UNDP Jobs

UNDP’s Environment and Energy Group (EEG) is based in UNDP’s Bureau of Development Policy (BDP) and is responsible for providing leadership and technical support to the delivery of the Environment and Sustainable Development pillar of UNDP’s Strategic Plan. Its main focus is to help countries develop the capacity to fully incorporate environmental sustainability into development at national and local, but also global and regional, levels. The principal areas of work are in environmental mainstreaming, environmental finance, adaptation to climate change, and local governance of resources, including energy.

Technology can be a powerful solution to address the dual challenges of development and climate change. The purpose of this consultancy, which is part of a UNDP-Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) initiative, is to further develop an online platform which supports decision makers and other stakeholders in developing countries to embrace renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and to support the whole process of technology transfer and deployment.

ClimateTechWiki (CTW) (http://climatetechwiki.org) is an online technology database with over 130 technology descriptions of mitigation and adaptation technologies, supporting case studies and a forum for discussion. Currently, CTW functions as a support tool for GEF funded Technology Needs Assessments (TNA) being implemented by UNEP/UNEP Risoe Centre in 36 developing countries. Experts and government representatives involved in these TNAs expressed demand for additional CTW functions, including:

• more detailed information on technology costs and examples of technology implementation
• additional tools and supporting resources for project and program development, e.g. on project financing, existing funding mechanisms, and training and support programs
• the possibility for connecting a wide range of users (technology practitioners, policy makers, manufacturers)

This consultancy involves adding the above functions to CTW to help users enhance their technology knowledge and develop successful technology projects and programmes within their own context.

The activities and outputs listed in the UNDP-REEEP ClimateTechWiki proposal will be conducted in a collaborative effort by selected consultants. The tasks for each consultant are specified in individual Terms of Reference (TOR) to avoid gaps and overlaps between consultants’ activities and outputs. Therefore, the activities in the individual TOR follow the same structure (as from the approved project proposal), but are specified for the individual contribution to be delivered by each consultant.

Under the guidance of UNDP, the following activities will be implemented by the selected consultant for the CTW:

Support the improvement of the technology data set:

• Take necessary steps to update existing renewable energy and energy efficiency technology descriptions and country specific information (inputs will be made available for this by UNEP Risoe Centre) 
• Add additional technology case studies provided by developing country partners and other institutions

        Outputs:

• At least 20 enriched technology descriptions on CTW (climate change and energy policy, technology transfer, sustainable development, and energy market liberalization). This includes latest information available on technologies and if available with country-specific information provided by UNEP Risoe Centre.
• Facilitate the establishment of three partnerships with developing country partner institutes who provide case studies and contribute to testing, dissemination and feedback on CTW (possible subcontracts with these institutes to be concluded under this project directly by UNDP)

Provide supporting tools and resources for project developers and policy makers by adding links and guidance

• If required, support UNDP with information on general aspects of technology transfer and successful policies in developing countries.

        Outputs:

• CTW updated at least once a month with the latest literature, guidebooks, climate change technology transfer, successful policies for technology development and transfer in developing countries; and funding sources for technology transfer programmes [updates under this contract will focus on to technology transfer and interlinkages between climate and development challenges].

Establish an interface to:

• Categorize and link the information under A and B
• Help users tailor this information to their needs
• Liaise directly with web developer

        Outputs:

• Advise and offer guidance to CTW webmaster on constructing interface for information presentation

Establish an interactive networking platform with:

• Developing country CTW partners for continued development and support (see A)
• Support to UNDP in establishing links to and partnerships with relevant networks, institutions and informational resources (e.g. CLEAN, IRENA, IEA roadmaps) and also potentially with the private sector. This support consists of: identification of potential partners and coordinate the exchange of knowledge on the ClimateTechWiki platform
• Suggestions for the forum discussion in terms of thematic news and events, policy updates, etc.

        Outputs:

• Participation in workshops to inform and disseminate CTW
• Identification of relevant networks, institutions and informational resources. The formalities regarding possible partnerships will be arranged by UNDP.
• ClimateTechWiki email outreach to promote and circulate website updates on a quarterly basis.

The consultant will report to the Senior Technical Advisor for Adaptation in the Green, Low-Emission and Climate-Resilient Development Strategies (Green LECRDS) Team.

• Outstanding overall expertise relating to web-based site development and management
• Excellent knowledge of issues around international technology transfer, as framed under the UNFCCC and beyond
• Excellent knowledge of mitigation technologies
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in leading website development that involve cooperation with multiple stakeholders is an advantage
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; research, analytical and writing abilities and the ability to work in teams, especially those covering various disciplines
• Excellent demonstrated ability to be flexible and work under tight deadlines in an independent working environment
• Ability to work in an international environment and in multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent demonstrated fluency in English, both written and oral, is required. proficiency in at least one of the other UNDP official languages desirable.

• An advanced degree is required in one of the following areas: climate change, engineering, energy, technology innovation, environmental and/ or development economics

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in an international development context, including conducting research on international development issues including climate change, technology and/or energy. Previous professional or research experiences with international organizations, especially with UNDP is preferred.