ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The Energy Associate will be responsible for supporting the assessment, analysis, planning and implementation of the IKEA Foundation Energy Programme, in collaboration with Practical Action. This will involve identifying and building relationships with key stakeholders, coordinating activities with relevant partners in addition to communications and reporting on progress.
The incumbent will be required to support the assessment of energy needs and evaluate existing energy systems in locations in which UNHCR operates, in addition to assisting in developing technical energy plans for effective implementation of energy programmes.
The job requires direct contact with the target populations and relevant actors in assessing energy needs; and taking into account aspects of age, gender and diversity mainstreaming in the planning, implementation and evaluation processes; the target populations skills profile and political and socio-economic context; as well as to propose appropriate solutions to meet those needs.
The staff member is directly supervised by the Associate Energy & Environment Officer
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
The incumbent will be responsible for coordination and communication to ensure effective synergies between energy and other UNHCR sectors, including protection, livelihoods, shelter, environment, programme and supply, in addition to synergies between other humanitarian agencies, government and private sector actors.
The Energy Associate will support Practical Action in the assessment and development of a comprehensive energy plan for sustainable and appropriate energy options for cooking, lighting and electricity, taking into account protection, financial, environmental and livelihood considerations in comparing the potential for each alternative. This shall be done in close consultation with all relevant stakeholders to include refugees/IDPs/returnees and host populations. The strategy shall outline clear costs, timelines and implementation plans for each section of the strategy, including staffing requirements and responsibilities, in addition to potential exit strategy.
The incumbent will inform and coordinate with implementing partners, consultants, UNHCR and government agencies to ensure the implementation of a robust and appropriate renewable energy strategy and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources and ensure safety. 2 She/he will also provide regular reporting of progress to the direct supervisor and at camp coordination meetings.
Access to clean, affordable and reliable energy services is integral part of the humanitarian response and an essential factor in creating sustainable economic development. Sustainable energy services are essential for basic human protection and aim to enable refugees, IDPs, host communities and other persons of concern to meet their energy needs in a safe, sustainable and affordable way, recognizing the critical importance of access to sustainable energy to ensure basic needs, improve human protection and well-being, and foster communities´ inclusiveness.
Energy services provide cooking, lighting, heating and clean water, and underpin all but the most rudimentary income-earning activities. Energy poverty leads to insecurity, increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), reduced development opportunities, health problems and environmental degradation.
In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), access to clean energy could vastly improve the health and well-being of millions of persons. The incumbent will provide technical support on sustainable energy in the operation. The Energy Associate will work very closely with the technical sectors, Programme and Protection colleagues. The incumbent will typically report to the Energy Officer or the Programme Officer in the Operation
Responsibility
• Project management and coordination between all stakeholders;
• Communication and reporting on progress, obstacles and resolution of issues;
• Support to define the energy requirements and documenting the current situation;
• Collaborate and coordinate closely with programme, supply, livelihoods, WASH and other technical experts to ensure energy based interventions are approached from a cross sectoral perspective;
• Provide technical inputs and participate in relevant inter-agency programming processes, joint needs assessments, national development planning, at national and sub-national levels;
• Carry out key stakeholder consultations, including refugees, host communities, existing Implementing and Operational Partners, key government stakeholders;
• Oversee and coordinate energy activities conducted by implementing partners, NGO contractors and consultants, in addition to providing technical advice to partners and NGOs;
• Ensure budget expenditures and reporting requirements are in line with UNHCR program procedures and donor priorities, notably the Programme team and Head of Sub-Office;
• Coordination of assessment of pilot projects, highlighting livelihood opportunities, obstacles, lessons learnt and their potential for expansion with the camps and host community areas;
• Identify, mentor and capacity build Energy Ambassadors within POC and host communities to advocate for proposed energy interventions and serve as focal points for energy within those communities;
• Document each stage of project development including monitoring, testing, trouble shooting, lessons learned and solutions applied to assure institutional knowledge development;
• Develop effective communication channels between all with key stakeholders and promote the sharing of information on energy related activities;
• Stay informed of all governmental/national regulations with relation to energy systems to ensure energy activities are legal and sustainable;
• Conduct monitoring and evaluation activities in collaboration with key partners;
• Provide technical guidance to staff and partners on all energy activities;
• Perform other duties as required. Authority 3 The incumbent shall have the authority to coordinate between all stakeholders and UNHCR, advising other expert and non-expert staff in the proper planning and implementation of energy projects in a methodical, transparent and professional manner to align with UNHCR’s mandate and other programmes in the camps. ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Education: Completion of the Secondary Education with post-secondary training/certificate in energy technology, engineering, renewable energy or related area.
• Job experience: Minimum of 6 years of previous job relevant experience.
• Computer skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.
• Analytical Thinking.
• Planning and Organizing.
• Stakeholder Management. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION & COMPETENCIES
• Experience in partnership development and donor engagement.
• Problem solving ability combined with capacity for research and analysis.
• Ability to think creatively, and to explore, harness and translate innovative concepts and current practices into sustainable projects.
• Experience working on the design and installation of renewable energies and related technologies.
• Applied knowledge: ability to apply knowledge from contemporary research in the field of energy, and translate this into humanitarian settings.
• Strong interest and exposure to development and humanitarian issues, especially in the area of energy and sustainability.
• Ability to meet reporting deadlines, manage budgets and complete quarterly and yearly reporting.
• Experience working with government authorities, development partners, civil society and public-private sector.
• Experience with UNHCR programming and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and deliver high quality work under pressure.
SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICATIONS
If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application on http://rwanda.unhcr.io by 31 December 2019. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. No late applications will be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Should you be asked for a fee or a benefit at any stage of this process, please report your concern to UNHCR’s Investigation Service (inspector@unhcr.org
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