ENERGY / DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - ECOWAS(UNDP-ABUJA)

Background The Energy and Development Specialist will work under the supervision of the Regional Energy Project Coordinator based in Dakar. In line with the signed agreement of support between ECOWAS the European Union and UNDP, he/she will also work directly with the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja focusing on delivering key results as stipulated in the agreement. ENERGY & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - ECOWAS Location : Abuja, NIGERIA Application Deadline : 14-Jul-09 Type of Contract : FTA International Post Level : P-4 (Fixed Term Appointment) Languages Required : English French Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year (renewable) To help the Africa region overcome its development challenges, UNDP's approach includes working with country governments, regional and national partners, to strengthen the region's capacity to promote pro-poor growth and accountability (CD-PGA), as a strategy for accelerating its progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs). Similarly, it is now widely acknowledged that without the critical input of energy services, the MDGs are not attainable. In this context, the 2008-2011, UNDP strategic plan firmly establishes expanding access to environmental and energy services for the poor as a key corporate priority result area. The corporate result area builds on UNDP's experience over a decade, working to expand access to a variety of decentralized energy technologies such as solar, wind, mechanical, micro-hydro, improved cook stoves, clean cooking fuels and biogas. UNDP's regional bureau for Africa, using the regional energy project for poverty reduction, will intensify the organization's efforts of helping countries expand access to energy services for the poor, by amongst other things, strengthening institutional and organizational capacities for the establishment of pro-poor policy and legal frameworks and local level delivery mechanisms, with the ultimate goal to secure the achievement of the MDGs. The Energy and Development Specialist will be an integral member of the regional energy team based in Dakar and focus his/her work on delivering the results as agreed with key partners, ECOWAS, 15 ECOWAS member states and the European Commission. Duties and Responsibilities Key Results Expected * Policy support/harmonization and Program development * Capacity development & technical support * Partnership building; Resource Mobilisation and Knowledge networking Policy Harmonization & Program Development (50%) * Ensure a harmonized approach to the development of energy access policies by facilitating the dissemination and application of methodological approaches for integrating energy access considerations into development and sector plans, in the 15 ECOWAS Member States * Support the formulation of investment programs for energy access in key MDG related areas; i.e., productive and social sectors such: agriculture, education and health * Ensure coherence in energy access policy articulation with respect to the deployment of clean energy technologies for country applications * Act as the focal point between ECOWAS and development partners, ensuring coordination of various initiatives in energy access including with the soon to be launched West Africa renewable energy center Capacity development and technical support (30%) * Act as the focal point between ECOWAS and development partners, ensuring coordination of interventions aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Energy Access Unit * Advise as needed on support needed to strengthen the organizational, technical and coordination capacity of the ECOWAS energy access unit * Coordinate on behalf of the Energy division capacity assessment and the definition of relevant institutional mechanisms for the delivery of energy services Partnership building and Knowledge networking ( 20%) * Contribute to the creation of a favorable investment climate within ECOWAS/UEMOA region by ensuring that member states have access to information and also, making the relevant information from member states available for mobilizing resources for the implementation of the regional energy strategy * In close collaboration with member states and with technical support from UNDP, oversee the development of an integrated regional information system on energy access and energy poverty data; drawing linked to country GIS systems Impact of Results The key results have an impact on the overall performance of development projects and the successful implementation of both UNDP strategic plan and RBA's regional program document 2008-2011, bringing to bear UNDP's competence on energy access and capacity development. The results will also help to strengthen UNDP's image and position as a trusted partner vis-à-vis governments, regional economic commissions and development partners. Competencies Corporate Competencies: * Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards * Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP * Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability * Treats all people fairly without favoritism Communication * Speaks and writes clearly Exhibits interest in having a two-way communication * Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills Teamwork * Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals * Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise * Ability to build strong client relations * Is willing to learn from others * Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position * Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings Planning and organizing * Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies * Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required * Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work * Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning * Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary Required Skills and Experience Education: * An advanced degree in economics, energy engineering or a related international development discipline with focus on sustainable development Experience: * At least 7 years experience in international development, with substantive knowledge of the energy sector and related issues for Africa; i.e., energy access, energy security, climate change, etc. * Understanding of the region and knowledge of partners in both energy and development * Understanding of gender and energy issues * Proven analytical and quantitative skills * Ability to think strategically and convey strategic vision from the spectrum of development experience * Ability to network and establish partnerships * Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an advantage Language Requirements: * Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English; knowledge of French is an advantage APPLY NOW!