UNDP Jobs - 48595- Resource Efficiency Technical Expert

Resource Efficiency Technical Expert

Location :

Mahe, SEYCHELLES

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

15-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Seychelles is highly dependent on imported oil to meet its energy needs 90% of the primary energy supply comes from imported fuel, with imports of fuel for electricity generation alone accounting for 12% of the total government budget. This heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels places heavy pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, exacerbates state budget deficits, and poses major energy security concerns, both in terms of access to supplies and pricing.

A market for energy efficient appliances is just beginning to develop in the Seychelles, based in large part on the rapidly rising cost of electricity for most consumers. However, this market is constrained in many ways, including: a lack of consumer awareness about Energy Efficiency appliances, extremely limited purchase options for Energy Efficiency appliances, the inability of consumers to get bank loans or store financing for the purchase of high-value Energy Efficiency appliances such as air conditioning units, refrigerators/freezers, and washing machines, and the absence of any standards or labelling schemes or requirements for Energy Efficiency appliances in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Resource Efficiency Technical Expert will be based at the offices of the Seychelles Energy Commission so as to bring direct technical assistance to the project, as Seychelles Energy Commission will be the agency implementing the project.

The main duty of the Resource Efficency Technical Expert will be to provide technical guidance to the National Project Manager and the Seychelles Energy Commission on the overall implementation of project activities, with specific reference to the following:

Provide overall technical guidance and advice in the planning and implementation of the technical assistance components of the project, including advising in the preparation of work plans and technical reports;
Collect detailed information on electricity consumption per household to establish a baseline data and monitor trend;
Assist Seychelles Energy Commission in establishing its Energy Efficiency / Renewable Energy Unit and in Creating an energy audit service;
Provide technical guidance and support to Seychelles Energy Commission in preparing a national Energy Efficiency Strategy and Implementation Plan
Assist Seychelles Energy Commission in preparing energy efficiency standards for electrical appliances for adoption by Seychelles Bureau of Standards;
Assist Seychelles Energy Commission in preparing and implementing an energy efficiency labelling system
Assist Seychelles Energy Commission in preparing a list, with appropriate technical details, of energy efficient electrical appliances that may be eligible for VAT exemption;
Provide technical inputs to the Seychelles Energy Education and Communication Strategy SEECS.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrable ability to maintain effective communications with different stakeholders;
Fully computer literate;
Good presentation and reporting skills;
Have effective interpersonal skills and ability to work in complex, multi-stake-holder projects;
Knowledge of various requirements for the installation of small-scale solar PV installations, including permits, grid connection, power purchase agreement and the installation process.

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Minimum of a Masters’ degree in an engineering discipline related to energy and other resource efficiency.

Experience:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in the renewable resources sector with extensive knowledge and experience with resource efficiency;
Practical experience in similar assignments, preferably with experience in resource efficiency projects in Small Island Developing States;
Demonstrated leadership ability and technical ability to communicate complex ideas verbally and in writing;
Prior UNDP/GEF project experience and knowledge of UNDP and GEF procedures and guidelines is an advantage.

Languages:

Excellent English, both written and oral.