Background

The UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme is an integrated approach to address Ukraine’s needs to accelerate efforts towards a more diverse energy mix, following the impact of the war and outdated energy system, with less dependence on gas and coal generation. It has been designed based on extensive consultations with the Government of Ukraine, local and regional authorities, and thorough analysis of barriers and instruments for green energy sector recovery. The Programme supports achieving mid-term objectives and priorities indicated in the National Energy Strategy, contributing to energy security and independence, supporting a green recovery and transition of the energy sector, promoting decarbonisation and facilitating further synchronisation with the EU energy markets. 

The Programme expands the scope of UNDP’s engagement in supporting reconstruction and recovery of the energy system, building on the partnerships, results and lessons learned under the multi-donor funded project “Winterization support to Ukraine”. In line with the priorities of UN Ukraine Transitional Framework 2023 and UN Winterization plans of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, UNDP is herein providing immediate and emergency support to the national and local governments to repair energy infrastructure in order to provide critical basic services to the population in war-affected areas.

The Green Energy Recovery Programme will contribute to distributing generation sources throughout the country and decentralizing the power system while increasing the share of renewable energy sources in an effort to contribute to gradually reducing coal generation, in line with Ukraine’s national commitments in reducing Co2 emissions. This will have significant positive impact on people’s access to energy from decentralized renewable energy capacities, economic empowerment, improved public governance of the energy sector, and decreased pollution rates. Outputs under the key objectives will thereby contribute to implementation of Ukraine’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) towards the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in the effort for global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable energy solutions provided through the pilot projects aligns with the UNDP nexus approach, contributing to risk reduction and increasing resilience of sub-national energy systems in war-affected communities in Ukraine. By increasing energy supply in the medium term and contributing to decentralization of the energy system, the proposed Project will furthermore reduce pressure on humanitarian aid for heat, water, and sanitation services, all which depend on electricity supply, in the war affected areas and reduce the vulnerabilities of the energy systems.

In order to ensure effective project implementation and achievement of project objectives of this and the other related projects in the Energy and Environment portfolio, UNDP is recruiting a qualified Project Analyst - Renewables (Solar) who will supporting delivery of the project’s expected results as outlined in the project document, adhering to the required standards of quality, and within the defined time and budget constraints. 

The incumbent will ensure mainstreaming of gender equality within the project, support acceleration of gender equality and women’s empowerment within the UNDP Energy and Environment Portfolio and promote UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance for any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Provision of Project Management Support

Contribute to the development, design, and implementation of solar power projects (SPPs) in Ukraine. Provide support during the construction process of solar power projects (SPPs), ensuring deadlines and budgets are adhered to from planning to commissioning stages. Collaborate with experts and consultants to provide technical, legal, financial, and other support for the implementation of SPPs. Communicate effectively with central and local authorities to identify priority projects that enhance energy security, resilience, and sustainability. Review technical and financial proposals for SPPs to recommend effective solutions for community needs. Contributes to the development of pre-feasibility studies for renewable energy projects, particularly focusing on solar energy. Support the implementation of SPP projects in communities using financial tools such as ESCO mechanisms, Decarbonization Funds, and PPP models, including: Support identifying potential sites and conducting preliminary feasibility studies (PFS) that assess costs, benefits, and technical viability. Support in tender preparation and execution, ensuring transparency and compliance with Ukrainian regulations. Support the implementation of financial mechanisms through all stages, from technical requirements to contract execution and monitoring. Assist in evaluating the performance of implemented SPPs and providing recommendations for improvement.

Ensure Quality Control

Ensure compliance with Ukrainian regulations and international renewable energy standards in all projects. Support the integration of innovative solar technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Assist in monitoring contract performance to achieve targets in energy efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. Provide input on the preparation of documentation and compliance with legal, tendering, and financial standards.

Project Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor and report on project progress, including key milestones, risks, and delays. Contribute to the impact assessment of SPP projects on the environment and local economies, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions and energy costs.

Ensure Risk Identification

Identify potential risks related to the implementation of SPPs, including delays or technical challenges, and support mitigation strategies.

Ensure Stakeholder Collaboration

Support engagement with local authorities and public utilities to integrate SPPs into community development plans. Participate in training programs for public utility staff and building personnel on the operation and maintenance of SPPs. Assist in public presentations and awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of SPPs. Promote inclusivity and gender equality within SPP projects by encouraging diverse participation in planning and implementation processes.

Ensure Policy and Compliance

Support adherence to Ukrainian and international policies, regulations, and sustainability criteria throughout project implementation. Ensure tendering and contractual processes comply with UNDP rules and procedures.

 Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing 

Identify, synthesize and document best practices and lessons learned that are generated from the project and implementing partners.  Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on project related issues. Support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project, and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area. 

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

Institutional Arrangement:

Under the direct supervision of Programme Manager and in close collaboration with Programme Specialist / Technical Component Lead (Renewables - Solar), the Project Analyst - Renewables (Solar) is fully responsible for provision of technical support and leading the operational and management scope of renewables activities focused on solar energy, namely support to the development, implementation, and management of solar energy projects for public buildings and public utilities in Ukrainian cities using various financial instruments (grants, ESCO mechanism, Decarbonization Fund, and others), according to the project document, UNDP corporate rules and procedures and for fulfilling the following functions.

This role includes grant assistance (monitoring design, equipment procurement, construction, commissioning, and staff training), technical support for applying various instruments (overseeing feasibility study development, preparing and conducting tender procedures, providing advice on legal, tendering, and financial aspects of agreements, including preparing necessary documentation), as well as coordinating experts and consultants. The Renewables Analyst (Solar) will also evaluate technical and financial proposals, support coordination of the use of national financial instruments, promote gender inclusivity, and analyze innovative solar technologies.

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  System Thinking 

Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system 

Business Management Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization’s programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment 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 Partnership management IFI Partnerships Knowledge and understanding of IFIs (strategies, approaches, processes and systems) Partnership management Private sector engagement Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector 2030 Agenda: Partnerships

Sustainable Energy Hub 

Solar Energy 

Gender Gender Gender and Energy

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Administration, Project Management, Business Administration, Renewable Energy (preferably related to solar energy), Engineering is required. Or A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the Master’s degree. Min. years of relevant work experience  Minimum of 2 years (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional experience in implementing energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects for public buildings and public utilities, as well as solar power station projects in the municipal sector using national financial instruments.  Experience, Knowledge, and Skills Proficiency in the use of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling web-based management systems is an advantage. Desirable Criteria Proven experience in implementing grant-funded turnkey projects involving the design, supply, and installation of rooftop, ground-mounted, grid-connected, and hybrid solar power plants (PV systems) for public buildings and critical infrastructure facilities. Proven track record of strong knowledge of the solar energy equipment market, including modules, inverters, monitoring systems, and Balance of System (BOS) components, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS), with a clear understanding of technical and logistical aspects of system integration. Experience and good understanding of Ukrainian legislation in the field of renewable energy, in particular, the regulatory framework governing the operation of solar power plants, grid connection procedures, and energy storage system requirements. Experience in collaboration with local self-government bodies, municipal utilities, and communities in implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Experience of work with UNDP or other UN agencies in the relevant areas will be considered an advantage. Required Language(s)  Fluent level of English and Ukrainian are 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.

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