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
Scope of Work
The Energy Specialist will provide strategic and technical guidance on scaling solar energy solutions for health facilities in Zambia, ensuring sustainability, policy alignment, and private sector engagement.
Summary of key Functions:
Support the implementation of solar PV installations in targeted health facilities; Provide technical advisory services on renewable energy deployment, particularly off-grid solutions; Identify funding mechanisms to ensure financial sustainability of solar energy interventions; Engage with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Energy, private sector, and development partners; Strengthen UNDP’s position as a leader in sustainable energy access for healthcare infrastructure.The specialist will work closely with the UNDP Zambia Country Office, MoH, and other relevant Solar for Health stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Solar for Health Project. Responsibilities include:
Strategic & Technical Advisory;
Conduct technical assessments to identify priority health facilities for solar PV installations; Provide guidance on energy system design, capacity needs, and equipment procurement; Ensure that solar PV installations align with national energy policies and regulatory frameworks; Support the development of a maintenance and sustainability plan for installed systems.Financing & Investment Mobilization;
Identify and develop innovative financing models (e.g., blended finance, green bonds, carbon credits); Support engagement with private sector and development finance institutions to scale up investments; Prepare investment-grade feasibility studies for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in energy access for healthcare.Policy & Capacity Development
Provide policy recommendations to integrate renewable energy into Zambia’s health infrastructure planning; Strengthen the capacity of MoH and health facility managers in solar system management and operation; Organize training workshops for local technicians and health personnel on solar system maintenance.Monitoring, Evaluation & Knowledge Management
Establish performance monitoring frameworks for solar installations, including impact metrics; Document best practices and lessons learned for future energy access projects in the health sector; Develop reports and presentations for UNDP, MoH, and donor partners on project progress and impact.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Institutional Arrangements
The Energy Specialist will work under the supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (DRR) and in collaboration with the UNDP Senior Programme Adviser (Health, Energy, and Climate Change). Regular coordination with the UNDP ITM Green Energy team and MoH/GF office and the Sustainable Energy Hub will be required.
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 inclusivity.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction and Strategy
Systems 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 system. 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
Partnership Management Ability to build 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. Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals. Risk Management Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks.2030 Agenda: Planet
Nature, Climate and Energy Thorough understanding of climate change policies and climate finance architecture; Water Governance: Integrated Water Resources Management.Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Academic Education
Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in economics, energy solutions, Environmental studies, development finance, engineering, or related disciplines is required or; 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.Minimum years of relevant work experience
Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the African continent in (a) experience in developing investment opportunities and project in the field of energy; (b) the provision of analytical, advisory, and technical assistance in energy programming; c) designing, monitoring and of energy strategies or/and (c) identification and interaction with a range of key stakeholders at country level in the field of energy.Required skills and competencies
Expertise on designing and implementing national projects and policies; Knowledge of multi-discipline solutions and services related to energy projects (renewable in particular); 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 additional skills and competencies
Expertise in organization of event and high-level stakeholder dialogue; Knowledge of UNDP policies and procedures; Excellent analytical, drafting and communications skills/experience; 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); Problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and assess the feasibility of an energy project; Demonstrated ability to develop knowledge products and outreach material related to energy policy and project implementation; Proven capacity to support the organization of workshop series and policy dialogue on current topics of top interest for the UNDP country offices, and Energy Hub; Good Knowledge of energy markets, regulatory framework, and policy, of electricity markets, public utility organization and operation and energy market regional integrations; Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work across multiple offices and geographies and in coordination with a pool of colleagues based in a different location.Required Language(s) at working level
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required;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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