Renewable Energy Specialist

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The ongoing conflict has caused significant disruptions to the supply chain and to the overall availability of services. In light of the reduced or even absent provision of public services, communities have been affected by disease and environmental degradation. Physical damage to infrastructure including roads, municipal services, water and sanitation and enegy. The lack of functionality in one sector often spills over into other sectors with significant consequences on both the access to, and quality of services, that are often interrelated.

UNOPS is undertaking a multi-sectorial engagement aims at restoring urban services mainly in energy, urban roads, water and sanitation (WASH), municipality services in targeted cities in Yemen using an integrated approach.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the renewable energy specialist provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the energy provision programming process, through the application of theoretical and practical technical skills in research, collecting, analyzing and presenting programme information while adapting to organizational rules, regulations and procedures to support the development, implementation and monitoring of UNOPS’ energy-related results in Yemen.

1-      Stakeholder Management:

• Prepare technical reports and inputs for programme preparation and documentation, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and relevance of information.
• Assist in the development/establishment of off-grid energy solutions -related outcome and output results, as well as related strategies, through analysis of energy sector needs and priorities.
• Provide technical and administrative support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical program transactions, preparing materials/ documentations, complying with UNOPS  processes to support progress towards the off-grid energy solutions in Yemen.
• Prepare required documentations/materials to facilitate review and approval processes.

2-      Programme coordination, monitoring and reporting

• Work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues and partners to collect/analyze/ share information on implementation issues, suggest solutions on routine implementation of relevant projects and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level interventions and/or decision.
• Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference.
• Contribute to UNOPS risk assessment and risk management processes in Yemen by supporting relevant project teams in indetifying and mitigating risks asssciated with solar interventions.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral program resources (administrative and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocations based on regulations/procedures and donor commitments with standards of accountability and integrity.
• Report on issues identified to enable timely resolution by management/stakeholders.
• Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure proper resolution.

3-      Technical and operational support for programme implementation

• Undertake field visits and surveys, collect and share reports with partners/stakeholders. Report critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems to supervisor, for timely action.
• Support the project team/s in the design, development, implementation, management and monitoring of renewable interventions, as needed.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, relevant clusters, UN and other office partners including donors on the application and understanding of UNOPS  policies, strategies, processes and best practices in off-grid energy solutions to support programme implementation

• An advanced university degree (M./Sc.)  in Electrical Engineering from a reputable University with specific study in Energy System  is required with 7 years of experience.

• A first level university degree (B.Sc.) in Electrical Engineering from a reputable University with 10 years of experience is required. 

• University degree with demonstranted experience and practical knowledge of off-grid renewable energy, preferably solar PV systems is required;
• Additional relevant postgraduate courses in renewable energy or related field will be a strong asset;
• Familiarity with Yemeni off-grid and solar PV market and sector is required;
• At least 10 years of progressive management and technical experience in design, development, implementation and procurement of solar systems in Yemen is required;
• At least 3 years of experience required in  business anlaysis, feasibility studies and resource assessment for solar PV projects is required;
• Experience in international cooperation technical assistance highly desirable;
• Strong communication, coordination and organizational skills required;
• Willingness to travel regularly (outside and inside Yemen) is required;
• Excellent knowledge of English and Arab language is required;
• Ability to work under pressure and work with culturally diverse team of local and international members;
• Experience with donors in the field of energy sector highly desirable.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience required in battery based systems and energy storage solutions;
• Previous experience with UN/ international organizations is an asset;
• Experience in handling World Bank funded projects in Yemen is desired

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. 
• Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.