Technical Specialist - Environmental (Socio-Economics) (Retainer)

South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) is a UNOPS office that oversees a portfolio of projects in 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia, and the Pacific. It was formed by merging the Thailand and Cambodia Multi-Country Offices. EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million in 2022 in various areas such as energy transition, digital transformations, sustainable environmental management, and health. The EAPMCO head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance of excellence of business processes and quality standards across all locations. It is also responsible for managing the portfolio of engagements in the MCO location itself.

Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments, philanthropies and other partners to work towards modern, sustainable energy systems. It focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which have the highest energy demand, a pipeline of fossil fuel-based projects, and potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides technical advice, support on financing, capacity and skill development, and dialogue facilitation. It is supported by a Secretariat incorporated into UNOPS, which will manage and operate the ETP Fund, launch calls for proposals, assess proposals, provide assistance to partners and monitor progress on projects. Members of the Secretariat are selected in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Secretariat Indonesia

The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was launched by the Government of Indonesia and the International Partners Group (IPG) during the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali, with a secretariat established in February 2023. The governance structure consists of three levels: the Indonesian Government Decarbonization Task Force, the IPG task force, and the JETP secretariat. The JETP encompasses various types of projects such as coal-fired power plant retirements, renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency. The JETP secretariat plays a crucial role in producing the Comprehensive Investment and Policy, as well as coordinating with the IPG task force and the Government’s Task Force.

In alignment with the energy transition efforts of the Government of Indonesia, the JETP recommendations and Just Transition considerations, ETP will provide support through the JETP Secretariat.  

As a Technical Specialist - Socio Economic for Energy Projects, the successful candidate will provide support to the ETP team, including direct support to the JETP Secretariat under the supervision of ETP. 

Summary of Key Functions  

The incumbent will be accountable for delivering comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned project, providing recommendations for integrating socio-economic considerations into project design and implementation and conducting impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy project. The Socio-Economic Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the ETP Senior Program Manager, in coordination with the ETP Secretariat, and Country Coordinator in Indonesia. 

Specific deliverables will include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting thorough socio-economic assessments for each assigned project.

• Providing recommendations to integrate socio-economic considerations into the design and implementation of energy projects. 

• Providing guidance to optimize the socio-economic benefits of energy projects while minimizing adverse effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators.

• Facilitating communications and collaboration among GOI stakeholders, IPG, JETP Secretariat and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs);

• Coordinating I-JETP-related activities including preparation and dissemination of technical materials, reports, knowledge products and correspondence, particularly to CSOs.

• Facilitating arrangements for meetings, trainings, events, workshops, conferences, and seminars;

In addition to the aforementioned deliverables, the consultant is expected to conduct regular bi-weekly and ad-hoc meetings with ETP to ensure ongoing updates, information sharing, and effective communication throughout the project duration.

The Socio-Economic Specialist will be a part of ETP’s retainer pool and will provide support ad-hoc to the team. One of the primary assignments will include support to the Indonesia JETP Secretariat. Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

• Deliver comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned projects 

• Conduct impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy projects

• Provide advisory services on socio-economic issues of energy projects to understand their potential effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators.

• Provide advisory support in analyzing the potential socio-econommic risks and challenges associated with energy projects and propose the mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

• Facilitate communications and collaboration among GOI stakeholders (including JETP), Development Partners, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

• Coordinate related activities including preparation and dissemination of technical materials, reports, knowledge products and correspondence, particularly to CSOs.

• Facilitate meetings, trainings, events, workshops, conferences, and seminars, by organizing the content, facilitating, speaking, compiling feedback post-event and preparing post-event reports.

• Provide guidance on integrating socio-economic considerations into the design, planning, and execution of energy projects to maximize positive outcomes and minimize adverse effects.

• Develop comprehensive reports and presentations that clearly communicate the socio-economic impact assessment findings, including benefits, risks, and recommended actions to relevant stakeholders.

In addition to the aforementioned deliverables, the consultant is expected to conduct regular bi-weekly and ad-hoc meetings with ETP to ensure ongoing updates, information sharing, and effective communication throughout the project duration. 


Timeline of Implementation

A significant number of critical deliverables are expected between March 2024 and March 2025 and will be determined on a monthly basis, first through the development of a work plan with ETP Senior Program Manager and Country Coordinator, and then through biweekly meetings with ETP team.

Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, or a related field.

• First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above mentioned fields with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

• At least five (5) years of experience in socio-economic assessments, preferably in the energy or infrastructure sector.

• Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and other energy-related stakeholders is required.

• Experience working with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is required.

• Strong understanding of socio-economic perspective on energy transition related issues is preferred. 

• Familiarity with energy sector policies, regulations, and sustainability frameworks.

• Proven track record of successfully conducting research and advocacy activities, particularly in the energy sector is required.

• Proven track record in conducting study on impact assessments, community development, poverty reduction initiatives or any socio-economic issues is preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present complex socio-economic problems and analyses in a succinct manner is an asset.

• Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of, donors, government, private sector, and civil society is desired

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, project developers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is an asset.

• Computer literacy in Google Suite/Google Workspace is required.

Language

Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is required.

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) - Retainer
2. Contract level: ICS-10/LICA-10
3. Contract duration: One-year with the possibility of extension
   
   
   
   

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.