Job Description

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 priorities, Mission Innovation objectives, and the Energy for Growth in Africa initiative.
  • Serve as a focal point for coordination with other development initiatives to avoid duplication and promote synergies in the clean energy space.
  • Support the Rome Centre Partnerships team, contributing to the identification and engagement of strategic partners, and provide technical inputs to inform partnership development and structuring.
  • Support the Rome Centre Partnership team and contribute to the organization of stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and technical workshops, engaging public and private sector actors, and provide technical expertise and project-specific insights.

  • Contribute to the organization of stakeholder consultations, roundtables, and technical workshops, engaging public and private sector actors and providing technical expertise and project-specific insights.

• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:
  • Provide advanced technical support to energy projects across the development cycle, including feasibility assessments, technology selection, ToR and technical specification drafting, project structuring, and environmental and social safeguards, drawing on in-depth sectoral and field expertise.
  • Support the Rome Centre in strengthening technical and institutional capacity for the preparation and implementation of innovative clean energy projects.
  • Deliver technical advice and hands-on support to the implementation of Energy for Growth in Africa, I4MI, and other Rome Centre initiatives, ensuring consistency, technical quality, and alignment across programmes, while actively identifying opportunities for replication, scaling, and knowledge transfer across countries and regions.
• Operational Support and Delivery Mechanisms:
  • Identify and operationalize innovative delivery mechanisms under the I4MI workstream to ensure rapid and effective implementation of activities.
  • Explore and facilitate collaboration with UNDP Country Offices, national governments, other UN agencies, private sector actors, and international partners.

  • Liaise closely with the Partnerships team, providing technical inputs to support the identification, design, and structuring of partnerships aligned with E4G and I4MI objectives, ensuring effective implementation arrangements that enhance the efficiency, scalability, and impact of catalytic interventions.

• Reporting and Monitoring, and knowledge management:
  • Ensure timely and high-quality reporting in line with Energy for Growth programme requirements, contributing substantive inputs to strategic reporting processes.
  • Support alignment with the UNDP Rome Centre results-based management framework by tracking activities, outputs, and outcomes, and ensuring that reporting reflects agreed indicators and results chains.
  • Develop and maintain monitoring tools and systems to assess progress, performance, and impact of supported initiatives under the I4MI workstream, ensuring consistency with corporate and programme-level reporting standards.
  • Systematically capture lessons learned, good practices, and evidence of impact, feeding into adaptive management, knowledge products, and continuous improvement of the E4G and I4MI workstreams.
  • Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Energy Specialist will be embedded within the Energy for Growth team at the UNDP Rome Centre and will report to the Climate and Energy Specialist leading the Energy for Growth (E4G) programme.

The role requires close collaboration and regular engagement with other Rome Centre teams, including Partnerships, Programmes, and Technical units, to ensure alignment, coherence, and effective delivery across initiatives, particularly under the E4G and specifically I4MI workstream.

The position entails regular missions to UNDP Country Offices across the target region to maintain close engagement with national counterparts, support coordination with in-country teams, and facilitate effective implementation of activities on the ground.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Renewable Energy, Climate Change, International Development, Energy Policy, Engineering, or other related fields is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

Minimum of five (5) years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in the design, structuring, and implementation of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, with demonstrated hands-on experience in technical aspects of energy systems, project execution, and delivery across the project lifecycle.

Required skills

• Demonstrated experience in the identification, design, and structuring of projects and programmes in the renewable energy sector, including the development and management of project pipelines.
• Proven experience in supporting project start-up phases, including feasibility analysis, stakeholder coordination, and preparation of implementation and operational frameworks to ensure effective and timely implementation.
• Strong experience in hands-on delivery and management of energy projects and programmes, ensuring alignment with technical, financial, and results-based management requirements.
• Demonstrated field experience and hands-on engagement with country-level stakeholders, with a strong understanding of project implementation, coordination frameworks, and local operational dynamics in diverse country contexts.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Experience in providing operational and project/programme management support for projects/programmes related to sustainable energy and climate change, prior work experience with UNDP.
• Demonstrated experience in providing operational and project/programme management support for initiatives in the energy sector; experience in international development contexts.
• Experience related to energy and/or climate change within international development settings.
• Strong experience with energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentive mechanisms at national and sub-national levels, particularly in African markets.
• Experience in analytical work, policy research, or publication on topics related to energy transition, sustainable development, or climate and environment.
• Experience in building and managing partnerships between public and private sector actors to mobilize financing and advance energy projects.
• Experience in development finance instruments and policy-based financing mechanisms supporting clean energy transitions.
• Experience in designing and operationalizing energy investment facilities, as well as supporting resource mobilization and risk mitigation strategies for clean energy investments within international organizations or development finance contexts.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the energy sector in Africa, including governments, utilities, financial institutions, and private developers.
• Prior professional experience in large international or governmental organizations is desirable, with experience in the UN system.
• Professional certifications in project or programme management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).

Required Language (s):

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge or fluency in Italian is an asset.

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.

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.

Scam alert

• UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

#LI-DNI