International Cooling expert

Result of Service Implementation of the project activities will contribute to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions related to room air conditioners and refrigerators in the Gambia. This will be achieved by means of developing MEPS and Labels for energy efficient cooling products and draft a national cooling action plan and establish a product registration system. The long-term implications of the project will have a positive impact on the general public of the Gambia as it will enable a transition to more sustainable electricity grid and result in cheaper electricity bills. The project will place further attention to the regional harmonization of legislation to propose a wide acceptance and minimize potential trade barriers.

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 12 months

Duties and Responsibilities United for Efficiency (U4E) is a global initiative launched in 2015 to help developing and emerging markets quickly and comprehensively transition to energy-efficient lighting, room air conditioners, household refrigerators, electric motors and transformers (see http://united4efficiency.org). A well-designed set of policies can help transform these markets by enabling them to leapfrog past outdated technologies to superior, cost-effective alternatives. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads U4E, with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Kigali Efficiency Cooling Programme (K-CEP) with support from the UN Development Programme and partners from industry and civil society.

In national and regional projects around the world, U4E promotes an Integrated Policy Approach that includes minimum energy performance standards (MEPS); product labelling and communications; financial mechanisms; market monitoring, verification of product performance and enforcement of regulations (MVE); and environmentally-sound management (ESM) and safe handling of products. Neighboring countries are encouraged to align policies and collaborate whenever practicable. When working together, countries can lower administrative and compliance costs by minimizing duplicative testing, coordinating inspection of products as they cross borders, requiring the same information on product labels, and so on.

U4E has a diverse and growing portfolio of activities around the world. A Policy Expert consultant is required to support the delivery of technical and policy support to national and regional projects.

Under the framework of U4E, the consultant will support the work of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project in Gambia- ‘National Framework for Leapfrogging to Energy Efficient and Climate Friendly Air Conditioners and Refrigerators’. The project aims to develop an integrated policy strategy that results in a comprehensive legislative framework for energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators in The Gambia. In the long-term, the project will catalyze broader market transformation for energy efficiency in The Gambia and will ultimately reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The objective of the GCF Readiness to develop an implementation plan for the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labelling programme for energy efficiency (EE) lighting and appliances. The support will enable establish an enabling environment for transformation of the EE lighting and appliance market, including an investment plan for introducing EE appliances.

The Consultant will Lead the delivery of the listed outputs in section below for completing the implementation of GCF Readiness projects with support from MEPS Expert, and National Experts hired as part of the team.

The Cooling expert is required to support the execution of the delineated activities: - Design and deliver capacity building training on the energy-efficiency on air conditioners and refrigerators and their impact to the environment and climate. - Establishing and convening a meeting of a PWG inclusive of strategic stakeholders . - Undertaking a south-south study tour to a country in the sub-region to build awareness and capacity of five PWG members. - Conducting a market assessment of air conditioners and refrigerators. - Conducting a workshop that aims to communicate, present and disseminate the findings of the market assessment report. - Review and develop a National Cooling Action Plan and organize two stakeholder workshops. - Review and develop a draft MEPS and labels technical framework for air conditioners and refrigerators and a consultation workshop to all relevant stakeholders. - Develop a draft project concept note in response to market transformation to energy efficient air conditioners and refrigerators and conduct a workshop with relevant stakeholders. - Liaising with international experts, national/regional experts and project partners for the development and finalization of policy recommendations for energy-efficient and climate friendly appliances; - Researching, drafting and securing adoption of national cooling strategies, U4E tools (e.g. minimum energy performance standards, country savings assessments, registration systems, etc.), and new project proposals; and - Capturing progress and key findings for use in reporting, outreach and promotion of U4E activities.

Qualifications/special skills - An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent additional experience) in energy or environmental policy, energy or environmental economics, or a related engineering or science field. - At least 6 years of professional experience (may include relevant internship experience) with energy policies and international development programmes. Experience on energy-efficient cooling is desirable. - Excellent written and oral communications skills on energy or environmental related topics. - Familiarity with project management concepts. - Basic familiarity with appliance technologies and opportunities for improving performance (or similar products) is an asset. - Experience in developing and building coalitions to support existing activities and proposals for new activities. - Excellent record in collaborating with a team, and ability to adapt to meeting varying needs as a project evolves. - Availability to support UNEP’s U4E team who are based in Paris, France and also National consultants based out of The Gambia.

Languages - Fluent in English

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.