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Programme Management Officer in the Sustainable Investment Unit, Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division. The primary focus will be on ensuring the seamless continuity and strengthened implementation of EmPower Phase II, which aims to accelerate gender-responsive and human rights-based climate action across Asia and the Pacific. The consultant will be responsible for maintaining relationships with government partners and stakeholders, overseeing ongoing activities, providing technical inputs, and supporting project closing processes. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to the development of EmPower Phase III by consolidating lessons learned from Phase II, supporting consultations with partners, and enhancing resource mobilization efforts. This role requires a strong interdisciplinary knowledge of renewable energy, gender-responsive climate action, and innovative finance, as well as project management capabilities to ensure effective coordination and delivery of results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure seamless continuity and strengthened implementation of EmPower Phase II by maintaining relationships with government partners, UN Women, and regional stakeholders. Oversee the completion of ongoing activities, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and adherence to UNEP’s quality standards. Provide technical inputs on gender-responsive energy and climate action. Support final reporting, documentation, and project closing processes.
• Support the development of analytical inputs and concept notes for EmPower Phase III, consolidating lessons learned from Phase II to shape strategic directions and thematic priorities. Coordinate consultations with partners to align Phase III design with regional needs.
• Prepare high-quality resource mobilization materials, coordinate with UNEP headquarters and regional offices to identify funding opportunities, and strengthen UNEP’s visibility with development partners.
• Maintain effective communication between UNEP, UN Women, national focal points, and civil society partners to support coherent regional implementation. Identify and nurture strategic partnerships to support Phase III. Provide regular updates to ensure shared understanding of progress and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher preferred) in management, finance, economics, sustainable finance, or a closely related field. • Additional academic background in renewable energy, climate-resilient technologies, or energy systems is strongly desired. • Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in renewable energy, sustainable energy transitions, or climate change mitigation/adaptation, preferably with exposure to gender-responsive or human-rights-based approaches. • Demonstrated experience in sustainable finance, climate finance, or resource mobilization, including preparation of donor proposals and analytical inputs for funding initiatives. • Proven track record in project management, including implementation and coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives. • Experience working with UN agencies, international organizations, government institutions, or civil society in Asia and the Pacific is highly desirable. • Strong experience in coordinating regional or multi-country programmes and engaging with diverse stakeholder groups. • Familiarity with gender equality frameworks and social inclusion approaches is an asset. • Experience in developing knowledge products or technical reports related to climate, energy, or finance. • Ability to produce well-written analytical reports in English and possess sound analytical and communication skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s or higher preferred) in management, finance, economics, sustainable finance, or a closely related field is required. Additional coursework or academic background in renewable energy, climate-resilient technologies, or energy systems is strongly desired, indicating a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable energy transitions, or climate change mitigation/adaptation. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in sustainable finance, climate finance, or resource mobilization, particularly in preparing donor proposals and concept notes. Proven project management experience, including the coordination of multi-stakeholder initiatives and completion of donor-funded projects, is essential. Familiarity with working in collaboration with UN agencies or international organizations in the Asia-Pacific region is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is office-based in Bangkok, Thailand, with an expected duration of 12 months. The consultant will be engaged in a full-time capacity, and the role is critical for ensuring the continuity and quality of the EmPower initiative. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.