Back Technical Specialist (Solar PV Systems) - Open to All Applicants

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below:

•     Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates)  
•     Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts 
•     Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
 

Background 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

Office/Unit/Project Description  
The Office of Procurement is a part of the Bureau Management Services (BMS), in UNDP providing vital management support in areas such as administrative services, budget and finance, human resources, information and communications technology, legal issues, procurement, safety and security, administration of multi-donor trust funds, change management, and crosscutting business solutions.   Procurement is a fundamental component of UNDP, accounting for nearly 70 percent of UNDP programme delivery. Despite its critical role, procurement as an operational service can be traced back to as recently as 1999, when UNDP transitioned from a developmental funding model to one that included direct execution projects in its portfolio. In the years following this shift in models, UNDP procurement experienced unprecedented growth in terms of its volume and complexity.

Office of Procurement’s mandate includes development and updating of procurement policy, providing procurement advisory and operational support to country offices and HQ units professionalisation of the procurement function. Procurement supports programme delivery in line with UNDP's Strategic Plan and best practices in public sustainable procurement.  Procurement acts in accordance with rules and regulations, the accountability framework, and ensures appropriate risk management for UNDP.   Office of Procurement is a global team based in UNDP/HQ New York, Copenhagen/Denmark and in Cyberjaya/Malaysia, with additional Regional Procurement Specialists located in each Bureau Hub (Panama, Addis Ababa, Amman, Istanbul and Bangkok).

The Office of Procurement, through its Crisis, Climate and Infrastructure Unit (CCIT), provides direct procurement services to the UNDP Country Offices globally for the supply of specialized vehicles, ambulances, drones, solar solutions, engineering and construction and more.

Scope of Work 

Under the supervision of the Procurement Specialist, Team Lead, Crises, Climate and Infrastructure Team (CCIT), the Technical Specialist (Solar PV Systems) will support complex procurement cases requiring specific technical/engineering expertise and support the procurement teams with the establishment of LTAs and evaluation of complex technical bids.   will also be responsible for providing technical input and market knowledge to the strategic direction of the team and supporting the Team Lead in the implementation of Procurement Strategies. The Technical   Specialist will supervise the technical team of 2-3 (IPSA9) for solar PV category. The Technical Specialist promotes a collaborative, client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the Unit.  In particular the Specialist will:

Institutional Arrangement

Expected Demonstration of Competencies
 

Core Competencies

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

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies:
 

Minimum Education requirements: 

•     Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equiavelnt ) in Engineering with specialization in Renewable Energy or other related field (i.e. Science, Technology, etc) is required, OR 
•     A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifyingexperience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
•     CIPS level 4 is highly desirable for this position and candidates holding this level at the time of application will have a distinct advantage. If the desired certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year of recruitment. Candidates holding a CIPS certification at any level below at the time of application will have a proportionate advantage

Minimum years of relevant work experience: 

•     Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant technical experience in designing and/or implementing technical renewable energy solutions in developing countries  

Required skills: 
•     Experience in the use of computers and office software packages as well as web-based management systems. 
•     Experience in excellent writing, research, analysis and presentation skills.
•     People Management skills required

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section: 
•     Work experience from developing countries highly desirable
•     Knowledge of UN and/or public procurement procedures and practices is highly desirable.
•     Knowledge of UNDP’s ERP systems or similar is a plus
 

Required Language (s): 
•     Fluency in English and French is required.
•     Working knowledge of another UN language is highly 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. 

Scam alert
•     UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.