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The building sector in Romania is dominated by residential buildings that are generally old and have poor thermal performance, with average annual heating requirements of 137-220 kWh/m2. Pilot projects in Romania have shown that it is possible to reduce cost-effectively heating needs by at least 40-50%. Nevertheless, the rehabilitation of these poorly energy-efficient buildings is taking place at a very slow pace. In addition, new construction in poorer households in rural areas is dominated by the use of energy inefficient materials with “Do-It-Yourself” projects resulting in inefficient, sub-standard dwellings which will not meet standards according to the European Performance in Buildings Directive.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Head of Programme Unit, and in coordination with the Project Task Leader, the National Legal Expert and the project team and project’s consultants, the National Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Policy Advisor is expected to work together with the Inter-Organizational Working Group (IOW) on Energy Efficiency Policies and governmental institutions, in order to identify innovative financing mechanisms and suggest recommendations for improving the legislative framework for stimulating the implementation of Energy Efficiency and social measures aimed to alleviating fuel poverty.
Within the framework of this consultancy, it is expected that the National Energy Efficiency and Fuel Poverty Policy Advisor will perform the following tasks:
In coordination with the national legal expert assist/advise the review of the legislative framework and the drafting of the legal amendment for fuel poverty mitigation at national and local level;
Through a consultative process (engaging the IOW and the Task Force for the implementation of art 7 of the Directive 27/2012 on energy efficiency obligation scheme) and based on the fuel poverty report developed in 2012, develop a methodology to assess and define fuel poverty in Romania and an Action Plan for mainstreaming the legal recommendations for fuel poverty mitigation (drafted by the legal expert) and other recommendations derived from the Task Force meetings into national and local policy .
Develop the guidelines for integrating Energy Efficiency issues into the practice of national and local public administration and Fuel Poverty measures into local energy strategies and/or local development strategies;
Develop a booklet with energy efficiency and fuel poverty funding opportunities for local public administration and support to integrate Energy Efficiency issues and Fuel Poverty measures into local energy strategies and/or local development strategies;
Assist/advise local authorities (3 – 4) from the pilot project site (Dolj and Hunedoara) to integrate measures for mitigating “fuel poverty” in their energy strategy or action plans.
Facilitate the Inter-Organizational Working Group (IOW) meetings, present the policy recommendations (i.e. the action plan for the integration of fuel poverty mitigation into legal framework) and incorporate the comments; facilitate the interface between the project and various institutions involved in EE policy making; facilitate – whenever possible - the lobby and advocacy work of the project with regard to the enforcement of the fuel poverty amendments;
Facilitate the coordination between the project’s IOW and the Working Group/Task Force organized by the relevant institutions for the implementation of the EU EE Directive (especially regarding art. 7 on energy efficiency obligation scheme) in order to advocate for legislative amendments on “fuel poverty”;
Identify innovative financing mechanisms: e.g. white certificate or binomial tariff etc. that can fund the implementation of energy efficiency improvements in buildings and fuel poverty mitigation measures;
Support the project’s lobby activities with the member of the Parliament and Cabinet as well as heads of relevant national institutions for the inclusion of the concept and measure of fuel poverty in Romanian legislation;
Assist and advise the project on any other EE policy matter;
Undertake domestic travel to project pilot sites, in 4 locations in Dolj and Hunedoara (to be determined at a later stage)
EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:
The deliverables shall be submitted to the Head of Programme Unit of UNDP Romania and Task Leader of Energy Efficiency Project and the payments will be made after the approval of each deliverable by UNDP and Implementing Partner (the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration).
Profound knowledge of the EU Directives and national legislation related to Energy Efficiency and GHG emissions and mitigation measures as well as Energy Efficiency financing mechanisms in the energy sector and buildings.
Competencies in energy policy and energy policy making including implementation of EE measures.
Solid knowledge of social policies and measures (subsidies etc.) relevant to the energy sector and fuel poverty.
Competencies in energy policy analysis and formulation of recommendations to local and national government representatives.
Strong analytical and reporting skills;
Excellent communication and writing skills;
Team player, able to meet deadlines under pressure.
Corporate Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
Required Skills and Experience
Academic Qualifications:
Master degree in energy, engineering, economics
Advanced studies in energy policies is an asset
Experience:
At least 10 years of work experience in Romanian energy sector, including both public and private sector and knowledge and relevant work experience with the most relevant national agencies in energy sector is a must.
Lobby and advocacy experience at the national level.
Demonstrable work experience and knowledge of the international and European energy policy (energy efficiency, renewables etc).
Previous work experience with UNDP is an advantage.
Previous experience with and expertise in fuel poverty issues is an advantage.
Language Requirements:
The consultant must be fluent in written and oral communication in English and Romanian.
