Technical Specialist - Environmental (Socio-Economics)

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

South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) is a UNOPS office that oversees a portfolio of projects in 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia, and the Pacific. It was formed by merging the Thailand and Cambodia Multi-Country Offices. EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million in 2022 in various areas such as energy transition, digital transformations, sustainable environmental management, and health. The EAPMCO head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance of excellence of business processes and quality standards across all locations. It is also responsible for managing the portfolio of engagements in the MCO location itself.

Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments, philanthropies and other partners to work towards modern, sustainable energy systems. It focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which have the highest energy demand, a pipeline of fossil fuel-based projects, and potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides technical advice, support on financing, capacity and skill development, and dialogue facilitation. It is supported by a Secretariat incorporated into UNOPS, which will manage and operate the ETP Fund, launch calls for proposals, assess proposals, provide assistance to partners and monitor progress on projects. Members of the Secretariat are selected in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Secretariat Indonesia

The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was launched by the Government of Indonesia and the International Partners Group (IPG) during the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali, with a secretariat established in February 2023. The governance structure consists of three levels: the Indonesian Government Decarbonization Task Force, the IPG task force, and the JETP secretariat. The JETP encompasses various types of projects such as coal-fired power plant retirements, renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency. The JETP secretariat plays a crucial role in producing the Comprehensive Investment and Policy , as well as coordinating with the IPG task force and the Government’s Task Force.

In alignment with the energy transition efforts of the Government of Indonesia, the JETP recommendations and Just Transition considerations, ETP will provide support through the JETP Secretariat.

As a Technical Specialist - Socio Economic for Energy Projects, the successful candidate will provide support to the ETP team, including direct support to the JETP Secretariat under the supervision of ETP.

Summary of Key Functions

The Socio-Economic Specialist will be a part of ETP’s retainer pool and will provide support ad-hoc to the team. One of the primary assignments will include support to the Indonesia JETP Secretariat.

The incumbent will be accountable for delivering comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned projects under JETP, provide recommendations for integrating socio-economic considerations into project design and implementation, and conduct impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy projects under JETP. The Socio-Economic Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the ETP Senior Program Manager, in coordination with the ETP Secretariat, and Country Coordinator in Indonesia. The candidate will be expected to directly support the JETP secretariat on behalf of ETP.

Specific deliverables will include, but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive Socio-Economic Assessments. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting thorough socio-economic assessments for each assigned project under JETP.
• Policy Recommendations. Providing recommendations to integrate socio-economic considerations into the design and implementation of energy projects under JETP. This includes identifying opportunities for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and social development through these projects.
• Impact Analysis. Conducting impact analyses that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy projects under JETP.
• Risk Mitigation. Advising on the potential risks and challenges associated with energy projects and proposing effective mitigation measures.
• Optimizing Socio-Economic Benefits. Providing guidance to optimize the socio-economic benefits of energy projects while minimizing adverse effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators.
• Support to JETP Secretariat. The specialist will work closely with the JETP Secretariat in Indonesia, providing direct support on behalf of ETP

In addition to the aforementioned deliverables, the consultant is expected to conduct regular bi-weekly and ad-hoc meetings with ETP to ensure ongoing updates, information sharing, and effective communication throughout the project duration.

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: 1. Comprehensive socio-economic assessments - Deliver comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned projects under JETP - Conduct impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy projects under JETP. - Collect and analyze relevant data, including demographic, economic, and social information, to assess the baseline conditions and potential impacts of energy projects. - Utilize advanced modeling techniques and predictive analysis to forecast the socio-economic consequences of energy projects over time.

2. Advisory services on socio-economic issues - Provide advisory services on socio-economic issues of energy projects under JETP to understand their potential effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators. - Provide technical support in identifying opportunities for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and social development through energy projects and make recommendations accordingly - Provide advisory support in analyzing the potential socio-econommic risks and challenges associated with energy projects and propose the mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

3. Recommendations - Provide guidance on integrating socio-economic considerations into the design, planning, and execution of energy projects to maximize positive outcomes and minimize adverse effects. - Stay abreast of relevant socio-economic policies, regulations, and sustainability frameworks to ensure alignment with project goals and compliance with best practices. - Develop comprehensive reports and presentations that clearly communicate the socio-economic impact assessment findings, including benefits, risks, and recommended actions.

In addition to the aforementioned deliverables, the consultant is expected to conduct regular bi-weekly and ad-hoc meetings with ETP to ensure ongoing updates, information sharing, and effective communication throughout the project duration.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, or a related field.

• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above mentioned fields with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience in socio-economic assessments or related fields, preferably in the energy or infrastructure sector in combination with an advanced degree in relevant field/s is required.
• Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and other energy-related stakeholders is preferred.
• Strong understanding of socio-economic perspective on energy transition related issues is preferred.
• Familiarity with energy sector policies, regulations, and sustainability frameworks.
• Proven track record of successfully advising clients on public policy matters, particularly in the energy sector is required.
• Proven track record in conducting study on impact assessments, community development, or poverty reduction initiatives is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present complex socio-economic problems and analyses in a succinct manner is an asset.
• Familiarity with socio-economic assessment instrument in energy projects or methodology to evaluate the potential social and economic impacts of energy-related projects, such as employment and job opportunities analysis, income and livelihoods analysis, local economic development, etc. is preferred.
• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of, donors, government, private sector, and civil society is desired
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, and project developers is an asset.
• Computer literacy in Google Suite/Google Workspace is required.

Language

Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is required.

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. 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. 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

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) - Retainer
2. Contract level**: ICS-10/LICA-10**
3. Contract duration: 12 months with possibility of extension (max. 200 working days/year)****

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

****Disclaimer: This is not a full-time position. Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis. There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.

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.