Result of Service

Implementation of the activities described will contribute to reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gases emissions related to lighting, appliances and equipment globally. This will be achieved by means of developing accurate energy saving estimates, enhancing and upgrading U4E tools and providing technical input and guidance to the project team and partners and liaising with key stakeholders including government representatives on energy efficiency policy development activities.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

12 months

Duties and Responsibilities

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) leads the United for Efficiency (U4E) initiative, which was launched in 2014 to help developing and emerging markets quickly and comprehensively transition to energy-efficient lighting, room air conditioners, household refrigerators, electric motors and transformers. A well-designed set of policies can help transform these markets by enabling them to leapfrog past outdated technologies to superior, cost-effective alternatives. The initiative is funded by various multilateral funds, overseas development aid programmes and the philanthropic community with in-kind support from partners, including industry, international organizations 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. The activities of the consultant will support in the Clean Cooling Collaborative’s funded ASEAN COOL Initiative and other regional harmonization projects across South-east Asia, Southern Africa and East Africa. In addition, the consultant shall provide technical and capacity building support in deploying the product registration system in South-Asia and South-east Asian countries. Furthermore, the consultant shall contribute to updating U4E global tools, including Country Savings Assessments and Model Regulations, etc., and developing new U4E tools. The Energy efficiency specialist will be engaged primarily in the overall coordination of the U4E activities at the national level in Malaysia, Singapore, Bhutan, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Timor Leste; and at regional level in Southeast Asia, Southern Africa and East Africa. Limited global and cross-cutting support will be required as needs arise. Furthermore, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks: • Project execution and partnerships support with senior officials including gathering information, organizing calls, securing commitments, developing content, reviewing draft materials, reporting progress, preparing and maintaining workplans, organizing events, reporting results and similar for market transformation projects at national and regional levels on energy-efficient appliances and equipment. • Develop detailed agenda/itinerary and coordinate the organizing of ASEAN regional workshops for the ASEAN member states to advance and accelerate the implementation of ASEAN regional policy roadmap for room air conditioners by liaising with project partners and key ASEAN stakeholders. • Convene experts and to deliver capacity building training content on implementing national product registration system for cooling products to key stakeholders from Bhutan, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Timor Leste by liaising with the international consultant. • Update existing country savings assessment(s) in coordination with energy modelling expert by compiling information on macroeconomic indicators and sales/stock and other energy performance parameters pertinent to lighting, appliances and equipment. • Implement the ASEAN regional product database by convening bilateral meetings and provide necessary capacity building training for representatives from ASEAN member states in consultation with regional stakeholders. • Disseminate information and provide advice through calls, webinars presentations and events on Country Saving Assessment, Model Regulation Guidelines, Sustainable Public Procurement and related resources that are developed by U4E. • Coordinate with country leads, project partners and international technical experts to facilitate smooth implementation across team members and target stakeholders. • Assist in compiling relevant reports and presentations for reporting in IPMR and per donor requirements and UNEP management information requests. • Facilitate information sharing and transfer of knowledge between countries/projects by documenting lessons learnt and conducting workshops. • Write and advise on request for funding proposals, leading the drafting and completing submission and negotiation with donors in consultation with target governments and potential project partner organizations based on the needs identified in target regions • Represent the project teams at relevant workshops and consultations. • Develop content and assist in effective outreach of project outputs, through close coordination with design and communications team. • Coordinate with the communications team in developing news stories and social media posts for the ongoing/upcoming project events like workshops, webinar, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent additional experience) in energy or environmental policy, energy, environmental or international economics, or a related engineering or science field. A minimum of 8 years professional experience (may include relevant internship experience) with energy policies and international development programmes. Four or more years’ experience in providing capacity building and developing outreach material to get the commitment of country officials to implement energy policies, e.g., through the evaluation of saving potentials for energy efficient products. Three or more years’ experience in coordinating projects on energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and/or equipment and, developing funding proposals, e.g., for CCC, GEF, CCAC, etc. Work experience in at least two of the following regions: Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, or Eastern Africa. Experience in coordinating regional harmonization efforts/strategies in developing countries involving a large range of stakeholders. Basic familiarity with appliance technologies and opportunities for improving performance and excellent written and oral communications skills on energy or environmental related topics. Experience in developing and building coalitions to support existing activities and proposals for new activities. Experience on energy-efficient cooling is desirable. Practical experience within a UN agency is an advantage. Excellent record in collaborating with a team, and ability to adapt to meeting varying needs as a project evolves.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written 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.