Vacancy: EACREEE Technical Expert

BACKGROUND:

The 2nd support phase of UNIDO follows-up on the project “Establishment and First Operational Phase of the East African Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (EACREEE)”, which was implemented in partnership with the EAC Secretariat between 2013 and 2019. UNIDO moderated the complex intergovernmental decision-making process and provided services for institution-building and technical program development under the Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC) Programme. The 2nd support phase is based on the findings of an undertaken external mid-term review, SWOT and PESTLE analysis of EACREEE.

The assessments have confirmed the continuing relevance and value proposition of EACREEE. They draw positive conclusions about the achievements and performance of the centre. EACREEE has full legal identity as EAC Centre of Excellence, hosted by the Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) in Kampala, Uganda. Its’ governance structure and rules and procedures are fully operational. Over the past years, the centre has built up a network of national focal institutions and various international partnerships. EACREEE has implemented initial technical activities and developed a project pipeline. The centre is well-connected to EAC processes and an active member of the GN-SEC.

However, the external reviews also revealed several shortcomings and risks, mainly related to the legal status and weak resource and technical capacity base of the centre. It has not developed its full potential. Lengthy discussions between EAC Partner States on the legal status of the centre led to significant delays and impacted negatively on the resource base and fund-raising abilities of EACREEE. The initial objective to establish the centre as full-fledged institution of the EAC has not been achieved. The current legal status of EACREEE as centre of excellence based on Ugandan law comes with some bottlenecks for its regional operations. Up to now, EAC Partner States are not paying membership fees.

Therefore, the overall objective of the 2nd support phase is to prepare the centre for full autonomy and long-term sustainability. During the project period, the centre will expand its programme portfolio and become a regional and international hub for RE&EE issues and solutions. The centre will increase its project implementation rate and develop joint programs with the other GN-SEC centres. International partnerships will leverage significant co-finance for the activities of the centre. The project will support EACREEE to transit to a full EAC institution and a sustainable funding model, which will include membership contributions of the EAC Partner States.

Therefore, currently the centre is strengthening its technical and administrative staff capacities. In this context, UNIDO is recruiting an EACREEE Technical Expert, to be located at the EACREEE Secretariat in Kampala, Uganda. It shall be noted, that UNIDO looks for new innovative experts, who have so far not worked in the centre. Further information on the project is available at: www.eacreee.org and www.gn-sec.net.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced university degree in energy (policy, economics or engineering) is required; special focus or additional qualification in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency is desirable.

Technical and Functional Experience:

At least three (3) years of work experience in technical positions in the energy or electricity sector in one or several countries of the East African Community (EAC) is required.
Good knowledge of the urban and rural energy challenges of the EAC region is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology characteristics, economics, policies, incentives and business models is required.
A good contact network to key energy institutions, utilities, universities and private sector in the EAC is desirable.
Experience in international development cooperation and coordination with development partners, including the United Nations (UN) and development banks, is desirable.
Good analytical writing, presentation and communication skills are required. The application shall show-case a track-record of written project concepts or reports.
Proficiency in Microsoft processing software (e.g. word, excel) is required.
Demonstrated understanding of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the field of energy, as well as the interconnections between energy and sustainable development.
Ability to work under pressure and handle politically and culturally sensitive issues in a diplomatic manner.