Lead Energy Engineer

Mid Senior Engineering

Overview

Support emissions reduction for Peace Operations through renewable energy projects.

You have:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, Environmental studies, Architecture or a related field.
• Experience in implementation of environmental efficiency projects.
• Knowledge of latest developments in solar PV, diesel/PV hybrid systems, and energy storage.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Working knowledge of other UN Languages is an asset.
• Experience in the UN system organizations, preferably in developing countries.

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 purpose of the REACT project (Rapid Environmental and Climate Technical Assistance Facility) is to support UN Peacekeeping operations (PKOs) in their efforts to manage and reduce their environmental footprint, and reduce environmental risks and negative impacts.

Peacekeeping operations are international missions mandated by the UN Security Council to operate in specific countries and parts of countries for mandated periods. UN Peacekeeping operations are usually located in a fragile environment which generally lacks infrastructure as well as public services (energy access, water and wastewater, waste management, among others). The environmental footprint of UN Peacekeeping operations is considered to have significant room for improvement in a large number of critical areas.

To support Peacekeeping Operations in reducing their environmental impacts and risks, REACT acts in the role of a technical assistance (TA) team and provides expertise to support in planning, designing and implementing a range of actions that will cumulatively result in a substantial improvement in environmental performance.

The REACT technical assistance team primarily provides expertise directly to Peacekeeping Operations but also strategic support to Environment and Engineering teams of the Department of Operational Support (DOS) in New York and the UN Global Support Center based in Brindisi, Italy. Activities are closely coordinated amongst these respective entities via existing work planning and request for deployment processes, principally under the guidance of the GSC Environmental Technical Support Unit.

This role is expected to provide both technical and stakeholder engagement support to PKOs and the UN Secretariat in the area of emissions reductions, principally through implementation of renewable energy projects.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the REACT Environment Management System - Project Specialist, and in line with the established United Nations Rules and Procedures, the incumbent is responsible for supporting the implementation of ambitious emissions reduction activities for Peace Operations. In fulfilling some of the duties and responsibilities, the incumbent may be required to travel to remote locations in field missions for site assessments.

Within delegated authority, the Lead Energy Engineer will be responsible for the following duties:

Stakeholder engagement:

• Identify energy stakeholders at national, regional and international level with a potential interest in energy development projects in UN PKO countries.
• Coordinate awareness raising on the Energy Compact and potential Energy Compact Projects among interested energy stakeholders, through bilateral meetings, virtual meetings, attending virtual events, making presentations, sending out communication messages, etc.
• Initiate and facilitate introductions and engagement (in-person and virtual) between energy stakeholders and UN Secretariat and PKO partners, identify actions and ensure follow-up by assigned focal-points.
• Support senior mission and UN DOS management in preparing key messaging for stakeholder meetings on energy transitions through the preparation of background documentations, talking points and presentations.

Technical outputs:

• Undertake technical assessments for missions (either by desktop or field visit) and develop technical solutions. Articulate in both written and verbal form key issues and opportunities.
• Prepare technical and cost-benefit analyses and provide input to the development of project proposals that address technical feasibility and cost benefit considerations.
• Assist with the identification of potential financing/investment modalities and support resource mobilization efforts for Energy Compact Projects. Where required, contribute to supporting documentation (e.g. project concepts, proposals, budgets, contractual terms, etc.).
• Support and provide guidance to PKOs on the development, updating and implementation of Energy Infrastructure Management Plans (EIMPs) and support the development of yearly updates on progress through mission specific reporting.
• Support UN GSC, DOS, PKOs and others in the preparation of Requests for Interest (RFI), Expressions of Interest (EOIs), Scope of Works (SOW), in support of energy transitions.

Project implementation:

• Coordinate mission technical assessment planning, by developing a technical assessment schedule based on needs analysis and mission requests for assistance.

• Monitor the overall progress of energy initiatives across the peacekeeping missions through analysis of available data on the budgeting, sourcing, deployment and commissioning of infrastructure.

  Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Project deliverables are compliant with specification requirements as indicated in the UNOPS project document, terms of reference, and annual work plan, and that milestones are delivered within specified time.

• Timely Progress reports of assigned tasks/projects, either in verbal meetings or written form.
• Updated project activity information in UNOPS project documents.

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 :

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Engineering, Environmental studies, Architecture or a related field.
• A first level university degree (bachelor or equivalent) with two (2) additional years of professional experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience :

• With an advanced university degree, 5 years of general experience in implementation of environmental efficiency projects;
• Knowledge of latest developments and technology is required, including solar PV, diesel/PV hybrid systems, and energy storage, demonstrated through involvement in either the technical specification, procurement or commissioning;
• Knowledge of emission reduction calculations, cost-benefit analysis (levelized cost of energy basis) is required, demonstrated through the preparation for documented output for stakeholders;

• Experience in the UN system organizations, preferably in developing countries, is desirable.

  Languages :

• Fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN Languages is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)

Contract level: International ICA 2 / ICS-10

Contract duration: Until 30 June 2023

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org