Innovation, Strategic Leadership, Policy Dialogue and Advocacy 

• Contributing to a strategic understanding of, and engagement with, the substantive technical issues, institutions, and processes within the region, including establishing contact and developing strategic partnerships with other agencies, donors, NGO’s, the private sector, scientific institutions and the like.
• Participating in the development and implementation of UNDP’s global and regional strategies on environment and sustainable development within the BPPS, GN and beyond; engagement in policy and advocacy work with external partners where relevant.
• Providing policy development support and guidance to countries and governments.
• Facilitating the development of strategic UNDP policy position papers and internal briefing notes.
• Facilitating policy analysis and the development of technical tools and guidance.
• Maintain trusted relationships with country offices, government, and non-governmental partners’ role within the region.
• Keeping the NCE Regional Team informed of trends and issues with respect to the substantive technical area and contribute actively to regional NCE programming and Business plans.
• Keeping the Principal/Senior Technical Advisors and RTL informed of trends and issues in the region.
• Work in coordination with other RTAs/RTSs in the region to develop projects requiring technical guidance from multiple areas, including collaborations with NCE regional team members and broader GPN and RBAS teams at the Regional Hub on delivery of integrated support to Country Offices.

Ensure effective portfolio management 

• Advising in the maintenance of programme/project and portfolio information and corporate information systems.
• Facilitating the identification, and sourcing of technical expertise and support, including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports.

Establish and maintain strategic partnerships and support resource mobilization efforts 

• Advising on programme and project identification and development, including on integrated approaches and multifocal area projects.
• Providing timely and quality information and technical advice on sources of funds, policies, priorities, and activities – including the Global Environment Facility funds, the Green Climate Fund, other multilateral donors, bilateral donors, and foundations.
• Identifying and suggesting to the PTA and regional RTL priorities and entry-points for UNDP assistance and linkage with broader UNDP priorities.
• Facilitating the process of preparation, design, submission and approval of programme/project concepts and full-fledged proposals for financing.
• Providing guidance and support in the identification and sourcing of technical expertise and support including assisting with the preparation of TORs, identification and evaluation of experts and reviewing reports.
• Facilitating liaisons with potential financing agencies and institutions.

Effectively manage development impact 

• Advising on inception and start-up of programmes/projects, ensuring the implementation teams’ understanding of technical and operational aspects of the projects, and strong technical and operational capacity of project management units.
• Supporting UNDP country offices and programme/project implementation partners in project supervision, and timely and quality implementation, providing troubleshooting and guidance for adaptive management.
• Undertaking virtual and physical supervision missions aimed at (a) verification of results and (b) troubleshooting to manage technical quality assurance risks.
• Undertaking technical quality assurance of the Annual Work Plan cleared by the CO, ensuring alignment with the approved project document and technical robustness of proposed AWP activities in line with the approved project result framework.
• Undertaking risk management oversight including conducting risk-based second-tier portfolio oversight and address escalated GEF project risks/critical issues through Action Plan.
• Providing oversight for monitoring and evaluation support including quality and timely completion of the annual Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) reports and technical oversight related input during mid-term reviews (MTRs) and terminal evaluations (TEs);
• Facilitate production of project communication pieces effectively showcasing socio-economic and environmental impacts of individual projects and its linkage to the UNDP Strategic Plan priorities and targets.

Facilitate Learning, Knowledge Management and Self Development 

• Evaluating, capturing, codifying, synthesizing lessons and stimulating the uptake of best practices and knowledge, including the development of knowledge materials.
• Peer reviewing, commenting on, and seeking to improve the technical quality of programmes/projects, policies, practices, guidelines, advisory notes, publications and the like.
• Assisting with preparation of regional Community of Practice meetings.
• Preparing and delivering training courses as needed.
• Responding to queries on programme/project progress, impacts and lessons.
• Developing knowledge products of relevance to UNDP-NCE’s support to countries on low emission climate resilient development in the area of energy, infrastructure and transport.
• Developing and carrying out a personal learning plan.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervision, performance management, and development of personnel will be required.

Requirements:

Education:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Energy, Climate Change, Engineering, Finance, development studies or other closely related field is required. OR
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Certification in project management is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience (with a master’s degree) or 9 years’ (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience working with developing countries on one or more of the following: renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy transition, energy access.
• At least of 5 years’ experience providing policy advisory services in areas related to climate change mitigation and sustainable energy is required.
• At least 5 years’ experience with the design and/or implementation of development projects/programmes to promote sustainable energy investment, including climate finance is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of energy access projects/programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in structuring blended finance solutions.
• Experience working in multiple countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Direct experience in the design and implementation of GEF and GCF CCM/sustainable energy projects is preferable.
• Direct experience in designing and implementing energy access programs for the deployment of renewable energy minigrids is an advantage.
• Experience in designing financial instruments / mechanisms for sustainable energy programs is preferable.
• Direct working experience with Development Finance Institutions is an advantage.
• Experience in leading/coordinating team of experts is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in mobilizing partnerships and resources at scale is preferable.

Language:

• Fluency in English language, with exceptional writing, presentation, and communication skills is required.
• Working knowledge of French is desired.