Background Information - Job-specific
WEC Background
The Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) portfolio, based in Vienna, and with offices based globally is part of the UNOPS Global Portfolio Office. The Portfolio has built strong partnerships and is effectively managing a portfolio of over 500 million USD over the last 15 years to support key initiatives with fund management, project implementation and administrative support.
WEC effectively operationalizes partners' agendas with global approaches, as well as regional and country specific activities focused on climate action, protection and conservation of the environment. Partners profit from WEC’s ability to operationalize and/or scale up their important substantive agendas, including in support of key multilateral environmental and climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, the Cartagena Convention as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.
The NDC Partnership
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition of countries and institutions collaborating to drive transformational climate action through sustainable development. In 2015, the world endorsed the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Nations signal their commitments to the Paris Agreement through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) - each country’s strategy to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience against the negative effects of a changing climate. The Partnership advances the goals of the Paris Agreement by bringing together nearly 200 countries and institutions in new ways to accelerate NDC implementation and enhance ambition over time. The Partnership’s work through 120 partners supporting almost 80 countries produces many examples of impact, lessons learned and ideas for the future. The Partnership is governed by a Steering Committee, co-chaired by two country representatives. The Partnership’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit based at World Resources Institute in Washington DC and the UNFCCC Secretariat in Bonn, Germany. UNOPS supports the NDC Partnership and its Support Unit through the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC).
Country Context
Namibia, as a signatory to the UNFCCC, has published its Second update of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in April 2023. The NDC sets a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing the business-as-usual sink potential by 2030 under the Paris Agreement. The updated NDC outlines actions to reduce emissions across key sectors, including energy, transport, industry, forestry, and land use, and adaptation measures in agriculture, water, infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
The strategy aims for a total mitigation potential of 11.902 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO₂e) by reducing emissions by 7.669 Mt CO₂e and increasing removals by 4.213 Mt CO₂e. The estimated implementation cost is nearly USD 9052 million. The energy sector has the second-highest mitigation potential (3.613 Mt CO₂e) after AFOLU (7.986 Mt CO₂e), contributing 30% and 67% of the national mitigation potential in 2030, respectively. Namibia aims to boost renewable energy penetration with an estimated cost of USD 7678 million, requiring foreign funding and development cooperation aid.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET) and the Ministry Mines and Energy (MME) face capacity gaps hindering NDC implementation. Namibia imports 60-70% of its electricity needs, rising to 90% during peak times, with 65% from South Africa (predominantly coal-fired). Namibia aims for 80% self-sufficiency in electricity production and 70% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030, requiring dispatchable supply options to manage wind and solar PV intermittencies.
The MET, through the Climate Subdivision, seeks an energy expert to support the energy sector's NDC implementation, support the update and enhance NDC 3.0, support the development of LT- LEDS, and project pipeline development in the energy sector.
Functional Responsibilities
The Energy Expert will provide support to the Government of the Republic of Namibia through the ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mines and Energy to implement the energy sector's NDC measures, update and enhance Namibia's NDC (NDC 3.0.), support the ideas in the energy sector. The expert will conduct a baseline assessment, engage stakeholders identify mitigation and adaptation intervention, support resource mobilization and offer energy-related technical support.
The Energy Expert will:
1. Inception
Produce an Inception Report and work plan (within 2 weeks of contract signing)
2. Project identification and conceptualization
Work with government agencies, Commonwealth Climate Finance Advisor, NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator, and stakeholders to identify high-potential renewable energy and low-carbon projects aligned with national climate targets.
Assess current energy infrastructure, renewable resources, and project opportunities.
3. Feasibility studies and technical assessments
Provide strategic support for the feasibility studies for potential energy projects.
Provide technical expertise to ensure projects are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with local conditions and international best practices.
Engage stakeholders and develop a database, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Compile a baseline report on the energy sector.
Produce a project identification report, energy infrastructure and resource assessment, feasibility study reports (3 months of contract signing)
Produce technical assessment guidelines, stakeholder database, energy sector baseline report (4 months of contract signing)
4. Proposal writing and documentation
Ensure proposals are well-structured with clear objectives, timelines, risk assessments, financial models, and impacts.
Develop project proposals (at least 4)
Produce risk and financial model report, training materials and workshop reports (9 months of contract signing)
5. Capacity building and knowledge transfer
Provide training and capacity building for government officials and project teams.
Assist in institutionalizing processes for developing bankable energy projects.
Produce Institutional Capacity Report (11 months of contract signing)
6. Incorporating Gender and Social Inclusion
Ensure project designs integrate gender considerations and social inclusion.
Develop strategies to ensure projects benefit marginalized groups.
Produce a Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy and Social Impact Assessment (11 months of contract signing)
7. Reporting and Coordination
Prepare monthly and quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.
Logistics and Reporting
The Energy Expert will report directly to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will be working within the Ministry of Mines and Energy under the Division: Renewable Energy, working closely with the Deputy Director: Renewable Energy. S/he will collaborate closely with the NDC Partnership focal points in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise, Commonwealth Climate Finance Advisor, and the NDC Partnership Support Unit.
This is a retainer position for a period of 12 months (maximum of 220 working days), with the possibility of a 12-month extension based on performance and funding availability.
**This is a local position; applicants must be nationals of Namibia or possess a valid residence permit to work in the country.
**This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software to the ministry's duty station
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
Required:
At least 5 years of experience conducting energy sector assessments and analysis relevant for NDCs and LT LEDS and/or climate change policies, plans and strategies, or related areas.
Demonstrated experience in developing energy sector bankable project proposals for funding in line with the relevant national climate actions policies and plans.
Asset :
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of Climate Change and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GHG inventory.
Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.
Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process.
Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable
Language Requirements:
Contract type: Local ICA retainer
Contract level: LICA 10 / ICS 10
Contract duration: 1 year, marx 220 working days, with possibility of an extension subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.