Integrated Urban Energy Expert

Result of Service

The result of services is to support UNEP Cities Unit to lead an effort to develop a global program and partnership on Local Energy System Integration for an Affordable & Resilient Energy Transition that will bring together workstreams on cooling, buildings, district energy, transport, renewables and energy transition, and provide technical assistance to countries on integrated and decentralized energy system planning and implementation, with focus on the role of city and regional integrated energy planning. This will include research and development of a global publication and case studies, maintaining partnerships, preparing training materials, supporting UNEP at high-level global events, providing training and technical support to countries and cities, and preparing fundraising proposals.

Work Location

Paris

Expected duration

18 months with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant is needed to perform tasks of a technical, organizational and analytical nature, as part of the Cities Unit of the Mitigation Branch, Climate Change Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Specifically, a senior expert is needed to provide technical and strategic support to UNEP in the design of a new program on ‘Local Energy System Integration for an Affordable & Resilient Energy Transition’ including research and authorship of a global publication, partner engagement, and preparation of country and city recommendations on integrated urban energy systems and planning, including in Ukraine, India, Chile and Brazil. The position is in UNEP’s Paris office. The consultant will build upon UNEP Cities Unit’s existing activities on district energy, cooling, integrated urban energy systems and smart buildings and engage internally across related workstreams in UNEP on transport, circularity, finance, renewables, demand side response and appliances. The consultant will technically support and help scale-up UNEP’s global activities on integrated urban energy and in-country implementation. This will include supporting development of UNEP’s thought leadership and global knowledge products on integrated urban energy systems and methodologies for their development (including energy masterplanning), particularly in developing countries; implementation programme design; engagement of partners and champion cities and governments; fundraising; outreach, events and training; and technical support to in-country implementation activities.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in: energy systems; engineering; urban planning; environmental studies; or a similar discipline is preferable. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of ten years in a relevant field of work, preferably with a focus on power system design, urban energy, integrated energy planning, energy masterplanning, district cooling/heating, smart grid, buildings, and energy policy. Experience working with international organisations would be beneficial. Excellent written and oral communications skills on energy, urban and environmental related topics and excellent mastery of Microsoft Office. Thorough familiarity with project management best practices. Practical experience is essential in energy policy and systems analysis in developing countries. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages

Languages: Be fluent in written and spoken English. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.