Climate Technology and Innovation System Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) was established in early 2022. UNEP-CCC is programmatically guided by UN Environment (UNEP) and operationally supported by UNOPS. UNEP-CCC was established to ensure preservation and continuation of the experience and capacity established through a 30-year working relationship between UNEP, DTU, and the MFA, known as the UNEP DTU Partnership (UDP).

UNEP-CCC is a leading international advisory institution on energy, climate and sustainable development. Its work focuses on assisting developing countries and emerging economies transition towards more low carbon development paths and supports integration of climate-resilience in national development. UNEP-CCC is actively engaged in implementing UN Environment’s Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme by delivering technical assistance and analytical work to emerging markets and developing countries in context of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

Information about the Unit

The Technology – Transitions and System Innovation (TTSI) Section is one of six sections at UNEP-CCC. TTSI section is working on identifying and assessing barriers and enablers for climate technology transfer and diffusion. We support the national government's needs in technology deployment and facilitate market-based innovation, private sector engagement, and local development with an overall emphasis on creating enabling frameworks for technology transfer and market creation across developing country contexts. In each of these areas, the section is engaged in project implementation, scientific advisory work, capacity building, and provision of technical support, combined with methodology development. In addition, the section provides policy advice and engages in knowledge dissemination.

TTSI seeks to recruit a Climate Technology Specialist in climate technology innovation systems and technology road maps. The successful candidate will be part of the team supporting Technology Needs Assessments (TNAs) in developing countries, tracking progress on climate technology transfer (nationally and globally), integrating technology into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation and assessing systems of innovation. The candidate will strengthen the visibility of the section’s technology transfer work in international fora and lead and contribute to country support, advisory work and publications.

Functional Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the candidate will be to provide science-based advice on the assessment of technology innovation systems, and identification and analysis of technology transfer policies and actions at global, national and sub-national levels. S/he is expected to work independently on a varied portfolio of activities, including project management and coordination, partnership development, quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as contributing to proposal development in collaboration with other staff as well as other relevant colleagues across UNEP.

Specific areas of work for the Climate Technology Specialist will include:

• Being part of a team of experts supporting developing countries, including through capacity building, in their technology needs assessments and technology transitions;
• Assessments of the range of enablers within institutional, regulatory and political framework conditions that are conducive to promoting and facilitating the development and transfer of technologies. This includes the country-specific circumstances that encompass existing market and technological conditions, institutions, resources and practices, which can be subject to changes in response to government actions. Enablers may target both technology supply and demand aspects of the development and transfer of technologies.
• Analysis and provision of new information to facilitate market development and to build capacity for technology transfer and deployment at the local level. Support stakeholders in building new global, national and local technology partnerships.

As part of the above work also be responsible for allocation of budget resources within the assigned project; and for regularly monitoring and assessing performance against KPIs and project milestones.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Successful pick up of analyses, that provides detailed knowledge on climate technologies, in existing relevant networks (academic, industry, private sector, finance) prepared under different projects (such as TNA and ACTT).
• Successful facilitation of network and partnership building to strengthen the enabling frameworks for technology transfer and diffusion to increase investments in climate technologies.
• Timely submission of the deliverables which will fall under the responsibility of the staff, such as technology roadmaps, in relation with projects focusing on Net Zero Strategies or NDCs.
• Successful completion of project management tasks which will be assigned to the staff, including timely submission of corresponding deliverables, among other under the TNA project
• Contribute to the strategic discussions as part of the TTSI section.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• A Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline (economics, agricultural economics, development studies, geography, or similar) is required. A Bachelor's degree in similar fields and additional years of experience may be considered in lieu.

  Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in the area of climate change and in several of the below listed areas of work:

  • technology innovation systems,
  • technology transfer and diffusion,
  • sustainability transitions,
  • international development studies;
• Experience of working with developing countries is an asset;
• Experience of working in an area such as renewable energy is an advantage;
• Demonstrated excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills in English;

• Proven experience with developing project proposals, grant writing, securing funds competitively, and developing new project ideas;

• Experience with liaising, networking and building collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;

• Experience of implementing projects in co-operation with donor agencies, international experts, and developing country institutions;
• Experience with teamwork and an ability to produce high-quality results and outputs under strict deadlines, with minimal supervision.

Language

• Fluency in English, in both speaking and writing is required.
• Work proficiency in Spanish and/or French is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International ICA 2 / ICS-10 Contract duration: One year (12 months) initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• Copenhagen, Denmark is an UN Family Duty Station

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labour force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage the recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.