Senior Integrated Energy Systems Expert

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. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives. UNEP focuses on critical areas such as climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity, and pollution, working closely with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement its programs and policies.

Job Overview:
The Senior Integrated Energy Systems Expert will play a pivotal role in leading UNEP’s Global Demand Flexibility Accelerator, which aims to enhance the capacity of countries to manage their energy demand effectively. This position involves strategic development and implementation of programs that promote demand-side flexibility, which is crucial for integrating renewable energy sources into power systems. The expert will engage with governments and power-sector institutions in priority countries, initially focusing on Brazil and the Philippines, to create nationally owned demand-side flexibility programs. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of energy systems, policy frameworks, and market dynamics to facilitate the transition towards low-carbon energy solutions. The expert will also oversee the development of methodologies for national roadmaps and ensure that UNEP’s initiatives align with international standards and best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the technical design and implementation of UNEP’s Global Demand Flexibility Accelerator, including strategy development and risk management.
• Engage with governments and power-sector institutions to develop demand-side flexibility programs in priority countries.
• Develop a common UNEP methodology for national demand-side flexibility roadmaps and oversee its application.
• Represent UNEP in discussions with senior government officials and stakeholders to establish governance arrangements for country activities.
• Collaborate with international standards organizations to advance practical standards pathways for demand-side flexibility.
• Provide technical guidance on market arrangements for demand-side flexibility, including procurement and consumer participation.
• Ensure quality assurance for analytical work conducted by consultants and partners.
• Coordinate technical efforts with international partners and integrate activities across UNEP platforms.
• Lead resource mobilization efforts and develop funding proposals for demand-side flexibility initiatives. 1
• Represent UNEP in international forums and disseminate knowledge on demand-side flexibility best practices.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent additional experience) in environmental science, international relations, political science, public policy, economics, or engineering is required. Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the energy sector, with demonstrated experience in leading international programs and providing technical advice to governments. Familiarity with project management best practices is essential, and candidates should possess strong analytical and communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as environmental science, international relations, political science, public policy, economics, or engineering. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of energy systems and the policy frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the energy sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading international programs, providing technical and policy advice to governments, and coordinating multi-country initiatives. Experience in areas such as power-system flexibility, energy efficiency, and clean-energy transitions is highly desirable. Familiarity with project management best practices is also necessary to ensure the successful execution of UNEP’s initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in written and oral English is a mandatory requirement for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the countries of focus, such as Portuguese for Brazil or Filipino for the Philippines.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the assignment is 9 months. The position is full-time and involves significant engagement with senior government officials, international organizations, and technical partners. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.