Georgian National Consultant - Digital Governance for Integrated and Smart Grids

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which is part of the United Nations system. ESCAP was established in 1947 and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand. The organization aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region through regional cooperation and integration. It focuses on various areas including sustainable development, social development, and economic growth, and works with member states to address regional challenges. ESCAP has a diverse workforce comprising professionals from various countries and backgrounds, and it operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with other UN agencies and international organizations to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of Georgian National Consultant for Digital Governance is focused on providing technical and analytical support for the development of a country-specific digital governance framework for the power sector in Georgia. This role is part of a broader initiative under the United Nations Development Account project aimed at promoting inclusive and digitalized power grids in countries with special needs. The consultant will work closely with national stakeholders to assess existing digitalization efforts, regulatory frameworks, and institutional capacities in the power sector. The ultimate goal is to create a tailored digital governance framework that supports the effective and inclusive digital transformation of integrated and smart grid systems. The consultant will also facilitate capacity-building activities for policymakers and utilities, ensuring that the frameworks developed are practical and aligned with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks including conducting national mapping and diagnostic assessments of digitalization efforts in the power sector, drafting and refining a country-specific digital governance framework, and supporting the organization of capacity-building workshops for stakeholders. Specific duties include conducting structured desk reviews of relevant laws and regulations, engaging with stakeholders to document ongoing digitalization initiatives, producing national mapping reports, and drafting the digital governance framework. The consultant will also prepare technical inputs for international meetings, support the design of training materials, and facilitate consultations to refine the governance framework and toolkit. Additionally, the consultant will ensure that all deliverables are practical, implementable, and aligned with national development priorities, while coordinating closely with UN staff and the international consultant throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in fields such as energy, engineering, economics, public policy, or digital governance. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant professional experience in the energy sector is required, particularly in areas such as policy analysis, regulatory frameworks, and institutional assessments. Experience working with government institutions and utilities is essential, and familiarity with smart grids, digital governance, or power sector reform is considered an asset. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree at the Bachelor’s level or higher in relevant fields such as energy, engineering, economics, public policy, or digital governance. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of the energy sector and the regulatory frameworks that govern it, as well as for engaging in policy analysis and institutional assessments.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 5 to 7 years of professional experience in the energy sector. This experience should include work related to policy analysis, regulatory frameworks, and institutional assessments, particularly in the context of digitalization initiatives. Candidates with experience working directly with government institutions and utilities will be preferred, as this role involves significant stakeholder engagement and collaboration. Experience with smart grids and digital governance is also beneficial, as it aligns with the objectives of the consultancy.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to draft reports, engage with stakeholders, and participate in international meetings. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an advantage, but English is the primary language of communication for this role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of one year, with the possibility of extension based on successful delivery of outputs. The position is not specified as full-time or part-time, but the consultant will be expected to coordinate closely with UN staff and other stakeholders throughout the project. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible.