Transport Sector Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the designated entity within the United Nations system that addresses environmental issues at both global and regional levels. Established to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP plays a critical role in keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging in various projects aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and addressing climate change. UNEP's NDC Act & Invest project is currently funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the NDC Partnership’s Partnership Action Fund (PAF) multi-donor trust fund, focusing on supporting countries in raising their climate ambition and translating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) into actionable plans.

Job Overview:
The Transport Sector Expert will be responsible for delivering government-validated technical inputs to the transport component of Nigeria’s NDC 3.0 Implementation Strategy and Action Plan. This includes developing a prioritized, investment-ready transport pipeline that consists of a screened long-list, a government-validated short-list, pre-feasibility and business-model analyses, and investor-ready concept notes/project profiles for at least three priority transport projects. The expert will work closely with financial engineering, structuring, and financial modelling experts to ensure that the projects are feasible and aligned with Nigeria's climate goals. The role requires a deep understanding of transport economics, project preparation methodologies, and the ability to produce high-quality policy and technical documents for government endorsement and investor audiences. The expert will also facilitate participatory workshops and validation processes, transferring technical knowledge to government counterparts while ensuring that all outputs are coherent with the NDC 3.0 and the Net Zero Investment Plan (NZIP).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Transport Sector Expert will undertake a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Delivering government-validated sectoral analysis and technical inputs to the transport component of the NDC 3.0 Implementation Strategy and Action Plan (ISAP). This involves reviewing existing transport measures, mapping ongoing initiatives, and providing technical inputs that translate NDC targets into actionable interventions.
• Developing a prioritized transport investment pipeline validated by government counterparts, which includes applying transparent screening and prioritization criteria to identify candidate investments and supporting the selection of priority projects for deep-dive support.
• Preparing deep-dive investability packages for prioritized transport projects, conducting pre-feasibility analyses, and providing technical inputs to financial models.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including federal and state authorities, transport unions, and civil society, to ensure that all analyses and project documents incorporate gender equality and social inclusion considerations.
• Coordinating closely with other experts in the team to ensure methodological consistency and avoid duplication of efforts across different sector pipelines.
• Preparing technical content for consultations and investor engagement events, and consolidating final reports with lessons learned and recommendations for the NCCC and line ministries.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in transport planning, engineering, urban planning, energy, economics, or a related field. Additionally, the candidate should have at least twelve years of experience in sustainable and low-carbon transport, electric mobility, urban mobility, or transport infrastructure development, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrated experience in preparing bankable transport projects and public-private partnerships is essential, including conducting feasibility studies, demand and fleet analysis, and business model design. Strong knowledge of electric vehicle (EV) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle ecosystems, mass transit systems, and vehicle emission standards is also required. Familiarity with Nigeria’s transport policy landscape and proven experience in multi-stakeholder engagement are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as transport planning, engineering, urban planning, energy, or economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of transport systems and the environmental policies that govern them.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in sustainable transport, electric mobility, or transport infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on experience in Sub-Saharan Africa. Candidates should have a proven track record of preparing bankable transport projects and engaging in public-private partnerships, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of project financing and implementation in the transport sector.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization and for the project.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the contract is from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2027, encompassing 120 working days over a 12-month period. The position is home-based, with missions to Abuja, Nigeria, as required. The role is full-time and involves significant collaboration with various stakeholders, including government entities and international partners. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and equitable.