Legal Specialist (Energy Efficiency) - retainer position

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-10 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-10 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia

A) The Government of Norway has decided to fund a sub-regional programme “Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia” to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project consists of a socio-economic development support to the more undeveloped parts of the country and also envisages support to the Macedonian authorities responsible for leading the renewed efforts on the EU accession process.

The Government of Norway has allocated funding for the implementation of the Project in North Macedonia during 36 months.

The Overall Objective is to contribute to a more balanced socio-economic development and contribute to the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement and EU accession negotiations priorities. Specifically, the programme has objectives at the local and national levels i.e. locally, to increase employment opportunities, support social cohesion as well as to enhance local infrastructure in the less developed areas with a focus given to the inclusion of youth, women and vulnerable groups in the labour market. Nationally, the programme aims at supporting the government to improve its capacity for EU integration and government reform agenda in the accession process

All Project activities will be undertaken in partnership and cooperation with national and local institutions, with the aim of allowing them to adopt/adapt the legal requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria. This will ensure national ownership and support the development of national capacities.

B) The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has decided to fund a project “Support to progress in North Macedonia - Government reform agenda in the EU-accession process” to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The objective of the project supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is to support the enhancement of the EU integration capacity of the Republic of North Macedonia by providing technical assistance to government institutions during the accession period.

SIDA has allocated funding for the implementation of the project in North Macedonia during 32 months.

The Overall Objective of the SIDA support is to contribute to, and effectively communicate to the public, the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, accession negotiations and government reform priorities in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Project interventions are aimed towards communicating the benefits of the EU accession process to the general population, as well as to involve the civil society and media throughout the accession phases. All project activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the national institutions, with the aim of allowing them to adopt/adapt the legal requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria.

This will ensure national ownership and support the development of national capacities.

Background Information – relevant for the assignment The purpose of Result 3(1) “Supporting the government reform agenda in the accession process” is to provide support to relevant national institutions in charge of alignment of national legal acts with the EU acquis and to contribute to further building of capacities of the central coordination structures and relevant national structures for successful carrying out of the screening process (explanatory and bilateral screening). The overall process is coordinated by the Secretariat for. European Affairs (SEA), as main coordination body in the accession negotiation process.

The National Programme for Adoption of the Acquis (NPAA), as key strategic and planning document in the accession negotiation process is planned, monitored and updated on a regular basis. The NPAA is prepared and monitored by established 33 working groups, for each chapter of the acquis.

The NPAA comprises a comprehensive analysis of the EU Acquis, listing the short- and medium-term priorities in the planning reforms, policies and strategies, plan and schedule for harmonization of national legislation with the Acquis, administrative structures for implementation of legislation in terms of capacity building, establishment new/or restructuring the existing, human resource development and training needs, as well as financial resources. The NPAA is revised every year, taking into account the European Commission Country Reports and possible updates of the EU acquis. The NPAA is a good base for the preparation of the administration for the screening process and preparation of negotiation positions in the negotiation process.

The Ministry of Economy (ME) is, among the other, responsible for the national energy policy and it is leading the approximation process for Chapter 15 (Energy) of the EU acquis and the Energy Community Treaty with the support of various international cooperation and development partners. The NPAA, (revision 2019 - 2021), reflected in the Legal Agenda of the Government for 2019, envisages finalization and adoption of the Law on Energy Efficiency.

The Republic of North Macedonia is a Contracting Party of the Energy Community Treaty and as such it has an obligation to implement key European Union (EU) energy law, including the EU acquis pertaining to energy efficiency, as stipulated in Annex I to the Treaty and article 1 of the Decision of the Council of Ministers 2015/08/MC. Furthermore, the 2020 EC Country Report notes that the country should adopt and implement the Energy Efficiency implementing legislation as a short term priority.

On 20 Feb 2020 the Assembly of Republic of North Macedonia adopted the new Law on Energy Efficiency, transposing the 2012 EU energy efficiency directive (Directive 2012/27/EU). The ME needs now to develop secondary legislation to operationalize and implement the Law on Energy Efficiency. A pillar of such “secondary legislation package” is the Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises (hereinafter simply referred as the Rulebook). Article 15 of the new Law explicitly imposes an obligation to large energy users /enterprises to conduct mandatory energy audits every four years or to implement an energy or environmental management system. Article 15 of the Law requires the development of a Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Energy Users. This Rulebook will more closely define several components of the energy auditing process, based on best practices set out in relevant EU and international standards (please see Annex 1).

The Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises Rulebook will have to define and regulate:

⦁ How energy audits will be performed ⦁ Who will be qualified to become an authorised Energy Auditors (EAors) of Large Enterprises (LE), and under which conditions ⦁ Curricula for energy auditors training and continual professional development ⦁ Requirements for legal entities willing to provide training for EAors or carry out energy audits of LE ⦁ All administrative processes and forms needed for application, issuance, review and revoke of certificates and authorizations to energy auditors and licensees

The Rulebook will be developed taking in due account best practices set out in relevant EU and international standards, in particular EN 16247-1, 2, 3, 4, 5; ISO 50001:2018 and relevant family standards. Other standards will be considered where appropriate. The Rulebook will also take into account current capabilities and service offers of the North Macedonian market for energy audits and energy efficiency in industry and other economic sector, and try to build on such capabilities and services, including existing relevant professional training and qualification programmes. In NPAA 2020– 2025, the Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises is envisaged to be adopted in Q3 2021.

Also, ME has to develop the Rulebook on Tariff in relation to energy audits of large enterprises. The Rulebook on Tariff in relation to energy audits of large enterprises will have to define and regulate ways and methodologies to calculate cost of energy auditor training, cost of exams, fees of energy auditors performing energy audits, costs of energy audits to large enterprises and other aspects. In NPAA 2020– 2025, the Rulebook on tariff in relation to energy audits of large enterprises is envisaged to be adopted in Q3/2021. For development of the above stated two Rulebooks a team of four experts (experts team) will be recruited as follows:

⦁ Lead Quality Engineer (Energy Management and Efficiency) via/through Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia; ⦁ Lead Quality Engineer (Energy Management) via/through Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia; ⦁ Legal Specialist (Energy Efficiency) via/through Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia; ⦁ Austrian Energy Agency via/through UNIDO

The overall coordination and final supervision of the work for the development of the two Rulebooks will be ensured by the ME.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Programme throughout Project Manager, the Legal Specialist will provide legal assistance and advice to the working group (WG) established by the Minister of Economy with regards to legal drafting and law harmonization process - preparation of the Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises and the Rulebook on Tariff in relation to energy audits of large enterprises. All relevant documents and modalities of work for this assignment will be provided by the Ministry of Economy (ME). ME will serve as focal point, designate contact person/coordinator to facilitate the work of selected consultants, and will establish a working group (WG) for drafting the Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises and the Rulebook on Tariff in relation to energy audits of large enterprises. ME will prepare overall draft work-programme for the work of the WG. ME will organize all meetings, organize public hearings and other logistics including the preparation of expert’s missions.

More specifically, the Legal Specialist will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

⦁ Contribute directly to the drafting of the design of both Rulebooks structure, coordinated inputs from other experts, and finalization of an annotated tables of content; ⦁ Leading role and contribution to the drafting of Rulebook’s sections related to administrative processes and legal documents associated with request and issuance of licenses, administration of registry and other procedural and legal aspects; ⦁ Review and improve the text of all Rulebook sections drafted by other project team members from a legal perspective (nomothehnical improvements), in order to ensure overall coherence of normative elements of the Rulebooks with Law on Energy Efficiency and associated bylaws, and checking and ensuring compliance with including but not limited to: ⦁ Law on Misdemeanour; ⦁ Law on General Administrative Procedure; ⦁ Law on Official Control; ⦁ Law on Services, and other relevant national laws;; ⦁ Contribute in preparation of the draft Regulatory Impact Assessment of both Rulebooks, that will be drafted by the WG; ⦁ Verification of the Rulebook on Energy Audits of Large Enterprises compliance with the 2012 EU Energy Efficiency Directive and preparation of a Table of Concordance; ⦁ Liaise, communicate, work effectively and collaboratively with all parties involved, and contribute to the development of work-programme for the work of the WG for preparation of both Rolebooks; ⦁ Participate on the meetings of the WG, and providing feedback during workshops and public hearing organized by the ME and the WG, on the text of the Rulebooks;

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

⦁ Advanced University Degree (master’s) in Law is required; ⦁ University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience ⦁ Five years with master’s degree or seven years with bachelor’s degree of relevant experience in drafting of law and/or legal analyses in the energy sector is required; ⦁ Experience in drafting at least 2 pieces of legislation in the energy field (primary or secondary) in which EU Acquis is transposed is required; ⦁ Knowledge of the EU 2012 Energy Efficiency Directive is required;

Language Requirements ⦁ Fluency in English and Macedonian (speaking, reading and writing) is required

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER WITH THEIR APPLICATION.

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

This is a local position, it is therefore open to Nationals of Republic of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) - retainer Contract level: Local ICA 10 Contract duration: Up to 50 working days, in period of four months

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.

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 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 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

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

Background information – UNOPS Serbia

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been active in Serbia since 2000, and the operations of UNOPS Serbia Project Office (RSPO) have since 2017 expanded to North Macedonia and Montenegro.

UNOPS has been a reliable partner primarily of the Government of Serbia, and later of the Governments of North Macedonia and Montenegro, in providing support for demanding socio-economic reforms and facilitating accession to the European Union.

Currently, the RSMCO is implementing 14 projects focussed on sustainable socio-economic development, social cohesion, creating environment for employability, business and infrastructure growth, increased security, improved education, enhanced social inclusion either via enabling durable housing solutions or providing access to health, education and jobs for the most vulnerable population. All projects have good governance and gender equality as transversal themes. UNOPS projects are contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals framework and objectives.