Niger: Energy and Sanitation Assistant

Nov 13, 2022 | United Nations Development Program
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The UNDP is the United Nations agency dedicated to development issues. In Niger, UNDP operates through two portfolios, namely Governance, Peace and Security and Resilience. The areas covered by the Resilience Program include the fight against the effects of Climate Change, the Management of Natural Resources (biodiversity, land, water), access to energy and renewable energies, the prevention and management of risks and disasters and improving food security.

In the field of environment and sustainable development, UNDP's mandate is to support countries in integrating environment and energy into national policies and programs, adaptation to climate change and access of the poorest to environmental and energy services. Niger faces environmental challenges related to land degradation, the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable land management, and the fight against the effects of climate change.

In accordance with its mandate and as a contribution to the national response to the environmental challenges mentioned above, the UNDP is launching the recruitment of a specialist in Energy and Environment (including renewable energies) as part of the Country Program implementation.

Rationale / background and the objectives of the unit or project

The objectives pursued by the Resilience Program is to reduce the risks of food insecurity through strengthened institutional capacity and the participation of targeted communities in the sustainable management of natural and energy resources adapted to climate change as well as prevention/ management of risks and natural disasters. To this end, several development projects are designed, implemented, monitored and evaluated.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Energy, Environment and Resilience Program Manager, the Energy and Environment Specialist will perform the following tasks:

• Support the analysis and in-depth study of the socio-economic and political situation of the country, particularly in the field of energy and environment, and development of contribution funds to be included in the CCAs, UNDAFs, CPDs and other related documents;
• Contribute to the design and formulation of projects in its area of ​​competence which reflect the priorities of UNDP and the Government of Niger; coordination of project implementation with executing agencies with introduction of performance indicators/success criteria;
• Contribute to the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly related to UNDP country program climate change issues;
• Contribute to the identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly related to the energy component of the country program;
• Support the launch of projects, presentation of the project to the PAC, introduction of the project in ATLAS, finalization of the contribution agreement; identification of necessary revisions; coordination of mandatory budgetary and rescheduling exercises, closure of projects after review;
• Support the coordination of the implementation of the program with the executing agencies with the introduction of performance indicators / criteria for success, in particular the Biodiversity projects and more particularly in the Ecobrigade initiative of young people and women
• Support the Local Green Committee for the implementation of mechanisms and policies to reduce environmental impacts within the office through the reduction of energy consumption and the use of paper for a workplace significantly " green "
• Support the various recruitment committees for consultants, United Nations volunteers on behalf of the resilience program
• Participate in the organization and execution of missions, workshops and meetings related to assigned projects
• Support the development of partnerships with UN Agencies, IFIs, state institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, the private sector, civil society in the thematic areas of energy, natural resource management and environment on the basis of objectives UNDP strategies, national needs and donor priorities;
• Contribute to the analysis and research of information on donors, development of comprehensive briefing notes on possible areas of cooperation;
• Support the identification of opportunities for the launch of new projects, active participation in the general effort of the office for the mobilization of resources;
• Support the monitoring and evaluation of finances and project content, identification of operational and financial problems, search for solutions. Participation in the audit of NEX/NGO projects;
• Contribute to monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations;
• Contribute to the regular preparation of summary reports on activities, outputs and results;
• Support the preparation of reports to donors.

Skills

One of the major challenges relating to this position is the non-mastery of technical and financial reporting procedures by certain partners. To this end, close monitoring must be done in order to detect shortcomings and remedy them through capacity building.

Scope of Work

• Briefly describe the required activities (scope, location, subjects, etc.) and other information that will help prospective Contractors understand the nature of the work
• Participate in the design and creation of projects
• Provide support in project management
• Ensure the technical follow-up of the projects
• Support the preparation of reports to donors
• Participate in the process of developing strategic documents;
• Sharing knowledge through the collection and dissemination of good practices

Institutional Arrangement

The position of Sanitation and Energy Assistant is under the direct supervision of the Environment/Energy Program Manager who is himself under the supervision of the Resilience Program Team Leader.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Academic Education

• Hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor's/Master's degree in environmental sciences, energy engineer or equivalent field.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience at the national or international level in the field of energy program management;
• Have practical experience in the areas of design, monitoring and evaluation of development projects;
• Have experience in developing strategies in the energy field;
• Have a solid knowledge of the institutional environment of Niger in the field of competence;
• Demonstrated ability to manage government-donor relations to catalyze partnerships and mobilize resources
• Mastery of tools (Word; Excel, Powerpoint; outlook....)

Required skills and competencies

• In-depth knowledge of development issues
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting;
• Demonstrate integrity by adopting United Nations values ​​and ethical standards
• Promote the vision, mission and strategic objectives of UNDP
• Ability to lead the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programs and projects, resource mobilization
• Have a good knowledge of the Results-Based Management Guide and Toolkit;
• Actively work towards training and continuous personal development in one or more professional fields, act on the training plan and put into practice newly acquired skills;
• Treat everyone fairly and without favoritism
• Demonstrate a spirit of adaptation and tolerance in matters of culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age
• Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills
• Promote the culture of knowledge sharing and learning in the office
• Demonstrate an openness to change and an ability to manage situations
• Ability to advocate and deliver policy advice

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Demonstrate integrity by conforming to United Nations values ​​and ethical standards
• Demonstrate a commitment to the vision, mission and values ​​of the UNS
• Demonstrate sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, race, nationality and age
• Serves and contributes to the vision, mission, values ​​and strategic objectives of UNDP;
• Participates effectively in an environment based on teamwork, information sharing, collaboration and cooperation with others;
• Responds flexibly and positively to change, through active participation.

Required Language(s) (at working level)

• An excellent command of the French language is required.
• A working knowledge of English will be considered an advantage.

Travel: 

This position requires occasional field and external travel.