Energy Specialist_ IPSA-10 (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants)

Please note the appropriate Tier indicated in the vacancy title and ensure that you are holding the applicable contract as defined below: • Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026 • Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates) • Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts • Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates Background and organization context The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading organization for sustainable development within the UN system, acting as the key integrator to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's work spans headquarters, regional, and country levels, leveraging local expertise alongside global insights to deliver effective advocacy and solutions. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to support UNDP's strategic objectives and six "signature solutions." Within UNDP, the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) brings together world-class policy expertise, flagship global programmes, and collaborative innovation and learning networks. BPPS ensures that UNDP is not only ready for the future but actively helps shape it with governments and partners. Working closely with the Crisis Bureau (CB), BPPS supports countries in navigating complex development and crisis contexts, integrating risk considerations into programming, and strengthening results-based management, innovation, and data-driven approaches. The Global Policy Network (GPN) is central to this effort, mobilizing technical expertise to advance UNDP’s strategic objectives and signature solutions. Within the GPN, BPPS is responsible for developing policy and guidance, providing technical advice to Country Offices, representing UNDP in multi-stakeholder fora, and supporting UN inter-agency coordination across thematic areas. UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is grounded in the determination to eradicate poverty—the greatest global challenge and a prerequisite for achieving the 2030 Agenda. Through the Strategic Plan, UNDP will continue supporting countries in advancing high human development while protecting the planet. Four strategic objectives—prosperity for all, effective governance, crisis resilience, and a healthy planet—guide its direction, powered by three accelerators: digital and artificial intelligence (AI) transformation, gender equality, and sustainable finance. All efforts are underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and to leaving no one behind. Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions, alongside poverty reduction, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality. These solutions guide countries towards three key goals: structural transformation, leaving no one behind, and resilience. UNDP's energy strategy aligns with SDG 7, focusing on three action areas: increasing access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; improving energy efficiency; and expanding the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. The Energy for Growth in Africa initiative is a key component of this broader strategy, launched in collaboration with the G7. It identifies clean energy projects across Africa that face challenges in securing financing and supports them through de-risking instruments to enhance their attractiveness to international investors. By combining project pipeline identification, targeted technical assistance, and the development of catalytic pilot projects, the initiative addresses information asymmetries, de-risks strategic investments, and supports the energy transition. Within this framework, the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative and scalable low-carbon technologies through targeted pilots and catalytic interventions. The initiative currently operates in ten African countries, including Algeria, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, Eswatini, Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tunisia, with plans for further expansion. It focuses on markets with limited access to commercial finance and coordinates with G7 and other multilateral efforts to integrate complementary actions, streamline funding, and enhance the delivery of de-risking instruments and financial resources to projects in the "Energy for Growth" pipeline. Scope of Work The Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition is seeking an Energy Specialist to support the implementation of the Energy for Growth in Africa programme, with a specific focus on the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream. The Energy Specialist will play a central role in shaping and operationalizing this workstream, working closely with UNDP Country Offices and partners to ensure alignment with national priorities and effective coordination across countries. The role combines technical expertise with end-to-end project development and delivery responsibilities, covering the full project lifecycle from opportunity identification and concept development to implementation oversight. The Energy Specialist will lead the identification and advancement of a pipeline of innovative, low- or zero-carbon energy projects, with a focus on catalytic interventions and infrastructure-based pilot initiatives that can accelerate deployment, demonstrate viability, and enable scaling in target markets. The position will support the design and execution of targeted, high-impact activities aimed at addressing key market and knowledge barriers affecting public institutions, private sector actors, investors, and end users. This includes contributing to the de-risking of strategic initiatives, strengthening project fundamentals, and supporting their progression toward implementation. Through a combination of technical expertise, project development capacity, and coordination across stakeholders, the Energy Specialist will contribute to unlocking new market opportunities and advancing a more sustainable, resilient, and innovation-driven energy transition in Africa. Key Duties and Responsibilities The Energy Specialist will serve as part of the UNDP Rome Centre’s Energy for Growth initiative, with primary responsibility for advancing the Italy for Mission Innovation (I4MI) workstream. S/he will support the identification of regional/country activities that can boost energy transition and advance regional and national climate targets in line with the Energy for Growth in Africa objectives and scope. The role will place particular emphasis on the identification and development of catalytic, innovation-driven interventions aligned with Mission Innovation priorities. The Energy Specialist will strengthen the capacity of country-level counterparts and partners in the energy and climate space, contributing with expertise and technical knowledge, particularly in the areas of: Project Identification and Preparation: Identify clean energy projects in target countries, with a focus on innovative, infrastructure-based pilot projects characterized by high potential for scalability and market creation. Support the design and preparation of pilot projects aimed at reducing knowledge gaps and demonstrating the viability of low-carbon technologies. Draft concept notes, project documents, and funding proposals aligned with national priorities and programme objectives, for submission to donors and financing institutions. Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination: Ensure close coordination with UNDP Country Offices to align activities, timelines, and responsibilities under the I4MI workstream with country-level priorities and programmes. Engage and coordinate with national and international stakeholders to ensure coherence with national prior