Background
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UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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The Western Balkan region is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and ranks among the most polluted areas in Europe. In Kosovo, energy production is primarily coal-based, relying on two outdated power plants that have been in operation for over 60 years. These aging facilities form the backbone of the local energy system, providing affordable electricity but at the expense of reliability and efficiency. This reliance on obsolete infrastructure imposes significant socio-economic costs, including environmental degradation, public health risks, and missed opportunities for economic modernization and sustainable development.
Institutional capacity building and inclusive community engagement, including SMEs and households, are pivotal to transforming Kosovo’s energy landscape, despite the significant challenges in adopting energy-efficient practices. SMEs often lack the technical expertise and financial resources needed to implement innovative energy solutions, while households struggle with poorly insulated buildings, insufficient information, and reliance on low-efficiency appliances, leading to higher energy consumption.
Addressing energy poverty demands a multidisciplinary approach, from adopting necessary legal frameworks to implementing innovative technical and policy measures. Kosovo’s Just Transition Roadmap, which is being developed as part of the EU Growth Plan reform agenda, calls for comprehensive strategies, including investments in renewable energy, subsidies for low-income households, job creation, and energy efficiency programs.
The ‘Inclusive and Just Pathway to 2030: Green Energy Future’ project aims to support Kosovo in achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition from coal to renewable energy, fully aligned with Kosovo’s Energy Strategy 2022-2031, the National Energy and Climate Plans 2025-2030, and EU climate and energy commitments. This intervention aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for policy implementation, develop sustainable employment pathways in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, drive innovative investments, and foster public awareness of energy-efficient behavior. By 2030, the project seeks to contribute to a 35% share of renewable energy in Kosovo’s energy mix, a 33% reduction in emissions, and reduced energy poverty through an inclusive transition journey.
The project aims to address the above-mentioned challenges as follows:
- Provide tailored technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and access to high-level advisory support. Support the Ministry and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement policies that align with the ambitious programs in the EU accession pathway, and enhance institutional coordination by establishing flexible mechanisms, for example, engaging with municipalities and private sector stakeholders.
- Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption in the private sector, particularly among SMEs.
- Empowering local communities through targeted support for energy-poor households and public awareness initiatives around efficient use of energy.
- Supporting investments in energy, that enhance energy savings, reduce energy poverty, and promote new policies for a just energy transition.
- Through these interventions, the project aligns with Kosovo’s energy transition agenda while advancing Danish development objectives of promoting climate action, social equity, and economic resilience.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the Green Transition Analyst will support the attainment of project results (outputs) as defined in the approved project document and in the annual work plan through timely and quality implementation and monitoring. In addition, the Project Analyst will execute the duties and responsibilities outlined below:
- Contribute to management for a successful, responsive, and timely implementation of the Project;
- Contribute to draft policy analysis, reports, research briefs, and advice support in energy and green transition;
- Identify new opportunities in area of Just Transition, climate action and energy efficiency, and advice the portfolio Manager accordingly;
- Support data systems and policy making on green recovery, just transition, energy efficiency, community engagement, and support a green recovery in the private sector;
- Where responsible for management of a specific project, contribute to timely submission, quality and accuracy of the Project Narrative and Financial Reports for review and approval;
- Use innovative tools and approaches in implementing the project and in engaging with stakeholders;
- Contribute to the preparation of the annual work plan, budget preparation, and revisions, and support to design procurement plans, as required;
- Review on regular basis details, schedules, deliverables and budget as articulated in the project document (evidence of progress towards expected outputs, according to schedule, within budget) with the project team and update data tools accordingly;
- Regularly contribute to the implementation of the project activities in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses; utilize the data collected to increase the project efficiency;
- Contribute to overall responsibility for the quality, substance and timely delivery of project products and reports in adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures;
- Contribute to monitoring the identified project risks and issues, and provide strategic implementation support to the Project Manager for consideration and decision if required; update the status of project risks and issues by maintaining the logs;
- Support to establish and maintain excellent working relations and effective dialogue with relevant institutional and organizational partners;
- Support the identification of linkages among related UN systems and other active projects in Kosovo, maximizing the efficient and effective use of resources, streamlining mutual learning, reducing potential overlap and leveraging synergies;
- Pay special attention to the most vulnerable groups (e.g., minorities, women, youth) as Kosovo moves towards climate-resilient and a just transition;
- Provide support in preparing analytical reviews and systematically capture lessons learned from the project implementation; identify follow-up actions and submit them for consideration to the Portfolio Manager;
- Ensure support is provided to preparations for wide dissemination and visibility of achievements of the joint project, and support awareness-raising on the topics tackled by the project as well as cross-cutting areas (gender, human rights, etc.);
- Contribute towards building, and facilitate a high performing team consisting of project personnel, expert consultants, service providers, etc.;
- Support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing for the project team;
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
The Green Transition Analyst has a direct impact on the implementation of the project and the achievement of results.Specifically, the results have an impact on the planning implementation, and coordination of project activities in order to meet expected results, management of partnerships, and monitoring and reporting of results.
Institutional Arrangement
The Green Transition Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, the Green Transition Analyst will coordinate the work of Project Associate and ensure qualitative implementation and monitoring of activities, and collaborate closely with partners, stakeholders and contractors.
Competencies
Core Competencies
- 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
- Results-Based Management:
- Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results.
- Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.
- Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively.
- Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results.
- Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming.
- Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools.
- Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks.
- Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
- Partnerships Management:
- Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
- 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.
- UN Policy Knowledge – Ethics:
- Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
- Climate:
- Climate change adaptation policy and planning: National Adaptation Plans.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies, Climate, Environment, or a related field is required, OR;
- Bachelor’s degree in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Applicants with a master’s degree in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
- Applicants with a bachelor’s degree are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis and writing reports in the area of climate and energy.
Required Skills:
- Proven track record in research, policy analysis and writing reports in the area of climate and energy;
- Experience in the field of environment and/or climate initiatives;
- Knowledge and practical experience in strategic planning, stakeholder cooperation, multi-partner coordination, project cycle design, management, and implementation;
- Proficiency in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems.
Desired Skills:
- Experience in the field of environment and/or climate initiatives is an advantage;
- Familiarity with the UN system and previous experience of working for or with the UN is considered a distinct asset;
- Proven track record in coordinating complex programs with a diverse range of partners is an asset;
- Previous experience in development assistance or related work for an international agency, donor organization, or NGO is desired.
Required Languages:
- Fluency in English and Albanian or Serbian is required.
Disclaimer
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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Level of Education: Bachelor Degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: No requirements