Senior Advisor – Energy Efficiency in Buildings

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 - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical, and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

The UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC) was established in March 2022 to ensure the preservation and continuation of the experience and capacity established through a 30-year working relationship between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Danish Technical University, and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as the UNEP-DTU Partnership. UNEP-CCC is programmatically guided by UNEP and operationally supported by UNOPS.

UNEP-CCC is a leading international advisory organization on energy, climate, and sustainable development. Its work focuses on assisting developing countries and emerging economies in transitioning towards low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathways and supports the integration of climate action into national development. UNEP-CCC is actively implementing UNEP’s Climate Change Strategy and Energy Programme by delivering technical assistance and policy advice to developing countries and emerging markets in the context of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Business Models and Finance (BMF) section is one of five sections at UNEP-CCC. BMF seeks to support developing and emerging economies by assisting upstream, early-stage investment opportunities identification, conducting technical and financial pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, as well delivering policy advice and capacity building on enabling frameworks. It also develops financial architecture concepts for implementation and replication, all of them to bridge the existing gaps preventing or slowing down green investment in energy sustainability in countries and cities. The section has a strong technical focus on promoting energy efficiency and is working directly with the private and public sectors, and financial institutions.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Section, Business Models and Finance, the Senior Advisor will work on the Energy Efficiency in buildings and business models in the context of the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency, an integral part of UNEP-CCC.

The Senior Advisor will collaborate with developing and emerging countries at national and city levels in the adoption of energy efficiency policies, doing pre-feasibility analysis for energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions in buildings, and developing business options for city-level or country-level projects.

The Senior Advisor will be engaged in the following activities: 1. Technical Advisory, Policy analysis and business strategies development:

• Undertake a comprehensive in-depth analysis and systematization of the main policy issues associated with energy efficiency in buildings.
• Undertake a comprehensive analysis of policies related to energy systems, in countries and cities of different climatic zones.
• Undertake analysis and propose guidelines for the development of regulations addressing building codes, building standards, and buildings’ labeling.
• Assess countries and cities’ capacity-building needs related to existing and improved policies on energy efficiency.
• Explore and advise on business cases and models for investments in energy efficiency.
• Develop advice on business model opportunities, and on how to access finance.
• Conduct outreach to the private sector and finance institutions for implementation.
• Coordinate with local or regional authorities in pre-assessments of potential and opportunities for energy efficiency applications in buildings.
• Develop pre-assessments of potential opportunities for energy efficiency applications in energy-demand systems in different cities, regions, and countries.
• Develop best practice guidance and cases to be used for replication and scaling of efforts for wider use and in new geographical and technical contexts, namely in integrating different features such as mitigation and adaptation solutions.
• Contribute to strengthening the section and UNEP-CCC's work with qualitative and quantitative analytical research methods, processes, tools, databases, and analytical publications.

2. Capacity building and Internal capacity development :

• Synthesize, analyze, and document experiences, and evidence and contribute to country - or city-level learning on energy efficiency with emphasis on building energy efficiency.
• Provide expert technical assistance, advice, capacity building and training, and other direct support to city or national authorities.Develop training materials and provide capacity building and awareness raising in technologies, technical solutions, and business models for developing countries, mainly focusing on heating and cooling, district energy solutions, and building energy efficiency, among other city-related energy efficiency topics.
• Supervise and contribute to the development of junior staff members on methods, project management, energy efficiency, and business models content-related work.
• Advice on the work and strategic development of the BMF section and ensure cross-section collaboration within UNEP-CCC and other parts of UNEP.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of UNEP-CCC’s and UNEP’s strategies, in energy and climate change.

3. Partnerships, fundraising and international representation :

• Lead resource mobilization and fundraising activities, including project concept development, preparation of project proposals, and engaging with potential funders.
• Cultivate and maintain effective international networks and partnerships with country partners, partner institutions, finance institutions, and the private sector.
• Within delegated authority, represent UNEP-CCC and its Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency as well as the BMF Section at expert meetings, formal consultations, workshops, and seminars.

Monitoring Progress and Control : The incumbent will be evaluated against performance criteria including the following:

• Level of contribution to project objectives
• Level of internal collaboration in UNEP-CCC and with other parts of UNEP
• Level of contribution to resource mobilization, partnership building and maintenance, and networking
• Level of contribution to the strategic discussions as part of the BMF section, UNEP-CCC, and UNEP
• Level of contribution to the UNOPS core competencies

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

a. Education - An advanced university degree (Master`s degree or equivalent) in an energy efficiency-relevant discipline such as for example Architecture, Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Building Science, or Civil Engineering is required. - A Bachelor degree with an additional 2 years of relevant working experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree. - A Ph.D. with a thesis on a related topic is highly desirable.

b. Work Experience

• A minimum experience of at least 7 years of post-master experience working in energy efficiency is required.
• Experience working with developing countries and emerging economies is required.
• Experience with fundraising and partnership building are strong assets.
• Experience working in an international agency or organization is desirable.
• Experience in project management and coordination is desirable.

c. Languages

The working language at UNEP-CCC is English. Fluency in English skills is required for this position. Knowledge of either Spanish and/or French is highly desired. Knowledge of any other UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA 3 / ICS 11 Contract duration: One year (12 months) initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds

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.
• Copenhagen, Denmark is a family duty station.

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.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.