| Description |
SPECIALIST (INTERNATIONAL RENEWABLE ENERGY) VA-2012/12/223
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| Location : |
Kabul, AFGHANISTAN |
| Application Deadline : |
07-Jan-13 |
| Type of Contract : |
TA International |
| Post Level : |
P-3 |
Languages Required :
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English |
| Duration of Initial Contract : |
364 Days |
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Background
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UNDP Afghanistan Mission Statement:
UNDP supports stabilization, state building, governance and development priorities in Afghanistan. UNDP support, in partnership with the Government, the United Nations system, the donor community and other development stakeholders, has contributed to institutional development efforts leading to positive impact on the lives of Afghan citizens. Over the years UNDP support has spanned such milestone efforts as the adoption of the Constitution; Presidential, Parliamentary and Provincial Council elections; institutional development through capacity-building to the legislative, the judicial and executive arms of the state, and key ministries, Government agencies and commissions at the national and subnational levels. UNDP has played a key role in the management of the Law and Order Trust Fund, which supports the Government in developing and maintaining the national police force and in efforts to stabilize the internal security environment. Major demobilization, disarmament and rehabilitation and area-based livelihoods and reconstruction programmes have taken place nationwide. UNDP Programmes in Afghanistan have benefited from the very active support of donors. UNDP Afghanistan is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability and works in close coordination with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan and the UN system as a whole to maximize the impact of its development efforts on the ground.
Organizational Context:
The National Area-based Development Programme (NABDP) is a flagship programme of the UNDP Afghanistan Country office and is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) with the overarching goal of the sustainable reduction of poverty in rural Afghanistan. The programme commenced in 2002, focusing on small-scale, quick recovery and economic regeneration projects during the interim Afghan government. The second phase of the programme which started in 2006 started establishment of District Development Assemblies (DDA) as local development catalysts to help communities identify and prioritize their development needs based on a bottom-up, people-centered approach to development planning. That is in addition to implementation of vital infrastructure projects, including rural energy.
The current phase of the programme, which began in 2009, continues to focus on achieving national coverage with respect to establishment of DDAs and delivery of coherent development services to rural communities, and is planned to finish by mid 2014. The three outputs are: (i) Institutions strengthened at the district level to independently address priority local needs; (ii) Rural poor have improved access to key services; and (iii) Stabilization in less secure regions and districts supported. Energy for the Rural Development of Afghanistan (ERDA) is one of the components of Output II which aims to support the provision and management of off grid renewable energy resources in rural areas of Afghanistan.
ERDA was launched to address the major challenges associated with rural energy provision in Afghanistan. It supports the development of policies and associated projects in the delivery of clean, off grid renewable energy to rural communities. In addition the vision is that ERDA will support MRRD in consolidating rural energy development activities under one program/department and provide support for the Rural Enterprise and Energy Department. This in effect means developing the in house capacity to manage all issues associated with renewable energy.
Note: UNDP Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and education requirements.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor and working closely with the project manager , the incumbent will mainly focus on providing day to day management and support to ERDA Unit manager and be responsible for fulfilling the following tasks:
- Provide technical input for design and guidance on the implementation of a portfolio renewable energy projects throughout Afghanistan.
- Provide support to Head of ERDA to ensure the timely mobilization and utilization of programme resources for program implementation.
- Implement capacity assessment exercises of the other actors working in the renewable energy sphere such as private sector, community organizations and NGOs.
- Based on the above take the lead in designing and implementing capacity development activities with a specific focus on the private sector.
- Take the lead in the development and management of action research on the different opportunities for renewable energy in Afghanistan.
- Support the Head of ERDA to draft and prepare regular reports, guidelines and advisory notes as and when necessary.
- Work as a trainer and resource persons in the design and implementation of capacity development activities for the programme staff.
- To establish and implement a comprehensive monitoring system of the renewable energy portfolio of projects.
- Carry out regular follow-up and monitoring of the project portfolio by frequent field trips.
- Facilitate and support in the development and design of all strategic document associated with ERDA
- Act as a focal point and facilitator for both MRRD and UNDP in all issues associated with strategy and policy on renewable energy.
- Provide strategic guidance and support to UNDP management for mobilizing resources in the rural energy.
- Perform other tasks as and when requested by the NABDP senior management.
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Competencies
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Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
- In-depth knowledge on development issues
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
- Skill in advocacy and leveraging programming to promote broader lessons learned and policy change
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Commitment and skill in promoting national ownership of programming
- Ability to promote team work and shared ownership and commitment to a joint programme
- Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
- Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
- Good knowledge of results based management.
- Strong IT skills
- Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
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Required Skills and Experience
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Education:
- Master’s degree in Renewable Energy or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of experience in development related projects/programmes, working in the renewable energy sphere
- Experience in Strategic Communication with Donor organization and international organizations.
- Experience and knowledge on monitoring methods as well as reporting
- Relevant experiences in public / media / donor relations for international development projects/programmes
- Good writing and project design skills
- Excellent computer skills on MS Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
- Excellent communication skills: speaking, writing, and advocating in international, multi-cultural settings
- Capacity to work under pressure, manage stress and adapt to rapidly evolving situations;
- Sound time management and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks;
- Team player, self-motivated and initiative taking, dedicated, creative, resourceful, flexible, energetic with sound judgment;
- Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sound understanding and capability to empower and develop the capacity of national counterparts;
- Dedication to the United Nations principles, to promotion of equal rights of men and women, and respect for cultural, ethnic and religious diversity;
- Knowledge of Afghanistan’s culture, tradition and Islamic context.
Language:
- Excellent knowledge of English and ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English; Working knowledge the local languages of Afghanistan would be a strong asset.
Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date (07 January 2012) will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications who are short-listed will be contacted.
For more detailed information about UNDP Afghanistan please visit our website at www.undp.org.af
Successful candidates must be prepared to start work within 3 weeks of the offer of appointment.
Internal candidates who have served a minimum of 12 months in the current assignment are invited to apply.
Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
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