Energy Transition Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a crucial role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LACO), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region, integrating its activities into the Medium-Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The UNEP Country Office in Brazil is a key development partner of the Brazilian government, supporting national and sub-national public and private sector institutions and civil society to advance a more sustainable and inclusive society by strengthening the relationship between people and nature, and between economic development and environmental protection. Brazil is currently at a critical juncture in its energy transition, with significant mandates and frameworks being established to guide the process.

Job Overview:
The Energy Transition Specialist will be embedded within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and will provide day-to-day technical advice as the Ministry enhances its technical capacity on Energy Transition. The consultant will act as an internal energy specialist, assisting MMA focal points in interpreting technical and analytical inputs, preparing policy documents, facilitating inter-ministerial coordination, and engaging with both domestic and international partners. The role is crucial in contributing to key outcomes such as substantive technical contributions to the Roadmap process, guidance to cross-government workshops and public dialogues, and inputs to both domestic and international policy processes. The specialist will also work to strengthen institutional capacity within MMA on energy transition themes, including decarbonization modelling, fiscal risk, and just transition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Energy Transition Specialist will have a range of responsibilities including: providing embedded technical advice to the MMA Energy Hub, serving as the day-to-day energy expert, and offering direct technical and analytical guidance on the Just Energy Transition. The specialist will interpret and translate analytical inputs into policy-relevant outputs, advise on aligning Energy Transition Pathways with national and international obligations, and facilitate inter-ministerial coordination. Additionally, the role involves contributing to capacity-building programmes for MMA staff and stakeholders, ensuring internal coordination within the Ministry, and promoting Brazil’s engagement in national and international energy transition forums. The specialist will also monitor international energy policy developments and produce regular briefing notes to inform the Ministry's strategic positioning.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Management, Political Sciences, Economical Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Engineering, or a related area of study. A Master’s degree in the same fields is required, while a PhD is desirable. Professional qualifications include at least two years of experience in sustainable development, climate change policy development, energy policy/transition, or environmental management. Demonstrated expertise in energy transition and transition finance risks, project management experience, and familiarity with public finance and financial-related risks are also required. Experience working with multi-stakeholder processes in sustainable development and global commitments, as well as experience with the UN System and Brazil’s public sector institutions, is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Public Administration, International Relations, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Management, Political Sciences, Economical Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Engineering, or related areas. A Master’s degree in these fields is mandatory, while a PhD is considered an asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in areas related to sustainable development, climate change policy development, energy policy/transition, or environmental management. Candidates should have demonstrated expertise in energy transition and transition finance risks, as well as proven project management experience. Familiarity with public finance and financial-related risks is also essential, along with experience in multi-stakeholder processes and working with the UN System at an international level. Experience with Brazil’s public sector institutions is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based at the UNEP Brazil Office in Brasilia, requiring 40 hours of work per week from Monday to Friday. The expected duration of the contract is six months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.