African Energy Efficiency Specialist

Organizational context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads the United for Efficiency (U4E) initiative, funded by the Global Environment Facility. U4E supports developing and emerging markets in transitioning to energy-efficient products through policy development and market transformation. This role supports national and regional projects across East, Southern, and West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Job purpose

The Energy Efficiency Specialist will oversee the implementation and coordination of regional and national energy efficiency projects in Africa and Southeast Asia. This role is critical for managing project activities, ensuring effective communication with stakeholders, and providing expert technical and policy advice to governments. The specialist will monitor project deliverables, facilitate reporting, and utilize performance monitoring tools to ensure project outcomes align with regional and national objectives, contributing to market transformation towards energy-efficient products.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day project management and coordination, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among partners and stakeholders.
• Provide expert technical support and policy advice to governments for energy efficiency project implementation.
• Support national and regional projects across East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, aligning regional policies with project objectives.
• Monitor the timely and high-quality development and submission of project deliverables.
• Facilitate reporting and project evaluation through a comprehensive reporting mechanism.
• Utilize performance monitoring tools to assess progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring project outcomes meet regional and national expectations.

Education

An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in energy or environmental policy, economics, or a related engineering/science field is required. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential.

Work experience

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in energy policies and international development programs is required. Experience with energy efficiency initiatives, policy development, and working with regional bodies like ECOWAS, SADC, and EAC is highly desirable.

Skills

• Project management and coordination
• technical support and policy advice
• performance monitoring
• stakeholder communication and collaboration
• developing outreach materials
• coalition building
• regional harmonization strategies
• excellent written and oral communication.