Energy Specialist

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below: Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026 Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates) Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates Background and organization context The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system, acting as the key integrator to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's work spans headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to support UNDP's strategic objectives and six "signature solutions." Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results-based management, innovation, and data-driven approaches. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi-stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter-agency coordination across thematic areas. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions, alongside poverty reduction, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality. These solutions guide countries towards three key goals: structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and resilience. UNDP's energy strategy aligns with SDG 7, focusing on three action areas: increasing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; improving energy efficiency; and expanding the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The Energy for Growth in Africa initiative is a key component of this broader strategy, launched in collaboration with the G7. It identifies clean energy projects across Africa that face challenges in securing financing and supports them through de-risking instruments to enhance their attractiveness to international investors. By combining project pipeline identification, targeted technical assistance, and the development of catalytic pilot projects, the initiative addresses information asymmetries, de-risks strategic investments, and supports the energy transition. The Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative and scalable low-carbon technologies through targeted pilots and catalytic interventions. The initiative currently operates in ten African countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Eswatini, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tunisia, with plans for further expansion. It focuses on markets with limited access to commercial finance and coordinates with G7 and other multilateral efforts to integrate complementary actions, streamline funding, and enhance the delivery of de-risking instruments and financial resources to projects in the Energy for Growth pipeline. Scope of Work The Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition is seeking an Energy Specialist to support the implementation of the Energy for Growth in Africa programme, with a specific focus on the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream. The Energy Specialist will play a central role in shaping and operationalizing this workstream, working closely with UNDP Country Offices and partners to ensure alignment with national priorities and effective coordination across countries. The role combines technical expertise with end-to-end project development and delivery responsibilities, covering the full project lifecycle from opportunity identification and concept development to implementation oversight. The Energy Specialist will lead the identification and advancement of a pipeline of innovative, low- or zero-carbon energy projects, with a focus on catalytic interventions and infrastructure-based pilot initiatives that can accelerate deployment, demonstrate viability, and enable scaling in target markets. The position will support the design and execution of targeted, high-impact activities aimed at addressing key market and knowledge barriers affecting public institutions, private sector actors, investors, and end users. This includes contributing to the de-risking of strategic initiatives, strengthening project fundamentals, and supporting their progression toward implementation. Through a combination of technical expertise, project development capacity, and coordination across stakeholders, the Energy Specialist will contribute to unlocking new market opportunities and advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven energy transition in Africa. Expected Demonstration of Competencies Core Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 3 Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3 Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3 Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3 Act with Determination: LEVEL 3 Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3 Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 3 Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies Thematic Area Business Management Partnerships Management Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies Thematic Area Name – see above, etc. Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies Minimum Education requirements Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Renewable Energy, Climate Change, International Development, Energy Policy, Engineering, or other related fields is required, or A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Minimum years of relevant work experience Minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in the design, structuring, and implementation of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, with demonstrated hands-on experience in technical aspects of energy systems, project execution, and delivery across the project lifecycle. Required skills Demonstrated experience in the identification, design, and structuring of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, including the development and management of project pipelines. Proven experience in supporting project start-up phases, including feasibility analysis, stakeholder coordination, and preparation of implementation and operational frameworks to ensure effective and timely implementation. Strong experience in hands-on delivery and management of energy projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with technical, financial, and results-based management requirements. Demonstrated field experience and hands-on engagement with country-level stakeholders, with a strong understanding of project implementation, coordination frameworks, and local operational dynamics in diverse country contexts. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section: (long list)… Required Language(s): Fluency in English is required. Knowledge or fluency in Italian is an asset. Equal opportunity statements etc. Location: Rome, Italy.