1822 - Energy and Mining Specialist

a.         Purpose

To provide expert advice to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on further development of energy network in Serbia, support energy efficiency activities, and assist with specific projects in mining industry, in order to boost growth and competitiveness of respective sectors in the Republic.

b.         Objective

To ensure results oriented, effective, efficient and accountable implementation of the project activities and achievement of project results.

c.         Background Information

To steer reforms at a fast-track pace, the Office of the Prime Minister has set up a Strategic project implementation Unit as a single information and coordination point supporting the head of Government in reaching evidence-based policy decisions.

Enhancing performance of energy sector to attain higher stability, while aiming to reduce GHG and other polluters’ emissions is needed to secure and improve position of Serbia under complex geo-political circumstances. Energy from renewable sources is very important in order to ensure energy security and the Republic of Serbia will work to increase the share of renewable sources in the country’s energy system. The Prime Minister has emphasized in Her address that the construction of Trans-Balkans Corridor, will increase the security in supply in Serbia and will contribute to its long-term energy security.

In Her address to the Parliament on 29 June 2017, the Prime Minister also outlined that mining as the branch of economy generates highly-skilled, well-paid jobs, where salaries are considerably higher than the average in the country. Mining further contributes to the national, regional and local development and increases tax revenues. This becomes important particularly in light of recent discoveries of significant mineral deposits in different regions of the country.

A team of advisors and experts has been engaged to provide expert advisory services in the energy and mining area. 

Measurable outputs of the work assignment

Overall responsibilities:  Under the guidance of the Technical Advisor, the Mining and Energy Economist shall:

• Monitor and actively participate in preparation and implementation of energy and mining sector projects identified as a priority by the PMO;
• Advise on potential policy changes and contribute to preparation of sector-related diagnostic works through research, data collection, stakeholder interviewing and coordination, consulting activities ToR preparation, etc.;
• Monitor the improvement in energy efficiency programs;
• Brief the PMO on the performance of the energy and mining sectors;
• Identify implementation bottlenecks on specific initiatives and/or projects, propose solutions accordingly and proactively act towards barrier removal and achievement of pre-identified targets;
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Technical Advisor.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results

• Technical Advisor’s satisfaction with provided services;
• Reports provided on time, in line with the quality standards and specific tasks assigned;
• Coordination of efficient, cost effective and timely implementation of the Project activities provided;
• Proactivity and taking ownership/initiative related to the assigned project or task;
• Demonstrates team work abilities, shares information and knowledge;
• Excellent communication skills – interpersonal communication, written and verbal skills.

• Strong oral and written communication skills;
• Client oriented: 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;
• Good application of Results-Based Management;
• Good organizational and time management skills;
• Demonstrates integrity by modelling ethical standards;
• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to critical feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Excellent information technology skills, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet;
• Treats all people fairly without prejudice;
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Education:

University degree in the field of economics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar discipline from an accredited university.

Work experience:

• Track record of a minimum of three (3) years of working in energy sector is requested;
• Experience with mining sector is desirable;
• Work engagement with government and/or international organizations would be an advantage;
• Proven ability to deliver high quality output in implementation of mining and energy reforms
• Track record of preparing high quality mining and energy related reports/documents
• Strong network of national stakeholders, including public institutions, international organizations and businesses.

Knowledge

• Good understanding of a Serbian energy sector organization and structure, especially of electricity and gas subsectors;
• Good understanding of national and international institutions and their work; understanding of a national legal framework and international initiatives relevant to the sector;
• Solid understanding of procedures related to European Union Funds such as, Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Western Balkan Investment Framework (WBIF);
• Possession of technical knowledge on environmental aspects of energy investments and European requirements and trends in the area of environmental;
• protection related to energy production is desirable;
• Knowledge of project cycle, from initiation to infrastructure delivery, including technical documentation and permitting requirements under the Energy Law and Serbian Planning and Construction Act. Knowledge of mining sector regulatory framework will be considered additional advantage;
• Good understanding of EU energy policy and regulations;
• Full computer literacy in the use of MS Office package.

Personal qualifications:

• Ability to deliver when working under pressure and within changing circumstances;
• Strong research, analytical and quantitative skills;
• Excellent writing/reporting and presentation skills;
• Excellent interpersonal, networking and team building skills;
• Readiness to share and exchange knowledge with the rest of the Team.

Language:

Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English.

Important applicant information

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

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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