By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Senior International Advisor – District Heating Expert

Kiev

  • Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
  • Location: Kiev
  • Grade: Mid level - IICA-3, International Individual Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Energy
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background Information - Job-specific

The UNOPS Ukraine Office has been established in April 2017. At present UNOPS manages an extensive portfolio of projects in Ukraine and is seeking to expand its delivery. Accordingly, UNOPS is now shifting direct representational and oversight functions to Ukraine.

UNOPS works with multiple partners including the Governments of Ukraine, bilateral and multilateral donors, and United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programme. In keeping with EU-Ukraine Association Agreement of 27 June 2014 and other Government reform initiatives, UNOPS is particularly interested in strengthening its coordination and liaison capacity with relevant Government institutions, Government led mechanisms and emerging trust fund instruments.

Following the Maidan revolution of 2013/14, reform has moved to the top of the agenda for the Ukrainian government and its international partners. Within that context, reform of the energy sector has been identified as a key priority.

The Government of Ukraine identified some specific reform needs and first steps have been initiated to address shortcomings. Reform of the energy sector is driven by Ukraine's obligations under the Treaty on the Establishment of the Energy Community and the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union (EU), and is aimed at the implementation of acts of the Energy Community legislation in the field of energy, namely: Directive 2009/72/EC on common rules for the internal market in electricity (Third Energy Package), Directive 2005/89/EC concerning measures to ensure security of investment in the electricity supply and infrastructure system and other legislation of the European Union.

Support to the Energy Market’s Development in Ukraine

Targeted at development of the competitive Energy Market in Ukraine, Programme supports Ukraine in strengthening its energy security agenda. It provides all required technical assistance to energy sector Government of Ukraine (GoU) entities, energy regulator and other stakeholders in implementation of laws and secondary legislation on the electricity market, energy markets and energy regulator; district heating‐related and other areas as needed, focusing on two components:

•           Assistance in electricity market implementation;

•           Assistance in improving district heating utility services.

Programme works directly with the offices of the Prime Minister of Ukraine and Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Coordination Centre for Introduction of a New Electric Energy Market, Office of Reforms under the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant departments of the Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry, Ministry of Social Protection and Labour, National Energy and Utilities  Regulatory Commission (NEURC), Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, other principal national stakeholders and Kyiv City State Administration and Kyiv City Council.

Under the direct operational supervision and guidance of the Chief of Party, and in close collaboration with other personnel, the Senior International Advisor – District Heating Expert will work from the UNOPS Offices in Kyiv.

He/she will act as the senior advisor in the field of improving district heating utility services (Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System), providing high quality advise and expertise to the GoU, Kyiv City State Administration, Kyiv City Council and other counterparts. Contributes to the scoping of the special measure, conceptualizing the interventions with key counterparts and implementation of the project reflecting the major concrete outcomes, outputs, activities, and allocation of adequate financial resources to various project’s interventions. He/she will lead and supervise all activities and contribute to development of the project products and deliverables in the area or responsibility, update and implement Project plans and strategies. He/she closely monitors and assesses the performance of contractors and consultants, where appropriate.

The Senior International Advisor– District Heating Expert is responsible for the quality assurance of all activities in respect of all police-related project operations on behalf of the project, beneficiaries and the clients. He/she will develop a QA plan relating to all areas of those project activities on assistance in improving district heating utility services and will be the focal point for ensuring communication of that plan.

In particular he/she will be expected to work closely with the client and local beneficiaries. He/she is expected to meet and exceed the organizations performance and delivery goals.

Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Senior International Advisor – District Heating Expert is responsible for strategic advising on development of a new model for managing Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System and implement best international practices for operation of Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System including the.

Success of the Project(s) and hence the Senior Advisor – District Heating Expert, will be based on the Success Criteria of UNOPS engagements which are linked to the below responsibilities. 


Functional Responsibilities

The Senior Advisor – District Heating Expert delivers to, and supports, the project activities within the Output 2 of the Project Document. He/she must be able to apply, independently, the below duties and responsibilities of the project success criteria:
Stakeholder Management:
  • Manage and ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress, exceptions and are in an informed position.
  • Provide recommendations on development of a new model for managing Kyiv’s Municipal Energy (District Heating) System and implement best international practices for operation of Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System.
Delivery and Performance:
  • Provide strategic evidence-based analyses and comprehensive stakeholder consultation and consensus meetings.
  • Provide advice and technical assistance to the national counterparts and the Project Team on development of a new model for managing Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System and policy implementation.
  • Provide expert advice on how the program/ project intervention fits into production of electricity, services for centralized hot water supply, production, transportation and supply of heat, and services for the incineration of solid waste in the capital of Ukraine.
  • Provide technical assistance to strategic planning, capacity development and performance management components of the relevant project activities (output 2).
  • Support the Project Team with the design of programs and project interventions related to development a new model for managing Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System.
  • Support identification of and engagement with actors and stakeholders involved in the municipal energy sector, under the area of project responsibility, for the purpose of sharing reform initiatives, best practices and lessons learnt. 
  • Provide feedback to the project activities on the observations of progress of the work on an agreed basis and share issues and concerns that may need executive action and decision.
  • Participate and represent the Project in national and international forums as directed. 
Procedures:
  • Follow the Senior International Advisor – District Heating Expert Instructions and ensure that all organizational policy is complied with (Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions).
Knowledge Management:
  • Complete lessons learned on a new model for managing Kyiv’s Municipal Energy System design and implementation as per reporting format.
  • Incorporate lessons learned from other project staff related to municipal energy (district heating) system development as per planning format.
Personnel Management:
  • If required, support the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for required inputs in the projects (staff, individual and institutional consultancy services, procurement of goods and services, organization of training, seminars, etc.), with expert and/or client support as required.
Partnerships and Coordination.
  1. Understand the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNOPS, the project’s place in the UN system.
  2. Strive to build strong partnerships and effective coordination among relevant project actors (e.g. United Nations, USAID, governments, and non-governmental organizations or other relevant partners).
Accountability for results and the use of resources.
  • The project implementation processes are designed to deliver maximum accountability, transparency and results.
Excellence.
  • Contribute to innovation and the adaptation of best practice standards of communications and quality.
Monitoring and Progress Controls

Ensure that the project produces the required products/services within the specified tolerance of time, cost, quality, scope, risk and benefits. The Senior International Advisor – District Heating Expert is also responsible for the project producing a result capable of achieving the benefits defined in the Output 2 of the Project Document. Contribute to the overall project targets and needs.

Education

  • Advanced University degree - (Master's or equivalent) in Engineering, Heat-Power Engineering, Energy Sector Development, Energy Management, Municipal Development and Governance, Law or an equivalent degree in related fields is required.
  • Bachelor degree in related discipline in combination with additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advance university degree.
  • Certification in Heat District Management is an asset.

Experience

  • At least 10 years of relevant technical working experience in municipal district heating development (production of electricity, services for centralized hot water supply, production, transportation and supply of heat, and services for the incineration of solid waste) is required. 
  • At least 7 years of working experience and particular skills in the implementation of complex district heating sector wide reforms.
  • At least 7 years of relevant experience of advisory/development/professional/managerial services, resource mobilisation or expert work in a governmental, municipal, international or multilateral organization (preferably related to district heating field).
  • Experience of working with, or alongside, USAID is essential.
  • Prior experience in advisory services to the national/local governments and/or municipals and design of the model of municipal energy system is highly desirable.
  • Experience of working in Ukraine or Eastern Europe is highly desirable.
  • Previous experience with UNOPS or a UN Agency is an advantage.

Languages

Fluency in English is required; Working knowledge of additional UN or regional languages is considered an asset. 

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Functional competencies

  • Understand and respect UNOPS’ communications principles.
  • Look for ways to embed UNOPS’ communications principles in day to day project management.
  • Seek opportunities to champion gender equality through communications in the work place.
  • Champion and communicate project’s achievements with key stakeholders.
  • Understand and Respect National ownership and capacity.
  • Look for ways to build the capacity of local counterparts.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I - ICA)
Contract level: International Specialist Level IICA 3 (ICS 12 equivalent)
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.


For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx 

Additional Considerations

  • Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
  • Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
  • Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
  • Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
  • The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: