Vacancy announcement
Home-based
CS/2022/008

Consultant - Clean Energy Transition in Southeast Asia - Module 1

Vacancy type Consultant/Individual Contractor
Duration of the contract
3 months (on average at approx. 33%; some months are expected to be more work-intensive than others)
Deadline for submission of applications
10 July 2022
Organizational Unit
Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit (GDCCPU)
Remuneration
USD 5'000 in total (output-based)
Number of job positions
1
Area of Specialization/Thematic Areas:
  • Capacity development / adult learning
  • Clean energy transition and green recovery in Southeast Asia
Overview:

UNITAR’s Green Development and Climate Change Programme (GCP) develops the capacities of individuals and training institutions in developing countries to advance green and climate resilient development in support of Agenda 2030.  The Programme offers a range of services, including executive training, capacity development for education and training institutions, support for national learning strategies, learning methodology development, and knowledge-sharing. Activities are carried out through partnerships with other UN organizations, bilateral development partners, as well as leading learning institutions and think tanks.

Within the framework of a project funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety and in collaboration with the German development agency GIZ, UNITAR is organizing a ‘Green Recovery Academy’ in support of a clean and inclusive energy transition in Southeast Asia. The Academy will focus on four countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) that represent around 80% of the region’s total energy share and population. The intent is to leverage positive experiences from existing initiatives in these countries, and to jointly reflect on opportunities for up-scaling in the context of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Specific objectives of the Academy include:

  • Take stock of existing good practices for accelerating decarbonisation in the energy sector in Southeast Asia in the context of Covid-19;
  • Discover opportunities for recovery strategies and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency, while creating jobs and income opportunities for vulnerable households;
  • Facilitate networking and peer-learning within the region as well as with representatives from other parts of the world (in particular the European Union);
  • Engage stakeholders from outside the “clean energy community” in an evidence-based dialogue to support a change in the power sector narrative;
  • Enable continued support to the region, by leveraging and further developing the capacities of regional and national research and training institutions.

The Academy is expected to cover an introductory module, four thematic modules, a coaching mechanism and a closing webinar (covering 24 learning hours over a two-month period). The first thematic module (Module 1) is on the development of a “Strategic Response Plan for a Green Post-COVID-19 Recovery in Southeast Asia.” This module will introduce the concept of a green recovery from COVID-19 and provide an overview of the key socio-economic benefits of green post-pandemic recovery. It will also discuss the factors that inhibit and accelerate low-carbon, climate-resilient, and socially inclusive development at the regional level.

General objectives of the contract:

The Consultant will lead on the design, development and implementation of the first thematic module (Module 1) of the Academy.

Responsibilities/description of professional services:

The Consultant will perform the following tasks:

  • Develop the content for one three-hour thematic module including all relevant training materials.

    • Design and deliver a three-hour live online training session consisting of short expert presentations and group activities.
    • Develop all training materials needed to deliver the thematic module including a presentation with speaker notes, instructions/handouts for group exercises, background readings and a two-page factsheet.
  • Conduct background research to ensure the thematic module is gender-sensitive and reflects an understanding of differed roles, responsibilities, inequalities and opportunities.
  • Support the delivery of an on-demand coaching mechanism including the identification of a group project and possible group activities together with relevant partners.
  • Upon completion of the Academy draft a one-page summary recording observations about the learning process that can inform future training designs.
  • Coordinate with the project coordinator and other subject matter experts to ensure coherence in the design and delivery of the Academy.

When completing these tasks the Consultant should refer to the a) Learning Needs Assessment Report and b) Academy Syllabus for guidance on the content to be addressed and structure/methodology to be used.

Performance Indicators for Evaluation of Results:
  • Thematic module design is learner-centered and suitable for participants working full-time;
  • All training materials are clearly linked to the learning objectives of the Academy and learning outcomes specific to the thematic module;
  • Comments received are fully taken into account and reflected in the final outputs;
  • Effective communication with partners and Academy participants;
  • Timely and quality preparation of all deliverables;
  • High degree of professionalism.
Reporting structure:

The incumbent will report to the Senior Specialist, Green Development and Climate Change Programme Unit, Division for Planet.

Skills and Competencies expected from the individual:
  • Substantive knowledge in the field of clean energy and green recovery in Southeast Asia;
  • Demonstrable oral and writing skills in English, with an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct and lively style;
  • Experience in preparing and delivering trainings for adult learners;
  • Experience, technical ability, and affinity towards organizing and facilitating live online events, including webinars and group discussions;
  • Organized, with the ability to prioritize and work under pressure, often to tight deadlines;
  • Strong communications skills with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders.
Minimum requirements

a. Education

  • An advanced degree in Economics, Environmental Science, Political Science, International or Development Studies or another relevant field is required.

b. Work Experience

  • A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in the field of green economy/clean energy;
  • Experience in providing technical assistance and/or training on green economy/clean energy related policies and reforms;
  • Experience in working with policy makers and other stakeholders from Southeast Asia;
  • Experience with setting up and delivering trainings online.

c. Languages

  • Fluency in oral and written English is required.
Remarks:

The assignment will be home-based. The Consultant will be therefore required to use his/her own computer with standard Microsoft Office software.

Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local laws. UNITAR does not reimburse Consultants for any taxes, duty, or other contribution payable by the Consultant on payments made under the consultancy contract.

The Institute does not provide or arrange life or health insurance coverage for Consultant, and Consultant are not eligible to participate in the life and health insurance schemes provided by the UN for its staff members.

How to apply

Candidates are invited to submit their application as soon as possible and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to the high number of expected applications, only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.