Background

Caribbean countries share similar economic and sustainable development challenges, including a small population, remoteness, susceptibility to natural disasters, and most importantly, vulnerability to climate change. Given the current condition of the marine environment, most coastal areas have few defences against the raging surfs of hurricanes and tropical storms, and the likely consequences would be significant coastal damage including beach erosion and infrastructure damage. Negative impacts associated to climate change on land, water resources and biodiversity have also been predicted, and ultimately, tourism and agriculture will be negatively impacted by these changes. Meanwhile, Caribbean countries emit such relatively small amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, which mean that they will suffer disproportionately from the impacts of climate change.

Most Caribbean islands import oil for the bulk of their electricity needs, exposing these countries to the volatility of international markets and all of the associated economic consequences.  Local generation plants are often old and a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, while the islands’ greatest indigenous energy resources – the sun and the wind – remain untapped.  Building a sustainable energy infrastructure, however, is challenging. Even in the most developed countries, large-scale investment in renewable energy requires a supportive policy and economic climate.  But if the right framework can be put in place, renewable power can be cost-competitive with traditional electricity generation. This is particularly true in the Caribbean, where electricity can cost as much as US$0.50/kWh, among the highest in the world.

For instance, Saint Lucia imports almost 100% of its oil needed to run its sole power plant on the island. According to the Caribbean Electricity Service Corporation (CARILEC), electricity prices average at least US$0.34/kWh, in a context where the average annual household income is US$12,800 (2011).

With its tremendous wind, solar and (in some cases) hydro and geothermal resources, the Caribbean region has the opportunity to take a low emission climate resilient development path. Substantial barriers remain, however, which are similar to those that hinder renewable energy projects in many places around the world, though with an added level of complexity typically faced by small island development states (SIDS).

The Carbon War Room (CWR) is a catalytic non-profit founded by Sir Richard Branson that harnesses the power of entrepreneurs to implement market-driven solutions to climate change. The organisation’s unique approach focuses on bringing together successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, policy experts, researchers, and thought leaders to focus on market-driven solutions. The CWR identifies the barriers that are preventing market-based scale up of climate change solutions and thereby perpetuating the status quo. In addition to technology and policy gaps, these barriers include principle-agent problems, information gaps, and lack of common standards or metrics.

The Ten Island Challenge aims to accelerate the transition of Caribbean island economies from heavy dependence on fossil fuels to a diverse platform of renewables and energy efficiency, and establish a blueprint for other SIDS.

UNDP wishes to engage a National Project Coordinator with a strong climate change and project coordination background, and who can quickly and effectively lead project implementation in-country and coordination with relevant country and regional counterparts.

Duties and Responsibilities

The National Project Coordinator will facilitate the development and implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects identified by the Government of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Electricity Services Ltd (LUCELEC), which are supported by the Carbon War Room-Rocky Mountain Institute and Clinton Climate Initiative partnership through the Ten Island Challenge.

Under the supervision of UNDP Barbados and the OECS, CWR and the Saint Lucia Leadership Team (LUCELEC and the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology) will help to achieve the following outcomes:

Component 1: Island-wide de-risked enabling environment for low GHG development through the demonstration of innovative policy tools

Outcome 1.1. Clean energy action plans to meet Ten Island Challenge targets in the Caribbean developed

Outcome 1.2. Policy de-risking analysis and guidance for Ten Island Challenge countries in the Caribbean provided

Component 2: Strengthened island capacity for integrated low GHG technical and operational planning and coordination among countries and donor partners

Outcome 2.1. Caribbean platforms for clean energy technology research, development, transfer and adoption enabled

Outcome 2.2. Skills and expertise in island-wide clean energy investment de-risking and market transformation built

Component 3: Catalysed island funding for low GHG technology deployment

Outcome 3.1. Caribbean energy resource capacity established

Outcome 3.2. Clean energy island-wide investments leveraged

Summary of key functions

The National Project Coordinator will be primarily responsible for ensuring that the project produces the results specified in the project document within Saint Lucia, to the required standard of quality and within the specified constraints of time and cost. This task will be conducted in coordination with UNDP Barbados and the OECS. S/he will work with government and UN agencies, the electric utility, NGOs, donors, and the private sector in accordance with the objective and outcomes of the project.

In order to achieve the above outcomes, the National Project Coordinator will be expected to conduct the following activities:

Partnership building

• Develops and maintains relationships with counterparts in-country and regionally to ensure buy-in and successful implementation
• Contributes to building strategic partnerships and synergies to enhance the impact and sustainability of the project outcomes
• Supports the development of local and regional partnerships, identifying opportunities for strengthened delivery of Smart Island Economies (SIE) through collaboration
• Liaises with key personnel of project partners to ensure adequate and timely technical inputs to the project

Project development, planning and implementation

• Supports development of the framework and delivery plan for Saint Lucia’s implementation plan
• Provides implementation support, monitoring and evaluation of the Saint Lucia’s implementation plan
• Works in close coordination with and provide direct support to the Saint Lucia Leadership Team to ensure delivery of project milestones
• Prepares quarterly island implementation budgets and monitoring of budget execution
• Identifies project risks that would impact the delivery of Saint Lucia’s implementation plan, and identify measures to mitigate those risks
• Coordinates team island visits and other contracted firms, supporting optimum productivity and achievement of required outcomes
• Supports project oversight during the project execution and operation and maintenance phases of the island implementation plan
• Assists CWR in the mobilisation of goods and services for activities in Saint Lucia e.g. drafting TORs and work specifications, organising logistics, liaising with government agencies, etc
• Monitors the execution of all contracts in-country
• Ensures that the administrative, technical and financial processes are carried out in conformity with UNDP regulations, policies and procedures

Research and knowledge sharing

• Sources and collates data as required by the SIE team to inform studies, reports and recommendations required to progress implementation on island
• Review documents, proposals and reports relevant to the island’s energy plans and transition
• Supports information sharing and coordination of activities amongst beneficiary countries, CWR and UNDP

Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Preparation of operational material as required, including internal reporting and external presentations to local stakeholders and stakeholder groups
• Ensures on-going engagement and consultation on Saint Lucia to ensure all relevant stakeholders remain well informed
• Works closely with the local utilities to ensure that they remain well informed and responsive the implementation of the on Saint Lucia’s plan
• Supports meetings and events as required, managing logistics and outreach as required
• Identifies opportunities and requirements for local stakeholder workshops and events, including community consultation events
• Supports Saint Lucia’s Leadership Team in their engagement with private sector firms as required
• Liaises with relevant ministries and the power utility to ensure effective coordination of activities and promote communication between stakeholders
• Works closely with the CWR Communications team to ensure reporting of all relevant local news items and press releases, ensuring a coordinated approach to delivery of the joint Communications Strategy

Other activities

• Undertakes such travel as may be required from time to time in connection with project execution
• Undertakes any other activities required for the fulfilment of the mandate of the post

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to climate change, risk management and sustainable development, especially in relation to SIDS and the Caribbean.
• Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems.
• Analytical and evaluative skills
• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.
• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
• Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view
• Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
• Places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and organising:

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary

Communication

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
• Strong partnership building and networking skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education: 

• Master’s degree in engineering or similar field related to sustainable energy or climate change mitigation (e.g. renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy access), natural resource management, geography, or similar field
• Certification in project management is highly desirable

Experience: 

• At least 6 years of experience in the energy sector, climate change mitigation or related area
• At least 4 years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management
• At least 3 years of professional experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams, policy analysis and energy issues.
• Working knowledge of sustainable energy and climate change technologies is an asset
• Experience in the organisation of and performance of workshops
• Extensive experience in working with the Government of Saint Lucia, multilateral and bilateral development agencies
• Understanding of multilateral development agency or bank  programming and disbursement modalities is an asset, particularly the UN or UNDP
• Demonstrable computer proficiency including Word processing, spread sheets, PowerPoint; knowledge of GIS is an asset
• Strong communication and advocacy skills. Ability to work in a complex environment.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and negotiation skills. Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy and excellent team player.
• Sound understanding of national and local development planning processes specially in SIDS
• Extensive contacts with international experts and organisations involved in international studies on energy, climate change and natural resource management in a changing climate, particularly relevant for the Caribbean (e.g. CARICOM, UNFCCC, CCCCC, OECS).

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset

Note: The position is open to nationals of the OECS with permanent resident status or a valid work permit for Saint Lucia.

Please remember to also submit your completed Personal History Form (P11) along with your application. You can return to the previous page to obtain the P11 form or click here to download it for completion.