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

Project Manager

Nur-Sultan

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Nur-Sultan
  • Grade: Consultancy - SB-4 (SC8/SC9), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Environment
    • Resilience and Climate Change
    • Project and Programme Management
    • Managerial positions
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

Kazakhstan is by far the largest GHG emitter in Central Asia with annual emissions of 284 Mt CO2e in 2012. In relative terms, it has one of the world’s highest GHG emissions per capita (16.9 tCO2) (Kazakhstan National Inventory Report to UNFCCC, 2014) and the energy intensity of its economy – 0.68 toe per 1,000 US$ of GDP – is almost six times that of Western Europe (0.11) and almost triple that of the US (0.24). GHG emissions have been steadily rising since the early 2000s, when the emissions bottomed out at around 146 Mt CO2e, or 41% of the 1990 peak level of 358 Mt CO2e. In the energy sector, which is the largest GHG emitting sector accounting for 85% of all emissions, the rise in GHG emissions was mostly caused by steady economic growth/increased energy demand and a high reliance on GHG intense fuels (predominantly coal), as well as by outdated and inefficient energy generation and transmission infrastructure. Coal makes up some 75-80% of fuel in electricity power generation whereas renewable energy accounts only for roughly 10% (U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics Database). However, without large hydropower, renewable energy contributes only 0.06% of Kazakhstan’s total primary energy supply (UNDP, 2014). Kazakhstan, however, has enormous renewable energy potential, particularly from solar and wind. It is estimated that the country has the potential to generate 10 times as much power as it currently needs from wind energy alone. Increased renewable energy deployment could increase the reliability of electricity supply and decrease GHG emissions and carbon intensity. A more reliable and efficient energy supply will benefit Kazakhstan’s energy customers, economy and the environment.

In 2013, UNDP issued the Derisking Renewable Energy Investment report (the “DREI report”) (Waissbein et al., 2013) that introduced an innovative methodology (the “DREI methodology”), with an accompanying financial tool in Microsoft Excel, to quantitatively compare the cost-effectiveness of different public instruments in promoting utility-scale renewable energy investments. The DREI methodology is designed to be tailored to a specific renewable energy technology and national context.

UNDP has been supporting the Government of Kazakhstan in developing and implementing several GEF and other donors-funded nature resources management and climate change adaptation projects.

The objective of the project is to promote private sector investment in renewable energy in Kazakhstan to achieve Kazakhstan’s 2030 and 2050 targets for renewable energy. The project targets both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy. The goal of this project is to achieve energy market transformation in Kazakhstan by significantly scaling-up the deployment of renewable energy in electricity generation, from a 0.77% share of renewable energy to a 10% share by 2030, which makes for 10-fold increase in renewable energy-based energy generation to be facilitated by the project. In large-scale renewable energy, the project will promote Kazakhstan as a prime destination for international investment. Technologies will include wind energy and solar photovoltaic (PV). In small-scale renewable energy, the project will promote investment in “RES for urban life”, on-grid small-scale renewable energy applications, targeting urban households and businesses; and “RES for rural life”, both on-grid and off-grid small-scale renewable energy applications, targeting farms and rural SMEs. Technologies may include solar PV (roof-top), solar water heating and small-scale wind. The project will promote the latest business and finance models for small-scale RES developers (for example, third-party ownership models). The design and implementation of this project make use of the ‘Derisking Renewable Energy Investment’ (DREI) methodology developed by UNDP, which is a model for quantitative and qualitative comparison of the cost-effectiveness of different public instruments in promoting renewable energy investment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Manager (PM) will head the Project Unit and will be responsible for overseeing the project team’s work. PM is responsible for daily co-ordination of all the project aspects at the national level under general management of national counterparts. S/he will be ultimately responsible for the effective implementation of all projects activities. The PM will ensure planning, management, control and monitoring of the tasks of project staff, hired consultants, and sub-contracted institutions. S/he will liaise directly with designated officials of the national and local governments, the UNDP, GEF and potential additional project donors and others as deemed appropriate and necessary. S/he will perform these tasks in close consultation with UNDP CO. The Project budget and associated work plan will provide guidance on the day-to-day implementation of the approved project activities and on the integration of the various complementary initiatives. S/he will be responsible for the delivery of all substantive, managerial and financial reports from and on behalf of projects. S/he will provide overall supervision for all projects staff. The PM will provide expert input in his/her area of expertise, coordinate contracted work necessary for project implementation. The PM will report to UNDP. PM is focusing on the results of all the UNDP-GEF project.

Competencies

Corporate Requirements: 
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity; 
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment; 
  • Self-development, initiative-taking; 
  • Acting as a team leader and facilitating team work; 
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Creating synergies through self-control; 
  • Managing conflict; 
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others; 
  • Informed and transparent decision making.
Functional Competencies
 
Communications and Networking:
  • Has excellent oral communication skills and conflict resolution competency to manage inter-group dynamics and mediate conflicting interests of varied actors; 
  • Has excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize project outputs and relevant findings for the preparation of quality project reports; 
  • Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior and high-ranking members of national and international institutions, government and non-government. 
Knowledge Management and Learning:
 
  • Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the team through leadership and personal example; 
  • Actively mentors project staff under her/his supervision; 
  • Demonstrates leadership and self-management; 
  • Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback; 
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
  • Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure; 
  • Competent in leading team and creating team spirit, stimulating team members to produce quality outputs in a timely and transparent fashion. 
Development and Operational Effectiveness:
 
  • Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks by establishing priorities; 
  • Ability to handle a large volume of work possibly under time constraints. 
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise: 
 
  • Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position; 
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning; 
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments. 
Leadership and Self-Management:
 
Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; 
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; 
Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • University or higher degree in the following areas: engineering, environmental science, international relations, business administration or other relevant fields. 
 
Work Experience:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in energy generation or energy efficiency related areas; 
  • Knowledge of renewable energy technologies is required;
  • Practical experience in project management. Working experience in international organizations is an advantage;
  • Language requirement;
  • Fluency in Russian and English. 
 
Others:
  • Sound experience in the project management associated with climate change adaptation, environment protection and corresponding sustainable development and corresponding UN conventions and treaties;
  • Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming is an asset;
  • Proven experience in working and collaborating with governments;
  • Initiative and strong leadership skills;
  • Result and client-orientation;
  • Strong analytical, communication, writing, presentation and communication skills; 
  • Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, ability to work in a team and to work under pressure and with tight deadlines, ethics and honesty;
  • Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource;
  • Willingness to travel as appropriate
 

Disclaimer

NB! How to apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should apply on-line through this site by clicking "APPLY NOW" button. Incomplete applications will not be given consideration.

Please note that only short-listed applications will be contacted.

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.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

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