Advisor, Technical (Energy Transition)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNOPS, which stands for the United Nations Office for Project Services. Established to support the implementation of projects and programs in various sectors, UNOPS focuses on sustainable development and humanitarian efforts. The organization operates globally, with personnel based in its headquarters in Copenhagen and various locations worldwide, including Beijing, Brussels, Manila, Riyadh, Tokyo, and Washington. UNOPS is dedicated to strengthening partnerships and enhancing knowledge, innovation, and foresight capabilities to effectively deliver impactful results for the communities it serves. The organization collaborates with a wide range of partners, including UN agencies, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, and private sector entities, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Advisor, Technical (Energy Transition) position is a senior-level role within UNOPS that focuses on leading the organization's technical positioning in the energy transition mission. This role involves driving mission-led innovation, forming strategic partnerships, and developing forward-looking solutions that enhance resilience and sustainability. The Advisor will work closely with the Partnerships and Futures Group (PFG) and the Chief Climate Officer to integrate mission-driven knowledge and foresight into UNOPS's partnership development and service delivery. The position requires a deep understanding of energy transition issues, including renewable energy, energy access, and grid modernization, and aims to translate partner and country energy commitments into actionable and investable projects. The Advisor will also serve as a principal focal point and thought leader for assigned missions, contributing to the development of knowledge management products and reinforcing UNOPS's visibility as an implementation partner.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Thematic Leadership: Serve as the principal focal point and thought leader for assigned missions, enhancing UNOPS's visibility and positioning as an implementation partner. Define UNOPS's expertise and value proposition within the assigned missions, and act as a technical expert for internal and external stakeholders. Develop and disseminate mission-aligned materials, including thought-leadership and knowledge management products.
• Mission-Aligned Partnerships and Opportunity Development: Bring mission-led intent to partnership development, ensuring strategic alignment of UNOPS's portfolio. Provide technical input in high-level discussions with partners and support project ideation discussions. Advise on the strategic alignment and value of UNOPS's portfolio across assigned missions, and assist in translating partner energy commitments into actionable pipelines.
• Integration of Knowledge, Innovation, and Foresight: Drive the integration of mission-driven knowledge into UNOPS's policy framing and service delivery. Provide advice on mission-aligned outcomes and indicators, and collaborate with colleagues to strengthen mission-led knowledge and innovation processes.
• People Leadership: Foster a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the team. Promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring a respectful work environment. Provide guidance and supervision to enable team members to perform effectively and efficiently.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Engineering, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, Economics (with a focus on energy), or a related discipline, along with 9 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree (or equivalent) in the same fields with 7 years of relevant experience is acceptable. Specialized training or certification related to energy transition, sustainability, innovation, foresight, or partnership development is desirable but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Engineering, Climate Change, Sustainable Development, or Economics focused on energy. A Master's degree in these areas is preferred and can substitute for a portion of the required experience. Candidates should have a strong foundation in energy-related disciplines to effectively contribute to the energy transition mission.

Experience:
The position requires demonstrated experience in providing technical advisory support on energy transition, including understanding the social and economic dimensions of a just transition. Candidates should have expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid modernization, and energy policy. Experience in conducting foresight and trend analysis, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and working in multicultural environments is essential. Additionally, experience in preparing or implementing energy infrastructure projects is required, while experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a senior-level role with an ongoing contract subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The role is home-based, allowing for remote work. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including women and underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and background checks are conducted for all final candidates. Candidates are advised that applications must be submitted before the deadline, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.