Task Manager / Domestic supply chains for low-carbon housing and settlements

The objective of the project is to support the Government of Uzbekistan in provision of rural population in the country with improved, affordable and environmentally friendly living conditions. The project design builds directly on previous and on-going experience with sustainable, low-carbon and climate-resilient local development in Uzbekistan. Specifically, the project aims at lowering the energy intensity trajectory of Uzbekistan by promoting the construction of new energy efficient and low-carbon rural houses.

The proposed project consists of four inter-linked outputs. The first and principal output is the establishment of the green mortgage scheme to incentivize and eventually scale-up the demand for low-carbon housing (Component 1). This outcome will be supported and enabled by three complementary outputs related to strengthening domestic supply chain and capacities for construction of low-carbon housing (Component 2), introducing policies and regulations for low-carbon housing and settlements (Component 3) and promotion of low-carbon rural housing and settlements (Component 4).

This assignment will be focusing on strengthening domestic supply chain and manufacturing capacities for design and construction of low carbon housing and settlements, and, more broadly, promoting the application of a wide range of low-carbon technologies and approaches in the planning and construction of new rural settlements, and b) on demonstration and monitoring of energy performance of the constructed energy-efficient, low-carbon housing and low-cost nearly-zero energy houses based on the corresponding developed designs and with use of domestically available/manufactured energy-efficient and low-carbon construction materials and equipment.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Project Manager, the Task Manager/Domestic supply chains for low-carbon housing and settlements provides operational and thematic services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. The Task Manager works in close collaboration with the Government counterparts, project, operations, and Programme’s staff in the UNDP CO to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery, and undertake day-to-day responsibility for operational and thematic support services for the satisfactory achievement of the project component outputs.

Thematic Functions:

• Organize international review of cost-effective energy-efficient (EE), and renewable energy (RE) technologies in housing relevant for Uzbekistan, and technology and materials needs assessment (TNA) for rural houses and community infrastructure with a short list of those prioritized technologies and materials;
• In consultation with other project Task Managers, conduct a market study for the prioritized EE and RE technologies and materials that includes (i) an assessment of the market state and analysis/mapping of market players; (ii) analysis of costs, pricing and competitiveness with recommendations on competitiveness increase; (iii) analysis of supply chain (including of potential sister supply chains), and (iv) an assessment of all barriers to the adoption of those prioritized technologies and materials and development of competitive supply chain for energy efficient and low carbon housing;
• Provide specific recommendations to the Government on EE/RE technology promotion in the context of its Roadmap for Increasing Energy Efficiency for 2015-2019 and/or other recent relevant programmes/action plans; and targeted advisory support to suppliers, as required;
• In cooperation with Minstroy, and principle construction company “Qishloq Qurilish Invest”, develop criteria for selection of EE/RE construction materials, equipment and services; and participate (as an observer) in monitoring of the tender-based process of their procurement and contracting to ensure quality construction of energy efficient and low-carbon rural houses based on the developed designs;
• Jointly with the authorized national inspectorates responsible for enforcement and control of energy-efficient/low-carbon rural housing, develop methodology and guidance on how to check compliance of energy-efficient (EE) and low-carbon (LC) houses with design requirements during their construction/commissioning, based on which conduct it;
• Plan and implement capacity building activities (trainings and workshops focused on construction and domestic supply chain for low-carbon housing and technology promotion) for Minstroy and “Qishloq Qurilish Invest” staff and other stakeholders/entrepreneurs in the pilot regions;
• In conjunction with Minstroy, and in cooperation with other project Task Managers, collaborate with the municipalities in the project pilot sites and ensure that both the participating houses and a control group of baseline houses are equipped to be audited for fuel supply, energy consumption, indoor air temperature and humidity to develop recommendations on further cost-effective improvement of energy efficiency of housing;
• Monitor and analyse actual, year-round energy performance, construction costs, and user energy costs (during at least two heating seasons) in relation to a baseline of the control standard rural houses constructed an project pilot regions;
• Arrange development and issuing energy performance certificates for baseline and green mortgage buildings and jointly Minstroy and Task Manager of project Component 3 issue energy labels for these buildings;
• Assess other benefits (social, economic, health, environmental) of EE/LC rural houses, measure satisfaction of their occupants relative to the control standard rural houses, and develop a report on lessons learned and recommendations on how to disseminate/replicate the adopted EE/LC designs and labelling practices within the Rural Housing Programme and beyond;
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and outreach activities, including planning and development of analytical reports, business guides, etc. to raise public awareness about the project results among the national professionals and public at national and local levels.

Operational Functions:

• Provide corresponding inputs to development of Annual Work Plan and Budget as well as Annual Plan of Activities for the Component 2; plan and implement the work in accordance with the overall work-plan using both human and financial resources available in the most effective/efficient way and ensure compliance with UNDP and nationally set procedures;
• Draft terms of reference for and work with international and local consultants;
• Ensure smooth and timely delivery of operational support services in accordance with annual work plans; analyse potential problems and respond appropriately to ensure timely delivery of agreed inputs; define cost-effective measures for optimal utilization of resources;
• Keep fully conversant with ongoing and planned project component activities to facilitate realistic planning of operational support services; work closely with relevant staff of UNDP office, consult with Government officials to ensure timely and efficient provision of assistance;
• Be responsible for the satisfactory achievement and implementation of the project outputs related to the Component 2, and provide inputs (related to outputs achieved) to UNDP and GEF mid-year and annual mandatory reporting;
• Assist the Project Manager in identifying partnership strategies with project stakeholders; advise on and contribute to improvement of project activities;
• Contribute to promotion of gender equality by reaching, involving and benefiting both women and men in project activities (gender mainstreaming) with ensuring availability of gender disaggregated data; ensure that gender analysis is part of every substantive analysis and report of the project;
• Ensure that men, women and traditionally marginalized groups are given due consideration during project implementation;
• Contribute in organizing various public awareness events including roundtable discussions, workshops, exhibitions and trainings;
• Contribute to elaboration of and ‘exit’ project strategy to make project outputs sustainable in the long-run.

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrating commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures;
• Displaying cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

• Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures;
• Understanding the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
• Possess basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
• Demonstrating good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;
• Presenting information on best practices in organizational change;
• Demonstrating ability to identify problems and proposes solutions

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrating corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player 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. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision-making.

Others:

• Strong managerial and communication skills, client-orientation, ability to work in a team;
• Strong analytical and research skills;
• Initiative, analytical judgement, ability to work under pressure, ethics and honesty;
• Ability to use information and communication technology as a tool and resource;
• Knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in the following areas: business, economics, civil construction and engineering, supply chain management, resources management, energy or related fields.

Experience:

• At least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in residential housing construction, supply chain management, business development, and related fields;

  Sound comprehension of energy efficiency and energy performance monitoring and auditing as well as of low-carbon economic development is a strong asset;

  Strong and proven experience with the process, use of material and equipment for construction and commissioning of residential buildings. Experience with rural housing construction is an asset;

  Strong knowledge of the existing housing construction supply chain, construction material and equipment market and networking with national manufacturing and production companies is a strong asset;

  Work experience in any international development organization is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in Russian and Uzbek, and good command of English are required

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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