Background
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia is implementing the Solar for Health Project, which aims to enhance energy access in healthcare facilities, particularly in remote areas. The project aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and supports Zambia’s energy transition through renewable energy solutions. UNDP has secured funding under the MoH/GF, and this initiative falls within UNDP’s broader Solar for Health initiative, promoting access to reliable and clean energy for healthcare infrastructure. UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.
UNDP’s work on Energy
Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions – alongside poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality - to support countries towards three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind and resilience. The strategy of UNDP in promoting sustainable energy solutions around the world comprise three key action areas in line with SDG7 targets: increasing access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy; increasing the global rate of improvements in energy efficiency; and increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. UNDP’s approach in supporting countries to achieve the above three interlinked areas relies on a suite of integrated interventions in policy, technology, finance, delivery systems, capacity development, community mobilization, and awareness raising to reduce and, where possible, remove a range of barriers that inhibit investments in scaling up sustainable energy solutions. As per UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the first objective of UNDP is increasing energy access for those furthest behind. By speeding up investment in distributed renewable energy solutions, especially for those hardest to reach and in crisis contexts, it aims to increase access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people. Second, UNDP will work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive, green economies, particularly in countries with low levels of renewable energy generation or poor energy-efficiency improvement rates. This work will capitalize on technological gains, clean energy innovations and new business models in the energy sector.
Country Context
Zambia has a population of approximately 19.6 million people, with the majority living in rural areas. The Ministry of Energy is responsible for the energy sector and ZESCO is the state-owned utility company responsible for most of the country’s electricity generation. The installed capacity is 3011 MW, with 80% coming from hydro, 11% from coal, 7% from diesel/fuel oil, and 3% from solar. According to the World Bank 44.5% of the population in Zambia have access to electricity, of which 82% of the urban and 14% of the rural population have access. When it comes to clean cooking, 10% of the Zambian population have access to clean cooking technologies and fuels. Since 2015, the country has struggled to meet increasing electricity demand due to heavy reliance on hydropower and droughts. Zambia has several hydropower projects and initiatives to improve transmission and distribution in the pipeline. The mining sector is the largest consumer of electricity, followed by the residential sector. Zambia has introduced policies to incentivize renewable energy through the Renewable-Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFiT) strategy and programmes like GET-FiT and scaling Solar. However, distress of ZESCO is limiting large-scale development in the short term.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will be responsible for providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and high-level policy advice to the Government of Zambia and project partners for the successful implementation and scaling of the Solar for Health project. The CTA will lead efforts to mainstream sustainable energy in health systems, design and guide innovative financing models, and foster enabling environments for public-private partnerships and long-term sustainability.
Summary of Key Functions:
To provide strategic leadership for the implementation and scale-up of the Solar for Health project in Zambia, aligning energy access with national health and climate resilience goals. To ensure technical excellence and quality assurance in the design and deployment of solar PV systems in health facilities. To strengthen institutional and technical capacity at national and subnational levels for long-term sustainability of renewable energy systems in health infrastructure. To mobilize innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms that support the replication and expansion of solar energy in the health sector. To position UNDP and the Government of Zambia as regional leaders in the delivery of climate-resilient, energy-enabled health systems through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.Responsibilities include:
Strategic leadership & project oversight
Provide high-level strategic direction for the Solar for Health project in Zambia, ensuring alignment with national policies and UNDP’s corporate strategy; Guide the development of an integrated national roadmap for sustainable energy in the health sector, focusing on health service delivery, climate adaptation, and energy access; Lead the strategic planning, coordination, and performance monitoring of S4H implementation; Serve as the primary technical advisor to the Government of Zambia on energy-health nexus strategies and policy reform.Technical Guidance & Quality Assurance
Oversee technical design standards, engineering specifications, and quality assurance protocols for solar PV systems in health facilities; Supervise the assessment and selection of eligible health facilities, ensuring climate and equity criteria are integrated; Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards and promote gender-responsive design; Facilitate digitalization of energy monitoring systems to support real-time data collection and analytics.Policy & Institutional Capacity Strengthening
Support the integration of solar energy systems into Zambia’s national health and energy policies, frameworks, and infrastructure development plans; Build the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Energy, ZAMMSA, and local authorities to manage, maintain, and scale solar energy systems; Develop and deliver capacity-building programmes for technicians, energy planners, and health administrators.Financing and Investment Mobilization
Design and promote innovative and blended financing models, including Energy-as-a-Service, carbon finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs); Lead the preparation of investment-grade feasibility studies and concept notes for donors, investors, and climate funds; Engage with development finance institutions, private investors, and multilateral funds (GCF, GEF, AfDB, etc.) to mobilize additional resources.Partnership Development and Advocacy
Establish and maintain high-level partnerships with the Government of Zambia, bilateral and multilateral agencies, the private sector, academia, and civil society; Represent UNDP and the Solar for Health project at national and international forums, dialogues, and media engagements; Advocate for increased visibility of S4H as a model of climate-resilient health systems in Africa. 5.6. Monitoring, Knowledge Management & South-South Learning; Establish robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track project progress, impact, and sustainability; Document and disseminate case studies, best practices, and knowledge products to support scale-up; Facilitate peer learning, cross-country exchanges, and south-south cooperation initiatives.Knowledge Management:
Identify, analyze and communicate lessons learned that may be useful in design and implementation of similar projects. The duty of identifying and analyzing lessons learned is an on-going one, and the duty to communicate those lessons is on an as-needed basis; Share knowledge on the Project and its achievements. Promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned from Project implementation, for organizational sharing and learning. Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture; Produce materials with lessons learnt and best practices and participate in knowledge-based tools; Contribute to the analytical work of UNDP and ensure high quality knowledge products. Promote the substantive quality of all knowledge products, reports and services, and ensures effective integration thereof with other pillars.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) will serve as the senior-most technical and strategic expert on the Solar for Health Project. The CTA will lead the design, implementation, and scale-up of integrated energy solutions for the health sector, including the identification of sustainable financing pathways, the promotion of innovative technology solutions, and the facilitation of multi-stakeholder partnerships. This role requires a systems-thinking approach to policy, finance, technology, and institutional capacity, with a strong focus on resilience-building, inclusive development, and long-term sustainability. The CTA will report directly to the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and work in close coordination with the UNDP Health, Energy, and Climate Change portfolios and technical partners.
Competencies
CORE
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityCross Functional & Technical Competencies
Business Direction & Strategy: Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities, linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutionsBusiness Direction & Strategy: System Thinking
Ability 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 systemBusiness Direction & Strategy: Negotiation and Influence
Ability to reach an understanding, persuade others, resolve points of difference, gain advantage in the outcome of dialogue, negotiates mutually acceptable solutions through compromise and creates ‘win-win’ situationsBusiness Management : Project Management
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goalsBusiness Management: Risk Management
Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks2030 Agenda: Planet Nature, Climate and Energy
Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management2030 Agenda: Planet Nature, Climate and Energy
Climate Change Adaptation: Water ManagementRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Economics, Energy Solutions, Environmental Studies, Development Finance, Engineering, or related disciplines. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.Experience:
Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in : Leading national or regional renewable energy access programmes, particularly in the health or social sectors; Designing and implementing sustainable energy solutions in Africa or similar contexts; Advising governments and development partners on climate-resilient infrastructure, financing, and policy development; Mobilizing climate and development finance through instruments like blended finance, green bonds, and PPPs.Required Skills
In-depth knowledge of distributed renewable energy systems, energy policy, and off-grid electrification models; Project management experience in leading energy projects and experience in business development, proposal, budget development and project finance; Computer knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point.Desired Skills
7 years of progressively responsible renewable energy programming experience is required with the United Nations or similar international organization; 7 years hands-on experience in design, monitoring and overseeing implementation of support to building national capacity for development programming and establishing inter-relationships focused on renewable energy; Demonstrated understanding of linkages between the Paris agreement,2030 Agenda; Strong knowledge and experience of energy markets, regulatory framework, and policy, of electricity markets, public utility organization and operation and energy market regional integrations; Strong organizational skills/experience and proven ability to work across multiple offices and geographies and in coordination with a pool of colleagues based in a different location; Expertise in public-private partnerships, financial modelling, and investment promotion for infrastructure projects; Familiarity with energy-health interlinkages, environmental and social safeguards, and energy data systems; Demonstrated experience engaging with GCF, GEF, WB, AfDB, and UN agencies; Excellent leadership, facilitation, communication, and negotiation skills/experience; Demonstrated capacity in elaborating investment plans in the field of energy particularly in the field of energy access and transition with a focus on energy financing mechanism; Expertise in organization of event and high-level stakeholder dialogue; Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures is desirable; Excellent analytical, drafting and communications skills; Previous knowledge of African energy and climate policy strategies and national, regional and continental level; Must have experience in the active engagement with multiple public and private stakeholders in Africa in the energy sector; Project management experience in climate change related projects would be an advantage; Expertise on designing and implementing national projects and policies; Knowledge of multi-discipline solutions and services related to energy projects (renewable in particular).Language Requirements
Fluency in English (oral and written) is a requirement. Proficiency in another UN language is desirable.Equal opportunity
As 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.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP 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.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP 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.
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