Director - Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA)

Job categories Leadership, Partnerships

Vacancy code VA/2025/B5323/29497

Level ICS-13

Department/office AFR, KEMCO, Kenya

Duty station Nairobi, Kenya

Contract type Fixed Term

Contract level D1

Duration One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

Application period 03-Jan-2025 to 19-Jan-2025

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS Kenya Multi-Country Office (KEMCO) is recruiting for this position: Director, Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) based in Nairobi, Kenya (Family Duty Station).

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.

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.

Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA):

The Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) is an African country-led international partnership that brings together governments and stakeholders working to accelerate the deployment of renewables to enhance energy access, enable green industrialisation, and improve economic and societal resilience. Launched by African countries and international partners during the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in September 2023, the Partnership promotes a holistic approach to the energy transition, provides political leadership, mobilises action and commitments from public and private entities, and coordinates international efforts for meaningful systemic change. APRA’s membership currently comprises Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. As its foundational phase comes to an end, APRA is expanding to engage more countries with high ambitions for renewable energy and green industrialisation in Africa and beyond.

By fostering a strategic transition to renewable energy, APRA aims to achieve several key outcomes:

Energy access, security and green growth: APRA positions renewable energy as the central pillar for addressing Africa's energy needs, and an essential basis for expanding energy access and ensuring energy security across the continent, whilst also promoting green growth, job creation and improved livelihoods – especially for youth.
Leveraging resources for industrialisation: Recognising the wealth of renewable and mineral resources in Africa, the Partnership seeks to unlock a pivotal opportunity to drive green industrialisation in APRA countries. This localised industrial effort, fuelled by renewables, can accelerate domestic development and prosperity while positioning Africa as a central player in the global energy transition.
Collaborative approaches and tailored solutions: APRA’s approach is grounded in a deep commitment to collaboration, guided by the leadership and vision of African nations. By rapidly scaling up all forms of renewable energy, the Partnership offers a comprehensive framework that integrates political, technical and financial elements, to address and overcome significant barriers currently faced by participating African nations. Recognising their diversity, the Partnership promotes the development of tailored strategies, enabling each country to implement solutions that align with its unique context and specific needs.

APRA Implementation Office:

To accelerate and optimise the implementation of APRA on the ground and enhance its operational and programme management capacities, UNOPS has been invited by the country partners of APRA to establish the APRA Implementation Office. The APRA Implementation Office will work alongside the International Renewables Energy Agency (IRENA), which serves as the technical, coordination and political arm of APRA. Jointly, UNOPS and IRENA will work under the guidance of the APRA Steering Committee to strengthen APRA’s ability to respond to the growing needs of its African constituents as required by their distinct energy transition trajectories.

Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the APRA Implementation Office will focus on the provision of efficient and fit-for-purpose fund- and programme management services in accordance with UNOPS policies, processes and procedures, and in line with APRA work plan and strategic priorities as approved by the Steering Committee. Crucially, the APRA Implementation Office will lead the development of the APRA strategy and workplan, operations, fund and financial management, procurement, grant support, admin, travel and miscellaneous services (as required for the implementation of the work plan) and the development and setting up of suitable mechanisms for the effective management and disbursement of grants to implementing partners, all in accordance with UNOPS policies, processes and procedures.

Functional Responsibilities:

The Director will lead the APRA Implementation Office and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and executing the overall strategy, translating it into actionable work plans for periodic review and approval by the Steering Committee, and ensuring effective implementation. Key responsibilities include representing the APRA Implementation Office in high-level forums, leading resource mobilization efforts, and advocating for APRA's mission and goals to external stakeholders. The Director will also guide APRA’s strategic expansion by engaging new members and partnerships. Additionally, the Director will oversee all performance and operational aspects of the APRA Implementation Office, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs. A core part of this role involves leading collaboration with IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) to align APRA’s objectives with global energy initiatives.

The incumbent shall be accountable to the Executive Director of UNOPS, or their delegate, for administrative issues relating to the administrative effectiveness and efficiency of the APRA Implementation Office in accordance with relevant UNOPS regulations, rules and procedures, and to the Steering Committee for the effective implementation of the functions of the APRA Implementation office. IRENA will provide technical advice to the Director, as needed.

More specifically, the incumbent will have the following responsibilities:

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions: Strategic leadership and management People Leader...

Summary of functions:

Strategic leadership and management
People Leadership
Knowledge management and innovation
Partnership Management and Governance

1.Strategic Leadership and Management

Manages and provides strategic leadership to the APRA Implementation Office and manages the Office overall.
Represents the APRA Steering Committee vis-a-vis the APRA Steering Committee, APRA member countries, donors and other stakeholders.
Represent the APRA Implementation Office in meetings and to external partners, including internationally and at senior levels, as determined with the Steering Committee.
Leads the development of the APRA Implementation Office workplan and budget, ensuring they are aligned with the Steering Committee approved overall APRA work plan and strategy.
Oversees the disbursement of funds to implementing partners provided for the APRA Implementation Office in accordance with UNOPS financial rules and regulations fiduciary standards, legal and ethical integrity policies, and in accordance with relevant guidelines approved by the Steering Committee.
Provides leadership to ensure cohesive and effective day-to-day operations of the APRA Implementation Office.
Supported by the APRA Implementation Office team, leads the matchmaking processes between needs identified in country planning and existing programming and activities by donors to catalyze provision of demand-driven technical assistance and implementation support in APRA member states.
Oversees and coordinates the APRA Implementation Office’s cross-alignment with key African regional actors including the African Development Bank, the African Union and other UN and non-UN initiatives, including the NDC Partnership, the Climate Vulnerable Forum and Vulnerable 20 Group and the Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII).
Oversees the execution of the work plan approved by the Steering Committee, in close coordination with IRENA.
Oversees the development and maintenance of a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the timeliness, appropriateness and outcomes of the APRA Implementation Office activities.
Leads the effective implementation of all the functions of the APRA Implementation Office.
Facilitates the consideration between the APRA Implementation Office and the APRA member countries.
Leads the development and implementation of a resource mobilization strategy, under the guidance of the Steering Committee, to secure long-term, sustainable financing for the APRA Implementation Office and APRA overall.
Works with the Steering Committee on resource mobilization to ensure the APRA Implementation Office has the financial resources needed to deliver its work plan, based on an approved resource mobilization plan, mobilizing resources from governmental and philanthropic donors and other sources of funds as appropriate.
Oversees the preparation and delivery of reports for endorsement, approval or guidance of the Steering Committee, including but not limited to, annual, progress and performance reports, financial reports, etc.
Facilitates the commissioning of any evaluations of the performance of the APRA Implementation Office based on the parameters outlined by the Steering Committee and the donors.
Represents the APRA Implementation Office and participates in meetings, conferences, expositions, knowledge fora, and training activities as well as sessions of the Steering Committee, as required

2. People Leadership

Provides leadership to the APRA Implementation Office professional and administrative personnel to support them in meeting their responsibilities and perform functions efficiently and effectively.
Role-models UN values and behavioral competencies.
Promotes teamwork and collaboration across the APRA Implementation Office, ensuring team members have clear direction, objectives and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Fosters a positive work environment that is respectful of all. Ensures appropriate focus on team well-being, empowerment, diversity and inclusion and that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

3. Knowledge management and innovation

Drives knowledge sharing and strategic communication with a broad range of stakeholders across APRA and beyond, ensuring collaboration and continuous feedback as appropriate.
Facilitates the development, provision and dissemination of knowledge and information on averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage.
Promotes and raises awareness of APRA
Leads the planning, implementation and organization of strategic capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders for strategic business development and engagement.
Leads the ongoing development and implementation of best practice and innovative approaches to maximize performance and sustain achievements.

4. Partnership Management and Governance

Ensure quality and integrity of APRA Implementation Office services
Ensure that the standard operating procedures of the APRA Implementation Office are fit for purpose, facilitating updates as needed by the Steering Committee, and ensure that these procedures are followed.
Oversee and direct the APRA Implementation Office to support the Steering Committee meetings, ensuring that they are convened regularly with a clear agenda and high-quality papers, to enable effective decision-making.
Direct the APRA Implementation Office team in organising meetings of the Steering Committee, APRA Investment Fora and other relevant high level events, in close coordination with IRENA and APRA member countries.
Ensure that the APRA member countries remain engaged in and informed about the work of APRA and are actively involved in delivery and decision-making.

Impact of Results

The effective and successful achievement of results by the Director, Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa directly impacts on the development and performance of the Multi-Country Office, the visibility and image of the UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and consequently strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services in the country served

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education An advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent...

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) Contract level:&nbs...

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

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.
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya is a Family Station.

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.

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