Background

The district heating sector in Ukraine is in a critical condition at all stages of production, distribution and consumption of heat for space heating and hot water supply. The share of district heating in Ukraine steadily decreases. Over the past few years, it has fallen to 60%, although still about 11 million apartments are connected to the networks. About 35 large CHP plants, more than 200 industrial plants and more than 100,000 boiler houses provide for the needs of consumers of heat.

In response to these challenges, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has developed the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan, which defines the strategic framework for EIB lending activities aimed at safeguarding energy security during wartime and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of essential utilities and social services. Within this framework, the Ukraine District Heating Programme provides long-term financing to municipalities and communal utilities through Ukrainian financial intermediaries for investments in district heating modernization, energy efficiency improvements, and related infrastructure upgrades. The Programme focuses on enhancing system reliability, reducing technical losses, improving fuel efficiency, and strengthening the overall resilience of heat supply systems in line with European standards and Ukraine’s recovery priorities

UNDP supports public authorities in Ukraine in advancing sustainable recovery and resilience across key sectors, including the district heating sector. This support is provided through capacity building, project development, advisory services, and training that help national and local institutions strengthen governance, prepare investment-ready projects, and align with international standards. 

Despite these efforts, there remains a substantial financing gap that constrains public authorities’ ability to modernize infrastructure and implement large-scale investments. While UNDP provides critical technical assistance and institutional support, it cannot on its own mobilize or cover the scale of financial resources required. 

Against this background, the European Investment Bank offers a vital complementary role by providing access to long-term financing for Ukraine’s public sector. By combining EIB’s financial resources with UNDP’s technical expertise and capacity support, the two institutions can jointly address the dual challenge of limited local capacity and constrained financing. 

Against this background, UNDP has developed and is implementing the Ukraine District Heating Programme Technical Assistance, financed by a financial contribution from the EIB. The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of Ukrainian public authorities and utilities, improve the quality and bankability of district heating investment projects, and facilitate effective access to sustainable finance. Through this integrated approach, the Programme supports the preparation and implementation of priority district heating investments that enhance energy security, operational reliability, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

Within this context, UNDP Ukraine is recruiting a qualified national professional for the position of Community Engagement Associate. The incumbent will support the implementation of the District Heating Programme with a focus on stakeholder engagement, communication and outreach activities, coordination with municipalities and partners, organization of consultations and events, and support to knowledge management and reporting to ensure effective communication and engagement with stakeholders under wartime and recovery conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Project Manager and in close collaboration with Programme Technical Specialist and Engineering Specialists, the Community Engagement Associate will perform the following:

3.1 Community engagement and stakeholder coordination
•    Support the Programme in establishing and maintaining communication with municipalities, communal utilities, local authorities, and other stakeholders participating in the Programme. 
•    Assist in organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, public consultations, and stakeholder engagement events related to district heating, energy efficiency, and infrastructure modernization projects. 
•    Support communication between UNDP, financial institutions, municipalities, and technical partners to ensure clear information flow and coordination. 
•    Assist in stakeholder mapping and analysis to identify key partners, beneficiaries, and community representatives relevant to Programme activities. 
•    Support collection of feedback from stakeholders and communities regarding Programme activities and proposed investments. 
•    Facilitate communication and coordination with local communities during project preparation and implementation stages. 
•    Ensure that stakeholder engagement activities are inclusive and consider the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, elderly, persons with disabilities, and war-affected populations.
•    Undertake field visits to municipalities and project sites (when needed) to support stakeholder engagement and communication activities, as required.

3.2 Communication, outreach and visibility
•    Support preparation of communication materials, including presentations, briefings, reports, newsletters, and outreach materials related to Programme activities. 
•    Assist in organizing awareness-raising campaigns and public information activities related to district heating modernization, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy solutions. 
•    Support implementation of visibility and communication requirements in line with UNDP and donor communication guidelines. 
•    Assist in maintaining communication channels with stakeholders, including mailing lists, contact databases, and information distribution. 
•    Support preparation of content for web, social media, and public communication materials related to Programme activities.

3.3 Knowledge management, reporting and programme support
•    Support the documentation of Programme activities, lessons learned, and best practices related to stakeholder engagement and community outreach. 
•    Assist in preparation of Programme reports, including progress reports, stakeholder engagement reports, and communication reports. 
•    Support organization of training sessions, knowledge exchange events, and capacity-building activities for municipalities and stakeholders. 
•    Maintain records of stakeholder engagement activities, meetings, and consultations. 
•    Contribute to Programme work plans and activity planning related to stakeholder engagement and communication activities. 
•    Provide administrative and organizational support related to Programme implementation when required.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

4.    Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of Project Manager and in close collaboration with Programme Technical Specialist and Engineering Specialists, the Community Engagement Associate is responsible for supporting stakeholder engagement, communication, outreach, and coordination activities within the District Heating Programme in accordance with the project document, UNDP corporate rules and procedures.


Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  

Thematic Area

Name

Definition
Business Direction and Strategy Entrepreneurial Thinking
  • Identify and seize opportunities to service and add value to clients, create clarity around UNDP value proposition to beneficiaries and partners, develop clear service offers responding to client needs in line with UNDP’s organizational priorities and mandate.
Business Direction and Strategy Negotiation and Influence
  • Reach a common understanding/agreement, persuade others, resolve points of difference through a dialogue, negotiate mutually acceptable solutions and create ‘win-win’ situations.
Business Management Communication
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  •  Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management
  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
  • Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. 
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
2030 Agenda: People  Gender 
  • Communication and Advocacy for Gender Equality.
Procurement  Supplier/relationship management
  • Knowledge of supplier management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations.

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements
  • Secondary Education is required.
  • University degree (Bachelor’s degree) in Social Sciences, Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, International Relations, Environmental Studies, Energy, or other related fields will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Min. years of relevant work experience 
  • Minimum seven (7) years with Secondary Education or four (4) years with a Bachelor’s degree of experience working in stakeholder engagement, communications, community outreach, project support, or related area. 
Required  skills 
  • Previous experience/familiarity with community engagement. 
  • Experience working with development programmes, municipalities, public sector institutions, international organizations.
Desired Criteria 
  • Experience in writing reports and analytical documents.
  • Experience in communication campaigns and public outreach. 
  • Experience in organizing events, workshops, and stakeholder consultations. 
  • Experience in infrastructure, energy, recovery, or municipal development projects. 
  • Experience in IFI-funded or donor-funded projects.
Required Language(s) 
  • Fluency in Ukrainian and English is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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