Background
UNDP is the leading UN organization addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change, collaborating with experts and partners in 170 countries to create sustainable solutions. In Afghanistan, UNDP has over 50 years of experience in areas such as climate resilience, gender, governance, health, and livelihoods. Working within the framework of the SDGs and alongside other UN agencies, UNDP supports the Afghan people's aspirations for peace and prosperity.
Energy poverty significantly impacts the quality of life for both men and women, affecting health, employment, and access to basic services. Afghanistan faces a critical energy supply shortage, with demand far exceeding supply. The transmission and distribution grid are unreliable, leading to frequent outages. Many provinces rely on costly local diesel generators, limiting access to affordable energy and hindering economic, social, and educational opportunities for the poor and rural residents.
To address these challenges, the Federal Republic of Germany has funded the project “Sustainable Energy Services for Education and Health in Afghanistan (SESEHA)” through KfW, Germany’s State-owned Investment and Development Bank. The key objective of the project SESEHA is adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in public facilities (primarily in health and education sectors) for sustained delivery of essential services for basic human needs in Afghanistan.
This project aligns with UNDP’s energy solutions and the UN’s Strategic Framework for Afghanistan 2023-2025, contributing to two key outcomes by the end of 2025:
Outcome 1: More people in Afghanistan, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, including women and girls have their basic human needs progressively met through the sustained delivery of essential services.
Outcome 2: People in Afghanistan, especially women, youth, and other marginalized groups, and those at risk of being left behind benefit from a more equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient employment-rich economy and shared economic opportunities with enhanced productive capacities for improved livelihoods and decent work.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Technical Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Area Manager with the guidance of SESEHA Project Manager and liaise closely with the SESEHA Team based at the country office, consultants, and partners.
Support project implementation, including delivery of technical, operational, financial, and administrative outputs and tracking the progress of the project by monitoring and reporting of the activities. Provide technical inputs, analysis, and reports for the project implementation including technical assessment reports, designs, and drawings, and support the preparation of bid documents. Present project in technical working group meetings with different stakeholders including donors and relevant actors working in the energy sector.
Support project implementation, including delivery of technical, operational, financial and administrative outputs and tracking the progress of the project by monitoring and reporting of the activities.
Act as a focal point for all project activities in the region led by UNDP SESEHA project, both internally and externally. Oversee the contract implementation of implementing partners and contractors, including work plans and capacity assessments, according to UNDP rules and regulations. Support the implementation of M&E framework for the project activities, in close coordination with the project M&E Officer, according to UNDP rules and regulations, and standards for donor reporting. Undertake joint inspection of goods and coordinate with suppliers for effective O&M of the systems. Conduct site visits along with the contractor to collect required data and monitor the pre-installation arrangements and installation work by the contractor. Prepare reports in English on the project activities, for internal and external audiences such as UNDP management and donors. Conduct spot checks and field visits to project location sites. Provide technical support to implementing partners and contractors. Provide support and guidance to the contractors/suppliers and assist in resolving site problems. Record issues, risks, and lessons learned before, during, and post-implementation of project interventions.
Provide technical inputs, analysis, and reports for the project implementation including technical assessment reports, designs, and drawings, and support the preparation of bid documents.
Assist and provide technical support for the implementation of large-scale solar PV systems in education and health facilities in Afghanistan. Prepare a shortlist of potential project sites selected based on a set of criteria and select sites in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Liaise with the district, and provincial authorities; as well as lead discussions with the communities explaining the project, and its impact including benefits. Address their comments and concerns as required. Conduct site visits for the verification, validation, and analysis of data collected by third-party engineers and propose the appropriate energy solution to meet the energy needs of the selected facilities. Facilitate and implement UNDP Social & Environmental Screening (SES) and Grievance Redress Mechanism (technical, gender, inclusion, PSEA), and scale up to Kabul GRM focal point. Facilitate site visits for 3rd-party Engineers for verification, validation, and analysis of data (technical, E&S safeguards) collected and liaise with school and clinic management, technical associates, and technical team in Kabul for solutions to meet community energy needs at identified sites. Work closely with the project technical Energy Specialist and Energy Analyst on the preparation of bid documents including detailed technical specifications of the proposed solar PV systems. Support the implementation of the project's activities by providing technical support and capacity-building for third-party engineers, implementing partners, and contractors. Mobilize the community as well as local authorities to support the achievement of the project activities and complete it within the planned timeline. Work with rural communities, and local education and health committees to address institutional arrangements related to the installation of solar PV systems at targeted public health and educational facilities. Assist in developing project time schedules for implementation of the project activities including the list of main deliverables/ milestones. Assist in developing the operation and maintenance of business models for the project implementation by working closely with the private sector. Provide support to monitoring & evaluation, including progress, monthly, quarterly, biannual, and annual reports
Present the project in technical working group meetings with different stakeholders including donors and relevant actors working in the energy sector.
Attend and coordinate technical working group meetings with different stakeholders including donors and relevant actors working in the energy sector in the regions of Afghanistan. Assist and contribute to the stakeholder engagement plan development and implementation.
Other tasks required by the office:
The Technical Associate may also be required to take on other initiatives/projects within the scope of TOR depending on the workload at the time. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
4. Institutional Arrangement
The Technical Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Area Manager with the guidance of SESEHA Project Manager and liaise closely with the SESEHA Team based at the country office, consultants, and partners.
Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Results‐based management Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools. Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations. 2030 Agenda: Partnerships Sustainable Energy Hub Renewable energy
2030 Agenda: People
Gender Gender and Crisis Business Management Monitoring & Evaluation
Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results.
Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management Communication Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels. Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements
Secondary education is required. A university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or Environmental Management will be given due consideration but is not a requirement. Min. years of relevant work experience
Minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) with relevant experience in Renewable Energy, On-grid and Off-grid Solar Energy Systems, including solid experience in the implementation of solar PV projects.
Experience and familiarity with the region is a requirement.
Required skills
Demonstrated experience in renewable energy systems design and implementation. Demonstrated experience in energy consumption and data collection methods. Demonstrated work experience in renewable energy projects implementation in Afghanistan. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
Practical use of AutoCAD, Pvsys, PVSol, or related software will be an added advantage. Previous experience with the UN, and/or multilateral and bi-lateral aid organizations. Strong knowledge of photovoltaic system design (renewable energy) and optimizing system components for energy production in off-grid and rooftop Solar energy systems is highly desired. Prior UNDP experience and familiarity with its policies and procedures, particularly in the applicable job area. Experience in providing technical support in renewable energy-related projects with accountability for project performance. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work in a challenging, time sensitive, rapidly changing environment, and to work collaboratively with a diverse team. Required Language(s)
Fluency in English is required.
Fluency in Pashtu and or Dari is required.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
7. The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position. UNDP may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of the candidate’s experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns, or other material
8. Annexes to the TOR
Links to any relevant (non-confidential) materials that may help candidates gain a better understanding of the office/unit/project context. Organigram of the office/unit/project indicating the position of the function (for internal use only). Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: 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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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