Executive Director of the Oyo Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

​Requisition ID: 2371 
Grade: SB5 - Local Professional (Mid-Level & Senior) 
Country: Congo 
Duty Station: Oyo and Brazzaville
Category: National Consultant 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: NonStaff-Regular
Contract Duration:
Application deadline: 14-Jun-2023  

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL

Only nationals or permanent residents of the country of the duty station are considered eligible. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Departments/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS) oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Directorate houses the technical Divisions of Capacity Development, Industrial Policy Advice and Statistics (TCS/CPS); Circular Economy and Environmental Protection (TCS/CEP); Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE); SMEs, Competitiveness and Job Creation (TCS/SME); and Digital Transformation and AI Strategies (TCS/DAS). The Directorate also ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant entities in the Directorate of Global Partnerships and External Relations (GLO) and the Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET).

The Division of Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy (TCS/DSE) under the supervision of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), and in close coordination with other organizational entities within UNIDO, assists Member States in the transition to a sustainable energy future through the application of renewable energy solutions for productive uses, adoption of the efficient concepts of energy use by industry and the introduction of low-carbon technologies and processes. In transitioning to a sustainable energy future, the challenges of addressing energy poverty and climate change are an integral part of the Division's activities, as is the dissemination of relevant knowledge and technologies and paths to plan, manage and finance the energy transition. It collaborates closely on relevant and converging issues with the Climate and Technology Partnerships Division (IET/CTP) and analytical and strategic matters with TCS/CPS and ODG/SPU.

This position is located under the Climate Technologies Innovation Unit (TCS/DSE/CTI) which is responsible for supporting Member States with access to and uptake of low-carbon, climate-friendly and clean energy technologies and innovations promoting those among firms and entrepreneurs. In addition, the Unit is responsible, in close collaboration with other relevant entities in the Organization, for facilitating the transfer of and establishing markets for low-carbon technologies, ensuring wide use by industry and local communities, thereby contributing to climate mitigation and resilience in recipient countries. The Unit positions UNIDO strategically in the global cleantech innovation support and coordinates partnerships with the technology mechanism of the UNFCCC.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The Republic of the Congo, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Eni Congo, is aiming to establish the Oyo Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (Oyo Centre) in the Republic of the Congo.

UNIDO, leveraging its experience in establishing similar institutions, e.g. with the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC), will support the operationalization of the Oyo Centre. Initially, UNIDO will support the Republic of the Congo in the creation of the institution (e.g. establishing a governance structure, building the capacity of the staff and establishing administrative rules and regulations). Once the Centre is functional, the project will consist in a technical assistance project targeting the newly established institution focusing on capacity building, research and policy advice under the water-energy-food nexus umbrella.

The Oyo Centre is envisaged to become a national centre with a regional outlook, with the ultimate objective of contributing to the development of an integrated and inclusive sustainable energy market in the country and the wider region. At a regional level, the Oyo Centre aims to cooperate in synergy with the Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency of Central Africa (CEREEAC) – in particular, as Thematic Hub focusing on applied research and capacity building, complementing and supporting CEREEAC’s activities.

The projects are aligned with several national and regional policy and planning documents, e.g. the National Development Plan (PND) of the Republic of the Congo, the national scientific research and innovation policy, the ECCAS Green Economy and Renewable Energy Vision, the ECCAS Vision 2025, as well as the CEMAC White Paper and Energy Policy 2035.

Following the formal inauguration of the Oyo Centre, which took place on Sunday 23 April 2023, the operationalization of the Oyo Centre has formally started, and will be based around activity under the following key areas of intervention/themes of:

• The water-energy-food nexus;
• Rural electrification with Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE);
• Entrepreneurship and development of the private cleantech sector.

The Oyo Centre’s key themes help to shape the overall direction and focus of the institution, within the broader umbrella of supporting RE and EE in the country and the wider region. The work will be structured around a set of Outcomes, which help to better target the work under the above-mentioned themes.

The total duration of the project is 60 months.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The ED will work under the supervision of the UNIDO project manager and the overall guidance of the Project Steering Committee. The ED will be responsible for the following activities, further divided into three overall groups:

Management and Organisational Development

• Establish the office of the Oyo Centre Secretariat and its financial and administrative rules and procedures;
• Support the establishment of the Executive Board (EB); organise regular meetings with the EB and coordinate the preparation of all necessary documentation;
• Implement the decisions and recommendations of the Oyo Centre EB and other governance bodies as required and agreed with external donors – e.g. Project Steering Committee (PSC);
• Ensure effective organisational development of the Centre and its strategic positioning in the Republic of the Congo and regionally;
• Develop the Oyo Centre detailed Work Plan (incl. organisational chart, budget, logical framework and performance indicators) in coordination with key partners; submit it for approval to the relevant governing body; revise and adjust the detailed Work Plan annually;
• Ensure efficient implementation and monitor the progress of the technical and financial implementation of the detailed Work Plan; develop the progress reports and financial reports in cooperation with key stakeholders; submit the documents for approval to the relevant governing body;
• Establish clear recruitment and procurement processes with standard processes and templates and ensure timely their implementation;
• Sign contracts with staff, consultants and/or project implementers in line with the above-mentioned rules and procedures of the Oyo Centre; monitor the implementation of the contracts;
• Recruit qualified national, regional and international administrative and technical staff in accordance with the needs of the organisation, as well as the staff and recruitment rules approved by the relevant governing body; ensure effective human resource processes (e.g. performance appraisal); manage and supervise the staff accordingly and ensure a fair division of labour; ensure involvement of seconded international experts (e.g. seconded experts);
• Cooperate with external auditors and evaluators assigned by the relevant governing body; implement the recommendations of the external evaluators;
• Ensure that the Oyo Centre meets and maintains all fiduciary standards (financial, administrative, procurement, internal controls, project cycle management) required to manage international donor funding (e.g. World Bank, European Commission, GEF, UN); ensure that Oyo Centre staff implement and maintain the quality standards; ensure financial accountability and recommend internal control mechanisms to prevent misuse of funds;
• With assistance from Finance and Administrative staff, ensure quality of Oyo Centre contracts, financial progress reports provided by project implementers and ensure timely financial disbursements and payments according to the established payment schedules; prepare financial project reports for international donors;
• Keep an overview on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the Oyo Centre program (according to the Oyo Centre Project document); plan and suggest to the EB and PSC studies and surveys that are considered necessary in order to achieve the program objectives.

Technical Cooperation

• Represent the Oyo Centre and raise awareness on renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities in the Republic of the Congo and wider region; participate in conferences and workshops;
• Supervise the development, appraisal, implementation, and monitoring of Oyo Centre projects and programs in the areas applied research, capacity building, and knowledge management; supervise the execution of applied research projects, trainings, conferences, and workshops;
• Ensure that the Oyo Centre activities are in line with the Work Plan, as well as national policies, strategies and legislation; avoid duplication of activities implemented by other actors or donors;
• Supervise the technical staff on project management issues and in renewable energy and energy efficiency aspects;
• Mobilise funding for activities of the Oyo Centre and contribute to preparation of project proposals to be co-funded by local or international development partners; participate in calls for proposals;
• Contribute to quality assurance of the different Oyo Centre activities (e.g. trainings, conferences, research projects, publications, and co-funding of projects); assure quality of approved projects;
• Supervise the preparation and execution of complex technical procurements and calls for proposals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish regular consultations with key market enablers in the region;
• Build strong technical partnerships between the Oyo Centre and other institutions in the country and the region (e.g. CEREEAC); make use of know-how and technology transfer; create south-south partnerships and strong links and exchange to other centres in Africa;
• Seek synergies with the implementation of other relevant initiatives in the Republic of the Congo and the region;
• Establish strategic links to donor partners and to loan and equity finance institutions to raise funding for RE and EE investment projects (such as development banks in donor countries, national or regional development banks);
• Establish a communication network with national chambers of commerce, trade associations and other RE and EE lobbying agencies in the country;
• Engage relevant stakeholders in renewable energy policy dialogue including public institutions, civil society and private sector;
• Ensure effective public relations and publication of information on the Oyo Centre programs to different target groups;
• Ensure awareness raising activities take place on RE and EE in the Republic of the Congo;
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive RE and EE contact network in the Republic of the Congo;
• Coordinate and cooperate closely with the core partners of the Oyo Centre.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The Executive Director of the Oyo Centre is a professional with proven competence and experience both at a technical, managerial, and political level in the Republic of the Congo and internationally.

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in renewable energy, engineering, physics, mathematics, economics or closely relevant discipline is required. Experience in research and a higher degree may be an asset.

Experience, technical and functional expertise:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible working experience in the renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) fields, including experience at the national and international level, is required.  
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in management position(s) within the public and/or private sector, in similar-sized or larger institutions in the energy/environmental sector is required.
• Experience relevant to technical cooperation in developing countries is required.
• Experience in international development cooperation and the management of development partners is desirable; knowledge and good relations to the main actors of the energy sector are desirable.
• Experience in research, higher education, and capacity building in the field RE and EE of is desirable.
• Experience in resource mobilization among development partners, private sector, and philanthropic organizations is desirable.

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken, both English and French, are required. Fluency and/or working knowledge of another official UN language is desirable.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.

Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside.
Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org