Energy efficiency and green buildings technical specialist - Retainer (Multiple positions), Multiple positions

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.  UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. 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. 

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS 2022-2025 Strategic Plan includes an ambition of reducing UNOPS climate footprint, as part of the UN global priority of combating climate change. The CEB-approved UN Sustainability Strategy (UNSS) 2020-2030 places a similar expectation on UN system agencies, with a view of aligning to the IPCC emission reduction targets. In line with the new objective to significantly reduce its emissions by 2030, UNOPS is looking at scaling up its emission reduction activities and is recruiting a pool of regional “technical Specialists” to join its team of retainers. The UNOPS Climate Action Programme and UNOPS Climate Strategy require different resources to contribute to its implementation and maintenance. 

The technical Specialists will be on retainer contracts to carry out short-term work packages when required.

Due to the nature of the job, the selected candidate might be requested to travel to field offices. The candidate is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy during assessment and adequately apply subject expertise and experience for analysis and reporting.

For more than a decade, UNOPS has been measuring the GHG emissions deriving from its facilities and operations through the annual environmental inventory exercise that includes scope 1, scope 2 and official duty travel (as per the defined UN boundary). The data from the exercise helps establish the emissions reduction baseline for country offices around the world against a 45% reduction target.  

In order to reduce its emissions from buildings, UNOPS is implementing a three-stage approach:

• Stage 1- Data readiness

• Stage 2- Energy assessment

• Stage 3-  Energy efficiencies and, where feasible, switch to renewable energy

In line with the three stage approach, the “technical specialist” will support the UNOPS energy efficiency and emission reduction approach. Potential deliverables include the delivery of audit reports, connection of smart meters, conducting an on-site assessment of building infrastructure and a detailed energy audit, green building feasibility study and refurbishments. Other sustainability related tasks can be identified and assigned as necessary.

Assignment and deliverables:

Assignments may include (but are not limited to):

1. Undertake the primary responsibility of conducting an in-person, detailed survey of the designated UNOPS facility.

2. Site, buildings and services- Assess the complete facility to identify avenues of sustainability, energy efficiency and resource optimisation.

3. Green building systems- Undertake a feasibility study of the facility to make it compliant with the chosen green building system.

4. Energy supply - Assess the incoming energy supply and document the various sources with associated issues, challenges and/or risks.

5. Energy demand - Assess the facility’s energy demand and document the load profile.

6. Electrical distribution - Assess the on-site electrical distribution network.

7. Electrical safety and suitability- Assess the electrical setup at the distribution panels and identify the safe and suitable locations for the installation of smart metres.

8. Smart metering-  Install the UNOPS smart meter with limited local assistance and remote assistance by the HQ expert.

9. Technical assistance- Participate in the assigned meetings and provide technical assistance. Participate in preparation of technical documents like BoQ, specification, minimum compliance criteria, SoP as required.

10. Facilitate subject training development and delivery for the variety of stakeholders.

11. Reporting- Draft reports for consultation and approval by the supervisor.

• An advanced university degree ( Master’s or equivalent) is required, preferably in the field of electrical engineering, energy infrastructure, renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, sustainable architecture or a matching subject. 

• A relevant first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with 2 additional years of relevant experience may substitute for a Master’s degree.

• 5 years of experience of successfully conducting a minimum of five site-level building infrastructure audits with at least one of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) details are required with a master’s degree. 

• Proficiency in producing high quality electrical and building layout drawings is required.

• Ability to prepare techno-economic reports is required. 

• Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafting software is required.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working with projects in the field of energy audit, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy infrastructure or green building systems is highly desirable.

• Working knowledge of google suite is desirable.

• Knowledge of the latest development and technology in the green energy field (for example, solar PV, batteries, inverters etc.) is an asset. 

• Knowledge of renewable energy analysis, sizing and design software is an asset.

• Fluency in the English language is required.

• Fluency in other languages besides English is desirable.

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: IICA2 - ICS10 (Retainer)

• 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. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse 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. 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.