Emissions Reduction 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

UNOPS 2022-2025 Strategic Plan includes an ambition of reducing UNOPS institutional climate footprint, as part of the UN global priority of combating climate change. The CEB-approved UN Sustainability Strategy (UNSS) 2020-2030 places a similar expectation on UN system agencies, with a view of aligning to the IPCC emission reduction targets. For more than a decade UNOPS has been measuring the GHG emissions deriving from its facilities and operations. In line with the new objective to significantly reduce its emissions by 2030, the Office of the Regional Director for Africa is looking at scaling up its emission reduction activities and is recruiting an “Emission Reductions Specialist” to join its team.

The Office of the Regional Director for Africa is located in Nairobi and leads a geographically-defined portfolio of engagements, leads strategy and business development for the region, follows management of operations, and ensures appropriate risk management. The Africa region (AFR) currently consists of five Multi-Country Offices located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Kenya. These Multi-Country Offices cover all of the African continent, including Francophone, Anglophone and Lusophone countries. Currently the Africa Region (AFR) is implementing a wide range of infrastructure, procurement and transactional projects in over 40 countries.

The Emission Reductions Specialist will join the Africa Region team in Nairobi Kenya; and will report to the Infrastructure and Project Management team.

Functional Responsibilities

• Assess the current methodology used by UNOPS in estimating the direct energy consumption, potential energy savings and consequential GHG emission reductions
• Improve GHG emissions data quality and collect additional parameters to guide reduction initiatives, including supporting the digitalization of the GHG inventory process through Internet of Things (IoT) solutions in the Africa Region Country Offices.
• Research, draft and present reduction strategies for specific emission sources in the context of the corporate emission reduction strategy and in support of Africa emissions reduction objectives.
• Asses the current demands, operations and business needs in order to develop and implement the Regional Carbon Emissions Reduction Plan 2030 in line with the global, corporate and regional targets.
• Identify technical and process solutions to achieve long-term GHG emission reductions
• Support the internal environmental efficiency efforts in the Africa Region Office, with special focus on the the offices with a higher energy demand.
• Coordinate the implementation of the energy reduction and solarization projects in UNOPS Africa Region offices.
• Act as technical expert on latest technologies and solutions for increasing the energy efficiencies and decarbonising UNOPS Africa Region operations
• Provide input for the establishment of an internal climate mitigation resource pool, including parameters for determining the emission reduction initiatives
• Act as technical expert and focal point of renewable energy in the AFR Region.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education - Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Environmental studies, Civil Engineering, Architecture or a related field - A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience: - With an advanced university degree, 5 years of general experience in implementation of environmental efficiency projects at the national and international level - Advanced knowledge of latest development and technology in the built environment field is required - Advanced knowledge of GHG emissions reduction and CO2 emissions calculations is required - Experience in UN system organisations and in developing countries, preferably in Africa, is desirable

Language: - Fluency in English - Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: ICS-10, IICA-2 Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to satisfactory performance and funding available

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 Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and 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 personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.