Programme Management Advisor (Senior Energy Economist), 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.

Government’s Task Force and 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 Government's Task Force plays a crucial role in producing policy and regulatory actions, as well as coordinating with the IPG task force to determine policies for various types of projects and financing options related to renewable energy. Furthermore, the responsibilities of the Government's Task Force extend beyond the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and also include overseeing the overall decarbonization efforts of the country beyond the power sector, such as in transportation, buildings, and industry. This comprehensive approach underscores the significance of the Government's Task Force in driving sustainable and inclusive decarbonization efforts across various sectors of the economy.

In alignment with the decarbonization efforts of the Government of Indonesia, the JETP recommendations and Just Transition considerations, ETP will provide support to the Government’s Decarbonization Task Force through the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment (CMMIA).  

The Senior Energy Economist will be accountable for delivering economic analysis, guidance, and advice related to the energy topics under the direct supervision of the ETP Senior Program Manager, in coordination with the ETP Secretariat, and Country Coordinator in Indonesia. The candidate will be expected to directly support the Government’s Task Force on behalf of ETP. 

Specific deliverables will include, but are not limited to:

• Advisory regarding fiscal indicators and policies: Advising on the macroeconomic impact of the policy proposals from the JETP secretariat and government more broadly, covering forward and backward linkages, as well as fiscal and governance-related impact analysis of the proposals and recommendations prepared by relevant stakeholders, across ministries, institutions and development partners.

• Advisory regarding energy modelling, macroeconomic policies and governance: Advising of any relevant energy modelling, macroeconomic and/or governance related policy adjustments, including implications on fiscal and macroeconomic factors and indicators, and adjustment  pertaining to the proposals from the JETP secretariat and more broadly as related to the Government's decarbonization plan.

• Advisory regarding approvals: Advising and recommending for approval or otherwise of the recommendations proposed by the JETP secretariat or government more broadly, incorporating suggestions and adjustments, noting substantive comments, additions and omissions, reflecting strong sense of the political economy, opportunities for the proposals to realistically achieve their intended benefits of energy transition, and support to improvement of energy sector governance as well as international positioning of Indonesia. 

Education

• An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree in economics, public policy, engineering or any related field is required. Energy economic background is preferred.

• 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 economic analysis, research, and policy development, preferably in the energy and/or environment sector.

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

• Strong understanding of macroeconomic, energy policy and energy transition related issues is preferred. 

• Proven track record of successfully advising clients on public policy matters, particularly in the energy sector is required.

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

• Proficiency in energy modelling techniques and methodologies, including bottom-up, top-down, and integrated approaches is preferred.

• Experience with commonly used energy modelling software and tools, such as LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System), TIMES (The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System), or similar platforms is preferred.

• Knowledge of energy transition, decarbonization, and sustainable development issues in Indonesia is required.

• Familiarity with Economic instruments and structures commonly used in energy transition projects, such as subsidies, fiscal policy, energy markets and market mechanisms, procurement and tender methodologies, etc. 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, and project developers is an asset.

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

Language

Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is required.

1. Contract type: ICA
2. Contract level: ICS 11 / LICA-11
3. Contract duration: 100 days 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. 

• 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.