Director of Energy

Contract

This is a IICA-3 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 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing 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 We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

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 labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

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

Background Information - Job-specific

The OQ’s Energy Team is currently supporting the Palestinian Authority (PA) on a number of strategic initiatives to support the development of the Palestinian energy sector. This includes support in the fields of electricity, natural gas and renewables, in addition to wider sector support. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Mission and in close collaboration with the Deputy Head of Mission,the role of the Director of Energy (DoE) is to lead the energy team and delivery of the OQ’s energy work-streams. This role represents a senior and central leadership position within the OQ, requiring high-level engagement with a wide range of stakeholders in the political, technical and diplomatic communities, including Ministers, Ambassadors, and senior government officials. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead a work programme central to the advancement of Palestinian economic and institutional development and empowerment, working within a challenging and rewarding environment.

Functional Responsibilities

Specifically, the Director of Energy will:

1. Lead the OQ’s energy work programme in accordance with the objectives set out in the OQ Strategy.
2. Manage the OQ’s Energy Team including, but not limited to, planning, supervising, reporting and evaluating the team and their work.
3. Maintaining a strategic and policy focus on the sector.
4. Coordinate and work with senior stakeholders in the Palestinian Authority, Government of Israel, the international community and the private sector in respect of developing and facilitating implementation of energy projects and initiatives.
5. Working with and supporting other teams at the OQ to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to multi-sector issues.

The work is of a highly confidential nature and the DoE must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.

Deliverable

The DoE will be responsible for:

1. Leading the implementation of the OQ’s energy work programme.
2. Leading the OQs engagement on the Gas for Gaza project, including inter alia Chairing the Gas for Gaza Task Force as needed;
3. Leading the OQ’s initiatives in the areas of electricity, renewables and natural gas.
4. Undertaking comprehensive stakeholder management as required to deliver on the OQ’s energy sector initiatives and strategy
5. Acting as the interface with the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel (GoI) on the OQ’s energy work programme.
6. Supporting the Head of Mission and Deputy Head of Mission on delivery and development of the OQ’s strategy, internal OQ management and stakeholder management in general.

All these deliverables are to be reached in close coordination and cooperation with the wider OQ team as well as with OQ donors.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Advanced degree (MA or PhD) is required, preferably in engineering, business, law or a related field. A Bachelor's degree in combination with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Work Experience:

• At least seven years of work experience in the energy sector is required

  • Relevant experience in oil and gas, power generation or renewable energy is required.
  • Prior extensive political engagement experience with senior stakeholders is required.
  • Prior work in the energy sector in a developing economy is desired, with previous work in a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern country an advantage.
  • Prior experience in stakeholder management is required

  organization Skills and Abilities:

• Highly skilled in stakeholder management: Customer-orientation and sound judgment; ability to consistently demonstrate a professional manner in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally to the organisation.

  • Excellent communication skills: Strong research and writing ability; skilled in creating knowledge products such as policy briefs, papers, guidance notes and other pieces directed at multiple audiences; ability to work under tight deadlines, juggling multiple competing tasks and prioritising demands.
  • Strong team player: Ability to work independently and in teams; ability to interact with high-level individuals across a range of organisations; flexible as tasks and priorities shift; respect and proven ability to work and strive in a multicultural environment.
  • Other: Demonstrated competence with using standard office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.).

  Language Requirements:

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

  • Knowledge of Arabic and/or Hebrew is an asset.

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. 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.

Contract type, level and duration

The contract for this position will be issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of its Client the Office of Quartet pursuant to an agreement between both parties whereby the successful candidate's contractual rights and responsibilities will be managed by the Office of Quartet (OQ) office and not by UNOPS. Contract type: International Individual Contract IICA 3 or Local individual contract LICA11 Contract level: ICS 11/ IICA 3 Contract duration: Six months, with possibility of extension based on performance and available funding

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.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• 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.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• 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.