Associate Programme Officer - P2
Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Specialist, Humanitarian Energy, PTPU, the Associate Programme Officer is responsible for the following duties (in compliance with the Institute relevant policies, guidelines, procedures and processes)
- Support the Coordination of the Global Platform for Action on Sustainable Energy in Displacement Settings (GPA) by:
- Substantially support maintaining core relationships with GPA Steering Group member organizations at the global level, as well as regional and local levels where applicable. This is done through the mechanism of the GPA Steering Group and relevant coordination/partnership mechanisms, aiming to increase action, momentum, policy shifts and resource mobilization on energy in humanitarian settings within the major UN and INGOs at the global level. This is to be achieved by regular meetings with the GPA Steering Group partners (in group settings and individually).
- Supporting development and facilitation of the GPA work plan, including impact planning and delivery of core topics relevant for the GPA Steering Group and key Humanitarian Energy partners. This is done through the yearly work planning process and relevant reporting mechanisms to the Steering Group and associated donors, aiming to facilitate the collective GPA work plan and progress toward SDG7 for the GPA support structure (Coordination, Steering Group, Advisory board). This is to be achieved by regular support to monitoring and facilitation of the GPA Coordination work plan.
- Substantially support in engaging with key external partnerships (e.g. donors, UN and INGO institutions, private sector partners, energy sector initiatives, etc.) to link the GPA work with the wider global humanitarian and energy sector landscape. This is done through regular engagement (conference attendance, individual and group meetings, workshops, etc.) at energy and humanitarian events, and through specific donor and partner visits (e.g. Norwegian ministry of foreign affairs, GIZ, etc.), aiming to increase support from private and public sector actors to humanitarian energy initiatives. This is to be achieved by regular contact, communication and engagement with key partners.
- Supporting GPA network expansion through collaboration, liaison and onboarding support of incoming GPA network members. This is done through facilitation of webinars, workshops and one-to-one meetings with humanitarian energy stakeholders, aiming to coordinate new partners into the GPA network, and to be achieved by systematic meetings and engagement with strategic partners.
- Support the GPA’s convening, advocacy and outreach activities by:
- Attending workshops, meetings, field missions and relevant events to share knowledge about the benefits of sustainable energy solutions in displacement settings. This is done aiming to network and share knowledge about the GPA and humanitarian energy, to be achieved by systematic outreach and workshop/conference engagement planning processes.
- Supporting development of advocacy related materials for key partnership engagement and policy development (embedded within ongoing policy or institutional processes). This is done through supporting policy review within humanitarian and energy forums such as the Global Refugee Forum and national energy policy planning, aiming to support the mainstreaming of displacement settings into energy planning and policies. This is to be achieved by providing support to policy processes.
- Providing support to policy and event engagement and outreach planning of the GPA, aligned with international policy processes and the Sustainable Development Goals. This is done through international and national energy or humanitarian for a involvement and providing support to global GPA communications and outreach plans, aiming to ensure the GPA is interfacing with the right stakeholders and partners.
- Supporting delivery of workshops and conferences focused on awareness raising, stakeholder convening and innovation in the area of humanitarian energy. This is done through tailored workshop and conference planning with GPA Steering Group and partners, aiming to bring the global community of humanitarian energy policy makers and practitioners for collective progress toward SDG7 in displacement contexts.
- Support improving standardization of technical support tools, knowledge management and resource mobilization for the global humanitarian energy community by:
- Providing training and skills building support on humanitarian energy topics for relevant stakeholders. This is done through holding workshops, trainings, webinars, etc, aiming to build skills of relevant practitioners and increase quality of energy service delivery in displacement settings.
- Providing technical support on setting up sustainable and renewable energy programmes in displacement contexts. This is done through holding workshops, trainings, workshops etc. aiming to provide technical knowledge on energy for humanitarian staff.
- Support the development and use of centralized knowledge management processes and technical support tools for the humanitarian energy community. This is done through guiding development of a central online platform to house all relevant resources.
- Supporting resource mobilization efforts for humanitarian energy topics. This is done through mapping different funders, private sector partners and donors, and providing knowledge to senior management for resource mobilization efforts, aiming to increase resources flowing into energy in displacement settings.
- Support identifying new projects and funding opportunities for UNITAR in the area of peace and security, by:
- Assisting in building and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, governments, research and training institutions, the private sector and NGOs. This is done through support to the Programme Specialist, Humanitarian Energy, in alignment with the Programme goals.
- Support identifying possible sources of funding and support conceptualization of new projects and project proposals. This is done through research and partnership building efforts of the GPA and proposal writing support.
- Energy Section in the Peacekeeping Training Programme Unit.
- Members of the Steering Group of the GPA.
- Major global humanitarian and energy sector partners.
Major expected results related to this position are as follows:
- Effective coordination body for sustainable energy in the humanitarian sector.
- Maintained key institutional partnerships of the GPA Steering Group and relevant humanitarian and energy sector partners under the overall guidance of the Director of the Division for Peace.
- Effective support in planning, integrating and coordinating the different workstreams under the GPA, through ongoing processes of yearly work plan development, ongoing resource mobilization efforts and team coordination support.
- Strengthened GPA’s role in humanitarian energy through attendance in field missions, international energy or humanitarian sector conferences and events, and partner workshops.
- Effective support for innovation and provision of technical expertise on how to achieve sustainable delivery of energy solutions in humanitarian responses.
Professionalism – Demonstrates knowledge and professional competences in the area of renewable energy and in the area of sustainable energy in displacement settings, shows pride in work and in achievements, 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 and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Client Orientation - Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Teamwork – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others, 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.
Accountability – Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Planning & Organizing – Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identify priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresee risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Communication – Speaks and writes clearly and effectively, listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately, asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication, tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: – Keeps abreast of new developments/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Respect for Diversity – Works effectively with people from all backgrounds, treats all people with dignity and respect, treats men and women equally, shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making, examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses, does not discriminate against any individual or group
Experience: At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in the energy, humanitarian, development or training fields; experience with the UN Secretariat, UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.
Education: Master’s degree in energy engineering, international development or humanitarian studies or related field from a recognized academic institution is required. A bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of relevant professional experience in energy engineering, international development or humanitarian field in a large office will be considered as equivalent in lieu of the required qualifications.
Language: Fluency in English; Knowledge of a second UN official language is an advantage.
UNITAR is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Qualified women, individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
English and French are the two working languages of UNITAR. Priority will be given to the applicants from the under-represented regions at UNITAR. There will be a probation period of 3 months.
UNITAR staff members are subject to the authority of the UNITAR Executive Director and their appointments are limited to service with the Institute.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. UNITAR is a non-smoking environment.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules and UNITAR administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
UNITAR DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). UNITAR DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
Please submit your application along with a motive letter as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.