ph3Job Description /h3 ul liTier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026 /li liTier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates) /li liTier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts /li liTier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates /li /ul h3Background and organization context /h3 pThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system, acting as the key integrator to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's work spans headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to support UNDP's strategic objectives and six "signature solutions."br/Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results-based management, innovation, and data-driven approaches.br/The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi-stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter‑agency coordination across thematic areas.br/UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind.br/Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions, alongside poverty reduction, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality. These solutions guide countries towards three key goals: structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and resilience. UNDP's energy strategy aligns with SDG 7, focusing on three action areas: increasing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; improving energy efficiency; and expanding the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.br/The Energy for Growth in Africa initiative is a key component of this broader strategy, launched in collaboration with the G7. It identifies clean energy projects across Africa that face challenges in securing financing and supports them through de-risking instruments to enhance their attractiveness to international investors. By combining project pipeline identification, targeted technical assistance, and the development of catalytic pilot projects, the initiative addresses information asymmetries, de-risks strategic investments, and supports the energy transition.br/Within this framework, the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative and scalable low-carbon technologies through targeted pilots and catalytic interventions.br/The initiative currently operates in ten African countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Eswatini, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tunisia, with plans for further expansion. It focuses on markets with limited access to commercial finance and coordinates with G7 and other multilateral efforts to integrate complementary actions, streamline funding, and enhance the delivery of de-risking instruments and financial resources to projects in the "Energy for Growth" pipeline. /p h3Scope of Work /h3 pThe Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition is seeking an Energy Specialist to support the implementation of the Energy for Growth in Africa programme, with a specific focus on the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream. The Energy Specialist will play a central role in shaping and operationalizing this workstream, working closely with UNDP Country Offices and partners to ensure alignment with national priorities and effective coordination across countries.br/The role combines technical expertise with end-to-end project development and delivery responsibilities, covering the full project lifecycle from opportunity identification and concept development to implementation oversight. The Energy Specialist will lead the identification and advancement of a pipeline of innovative, low- or zero‑carbon energy projects, with a focus on catalytic interventions and infrastructure-based pilot initiatives that can accelerate deployment, demonstrate viability, and enable scaling in target markets.br/The position will support the design and execution of targeted, high-impact activities aimed at addressing key market and knowledge barriers affecting public institutions, private sector actors, investors, and end users. This includes contributing to the de-risking of strategic initiatives, strengthening project fundamentals, and supporting their progression toward implementation.br/Through a combination of technical expertise, project development capacity, and coordination across stakeholders, the Energy Specialist will contribute to unlocking new market opportunities and advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven energy transition in Africa. /p h3Key Duties And Responsibilities /h3 pThe Energy Specialist will serve as part of the UNDP Rome Centre’s Energy for Growth initiative, with primary responsibility for advancing the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream.br/S/he will support the identification of regional/country activities that can boost energy transition and advance regional and national climate targets in line with the Energy for Growth in Africa objectives and scope. The role will place particular emphasis on the identification and development of catalytic, innovation-driven interventions aligned with Mission Innovation priorities.br/The Energy Specialist will strengthen the capacity of country-level counterparts and partners in the energy and climate space, contributing with expertise and technical knowledge,



particularly in the areas of /p ul liProject Identification and Preparation: ul liIdentify clean energy projects in target countries, with a focus on innovative, infrastructure-based pilot projects characterized by high potential for scalability and market creation. /li liSupport the design and preparation of pilot projects aimed at reducing knowledge gaps and demonstrating the viability of low‑carbon technologies. /li liDraft concept notes, project documents, and funding proposals aligned with national priorities and programme objectives, for submission to donors and financing institutions. /li /ul /li liStakeholder Engagement and Coordination: ul liEnsure close coordination with UNDP Country Offices to align activities, timelines, and responsibilities under the I4MI workstream with country-level priorities and programmes. /li liEngage and coordinate with national and international stakeholders to ensure coherence with national priorities, Mission Innovation objectives, and the Energy for Growth in Africa initiative. /li liServe as a focal point for coordination with other development initiatives to avoid duplication and promote synergies in the clean energy space. /li liSupport the Rome Centre Partnerships team, contributing to the identification and engagement of strategic partners, and provide technical inputs to inform partnership development and structuring. /li liSupport the Rome Centre Partnership team and contribute to the organization of stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and technical workshops, engaging public and private sector actors, and provide technical expertise and project‑specific insights. /li liContribute to the organization of stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and technical workshops, engaging public and private sector actors and providing technical expertise and project‑specific insights. /li /ul /li liTechnical Assistance and Capacity Building: ul liProvide advanced technical support to energy projects across the development cycle, including feasibility assessments, technology selection, ToR and technical specification drafting, project structuring, and environmental and social safeguards, drawing on in-depth sectoral and field expertise. /li liSupport the Rome Centre in strengthening technical and institutional capacity for the preparation and implementation of innovative clean energy projects. /li liDeliver technical advice and hands‑on support to the implementation of Energy for Growth in Africa, I4MI, and other Rome Centre initiatives, ensuring consistency, technical quality, and alignment across programmes, while actively identifying opportunities for replication, scaling, and knowledge transfer across countries and regions. /li /ul /li liOperational Support and Delivery Mechanisms: ul liIdentify and operationalize innovative delivery mechanisms under the I4MI workstream to ensure rapid and effective implementation of activities. /li liExplore and facilitate collaboration with UNDP Country Offices, national governments, other UN agencies, private sector actors, and international partners. /li liLiaise closely with the Partnerships team, providing technical inputs to support the identification, design, and structuring of partnerships aligned with E4G and I4MI objectives, ensuring effective implementation arrangements that enhance the efficiency, scalability, and impact of catalytic interventions. /li /ul /li liReporting and Monitoring, and knowledge management: ul liEnsure timely and high-quality reporting in line with Energy for Growth programme requirements, contributing substantive inputs to strategic reporting processes. /li liSupport alignment with the UNDP Rome Centre results-based management framework by tracking activities, outputs, and outcomes, and ensuring that reporting reflects agreed indicators and results chains. /li liDevelop and maintain monitoring tools and systems to assess progress, performance, and impact of supported initiatives under the I4MI workstream, ensuring consistency with corporate and programme-level reporting standards. /li liSystematically capture lessons learned, good practices, and evidence of impact, feeding into adaptive management, knowledge products, and continuous improvement of the E4G and I4MI workstreams. /li liFacilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas. /li /ul /li /ul pThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. /p h3Institutional Arrangement /h3 pThe Energy Specialist will be embedded within the Energy for Growth team at the UNDP Rome Centre and will report to the Climate and Energy Specialist leading the Energy for Growth (E4G) programme.br/The role requires close collaboration and regular engagement with other Rome Centre teams, including Partnerships, Programmes, and Technical units, to ensure alignment, coherence, and effective delivery across initiatives, particularly under the E4G and specifically I4MI workstream.br/The position entails regular missions to UNDP Country Offices across the target region to maintain close engagement with national counterparts, support coordination with in-country teams, and facilitate effective implementation of activities on the ground. /p h3Expected Demonstration of Competencies /h3 h3Core Competencies /h3 pbAchieve Results: /b LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact /p pbThink Innovatively: /b LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems /p pbLearn Continuously: /b LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences /p pbAdapt with Agility: /b LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands /p pbAct with Determination: /b LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results /p pbEngage and Partner: /b LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter‑agency collaboration /p pbEnable Diversity and Inclusion: /b LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity /p h3Cross‑Functional Technical Competencies /h3 h3Thematic Area Name Definition /h3 pBusiness Management Partnerships Management /p ul liBuild and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies /li /ul pBusiness Management Portfolio Management /p ul liAbility to select,



prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management /li /ul pBusiness management Project Management /p ul liAbility to plan, organise, prioritise and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific project goals /li /ul pBusiness Management Operations Management /p ul liAbility to effectively plan, organise and oversee different parts of corporate operations, simultaneously and in an integrated way, in order to convert the organization’s assets into the best results in the most efficient way. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms. /li /ul pBusiness Direction and Strategy System Thinking /p ul liAbility to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system. /li /ul pPartnership Management /p pResource mobilization /p ul liAbility to identify funding sources, match funding needs (programs/projects/initiatives) with funding opportunities and establish a plan to meet funding requirements. /li /ul pCommunications Advocacy strategy and implementation /p ul liAbility to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change /li /ul h3Minimum Education Requirements /h3 pAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Renewable Energy, Climate Change, International Development, Energy Policy, Engineering, or other related fields is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. /p h3Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies /h3 ul liAdvanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Renewable Energy, Climate Change, International Development, Energy Policy, Engineering, or other related fields is required, or /li liA first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. /li /ul h3Minimum Years Of Relevant Work Experience /h3 pMinimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in the design, structuring, and implementation of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, with demonstrated hands‑on experience in technical aspects of energy systems, project execution, and delivery across the project lifecycle. /p h3Required Skills /h3 ul liDemonstrated experience in the identification, design, and structuring of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, including the development and management of project pipelines. /li liProven experience in supporting project start‑up phases, including feasibility analysis, stakeholder coordination, and preparation of implementation and operational frameworks to ensure effective and timely implementation. /li liStrong experience in hands‑on delivery and management of energy projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with technical, financial, and results‑based management requirements. /li liDemonstrated field experience and hands‑on engagement with country‑level stakeholders, with a strong understanding of project implementation, coordination frameworks, and local operational dynamics in diverse country contexts. /li /ul h3Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section /h3 ul liExperience in providing operational and project/programme management support for projects/programmes related to sustainable energy and climate change, prior work experience with UNDP. /li liDemonstrated experience in providing operational and project/programme management support for initiatives in the energy sector; experience in international development contexts. /li liExperience related to energy and/or climate change within international development settings. /li liStrong experience with energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms at national and sub‑national levels, particularly in African markets. /li liExperience in analytical work, policy research, or publication on topics related to energy transition, sustainable development, or climate and environment. /li liExperience in building and managing partnerships between public and private sector actors to mobilise financing and advance energy projects. /li liExperience in development finance instruments and policy‑based financing mechanisms supporting clean energy transitions. /li liExperience in designing and operationalising energy investment facilities, as well as supporting resource mobilisation and risk mitigation strategies for clean energy investments within international organisations or development finance contexts. /li liDemonstrated experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the energy sector in Africa, including governments, utilities, financial institutions, and private developers. /li liPrior professional experience in large international or governmental organisations is desirable, with experience in the UN system. /li liProfessional certifications in project or programme management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent). /li /ul h3Required Language (s) /h3 ul liFluency in English is required. /li liKnowledge or fluency in Italian is an asset. /li /ul h3Equal opportunity /h3 ul liAs an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. /li liUNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and vantaggi from career opportunities that are open to all. /li /ul h3Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority /h3 ul liUNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. /li /ul h3Right to select multiple candidates /h3 ul liUNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. /li /ul pNote: duplicate sections have been consolidated once per heading. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

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