Energy Specialist_ IPSA-10 (Open to all applicants)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global leader in sustainable development, working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) and the Global Policy Network (GPN) mobilize expertise to support strategic objectives. The Energy for Growth in Africa initiative, in collaboration with G7, aims to accelerate clean energy project financing in Africa through de-risking instruments and technical assistance. The Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream focuses on deploying innovative low-carbon technologies via pilots and catalytic interventions.
Job Purpose
The Energy Specialist will support the implementation of the Energy for Growth in Africa programme, specifically the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream, based at the UNDP Rome Centre. This role is central to shaping and operationalizing the workstream, ensuring alignment with national priorities and effective cross-country coordination. The specialist will combine technical expertise with end-to-end project development, from identifying and advancing a pipeline of innovative low- or zero-carbon energy projects to overseeing their implementation. The position aims to address market and knowledge barriers, de-risk strategic initiatives, strengthen project fundamentals, and ultimately unlock new market opportunities to advance a sustainable energy transition in Africa through catalytic interventions and pilot initiatives.
Responsibilities
The Energy Specialist will advance the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream within the UNDP Rome Centre’s Energy for Growth initiative. Key duties include identifying regional/country activities to boost energy transition and climate targets, with a focus on catalytic, innovation-driven interventions. The role involves strengthening capacity of country counterparts through technical expertise in project identification, preparation, and development of pilot projects. This includes drafting concept notes, project documents, and funding proposals. The specialist will coordinate closely with UNDP Country Offices and national/international stakeholders, serve as a focal point for development initiatives, and support partnership development. Responsibilities also include providing advanced technical support across the energy project lifecycle, from feasibility assessments to environmental safeguards, and supporting the strengthening of technical and institutional capacity. The role entails identifying and operationalizing innovative delivery mechanisms, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring timely, high-quality reporting and knowledge management, including capturing lessons learned and facilitating knowledge sharing.
Work Experience
Demonstrated experience in identifying, designing, and structuring renewable energy projects and programmes, including managing project pipelines. Proven experience in project start-up phases, stakeholder coordination, and preparing implementation frameworks. Strong hands-on experience in delivering and managing energy projects, ensuring alignment with technical, financial, and results-based management requirements. Field experience with country-level stakeholders and understanding of local operational dynamics is essential. Experience in international development settings, particularly in energy and/or climate change, is desirable. Experience with energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms, especially in African markets, is beneficial.
Skills
- Project identification, design, and structuring in the renewable energy sector. - Project pipeline management and development. - Project start-up, feasibility analysis, and stakeholder coordination. - Hands-on project and programme delivery and management. - Technical, financial, and results-based management alignment. - Field experience and engagement with country-level stakeholders. - Understanding of local operational dynamics. - Energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms. - Stakeholder engagement and partnership building (public/private sector). - Technical assistance and capacity building. - Reporting, monitoring, and knowledge management.