Technical Specialist – Environmental (Socio-Economics) (Retainer), LICA-10, Jakarta At UNOPS

South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO) is a UNOPS office that oversees a portfolio of projects in 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia, and the Pacific. It was formed by merging the Thailand and Cambodia Multi-Country Offices. EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million in 2022 in various areas such as energy transition, digital transformations, sustainable environmental management, and health. The EAPMCO head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight, and assurance of excellence of business processes and quality standards across all locations. It is also responsible for managing the portfolio of engagements in the MCO location itself.

Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments, philanthropies and other partners to work towards modern, sustainable energy systems. It focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which have the highest energy demand, a pipeline of fossil fuel-based projects, and potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides technical advice, support on financing, capacity and skill development, and dialogue facilitation. It is supported by a Secretariat incorporated into UNOPS, which will manage and operate the ETP Fund, launch calls for proposals, assess proposals, provide assistance to partners and monitor progress on projects. Members of the Secretariat are selected in line with UNOPS rules and regulations.

Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) Secretariat Indonesia

The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) was launched by the Government of Indonesia and the International Partners Group (IPG) during the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali, with a secretariat established in February 2023. The governance structure consists of three levels: the Indonesian Government Decarbonization Task Force, the IPG task force, and the JETP secretariat. The JETP encompasses various types of projects such as coal-fired power plant retirements, renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency. The JETP secretariat plays a crucial role in producing the Comprehensive Investment and Policy, as well as coordinating with the IPG task force and the Government’s Task Force.

In alignment with the energy transition efforts of the Government of Indonesia, the JETP recommendations and Just Transition considerations, ETP will provide support through the JETP Secretariat.

As a Technical Specialist – Socio Economic for Energy Projects, the successful candidate will provide support to the ETP team, including direct support to the JETP Secretariat under the supervision of ETP.

Summary of Key Functions

The incumbent will be accountable for delivering comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned project, providing recommendations for integrating socio-economic considerations into project design and implementation and conducting impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy project. The Socio-Economic Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the ETP Senior Program Manager, in coordination with the ETP Secretariat, and Country Coordinator in Indonesia.

Specific deliverables will include, but are not limited to:

Conducting thorough socio-economic assessments for each assigned project.
Providing recommendations to integrate socio-economic considerations into the design and implementation of energy projects.
Providing guidance to optimize the socio-economic benefits of energy projects while minimizing adverse effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators.
Facilitating communications and collaboration among GOI stakeholders, IPG, JETP Secretariat and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs);
Coordinating I-JETP-related activities including preparation and dissemination of technical materials, reports, knowledge products and correspondence, particularly to CSOs.
Facilitating arrangements for meetings, trainings, events, workshops, conferences, and seminars;

In addition to the aforementioned deliverables, the consultant is expected to conduct regular bi-weekly and ad-hoc meetings with ETP to ensure ongoing updates, information sharing, and effective communication throughout the project duration.

Functional Responsibilities

The Socio-Economic Specialist will be a part of ETP’s retainer pool and will provide support ad-hoc to the team. One of the primary assignments will include support to the Indonesia JETP Secretariat. Reporting to the Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Comprehensive socio-economic assessments

Deliver comprehensive socio-economic assessments for each assigned projects
Conduct impact analysis that outline the potential benefits and risks associated with proposed energy projects

Advisory services on socio-economic issues

Provide advisory services on socio-economic issues of energy projects to understand their potential effects on local communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic indicators.
Provide advisory support in analyzing the potential socio-econommic risks and challenges associated with energy projects and propose the mitigation strategies and contingency plans.

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitate communications and collaboration among GOI stakeholders (including JETP), Development Partners, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Coordinate related activities including preparation and dissemination of technical materials, reports, knowledge products and correspondence, particularly to CSOs.
Facilitate meetings, trainings, events, workshops, conferences, and seminars, by organizing the content, facilitating, speaking, compiling feedback post-event and preparing post-event reports.

Recommendations

Provide guidance on integrating socio-economic considerations into the design, planning, and execution of energy projects to maximize positive outcomes and minimize adverse effects.
Develop comprehensive reports and presentations that clearly communicate the socio-economic impact assessment findings, including benefits, risks, and recommended actions to relevant stakeholders.

Timeline of Implementation

A significant number of critical deliverables are expected between March 2024 and March 2025 and will be determined on a monthly basis, first through the development of a work plan with ETP Senior Program Manager and Country Coordinator, and then through biweekly meetings with ETP team.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

An advanced University Degree (Master’s or equivalent) or higher degree Economics, Sociology, Development Studies, or a related field.
First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in the above mentioned fields with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience

At least five (5) years of experience in socio-economic assessments, preferably in the energy or infrastructure sector.
Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, and other energy-related stakeholders is required.
Experience working with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is required.
Strong understanding of socio-economic perspective on energy transition related issues is preferred.
Familiarity with energy sector policies, regulations, and sustainability frameworks.
Proven track record of successfully conducting research and advocacy activities, particularly in the energy sector is required.
Proven track record in conducting study on impact assessments, community development, poverty reduction initiatives or any socio-economic issues is preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to present complex socio-economic problems and analyses in a succinct manner is an asset.
Previous successful involvement with, and good knowledge of, donors, government, private sector, and civil society is desired
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, investors, project developers and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) is an asset.
Computer literacy in Google Suite/Google Workspace is required.

Language

Fluency in English and Bahasa Indonesia is required.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
Contract level**: ICS-10/LICA-10**
Contract duration: One-year with the possibility of extension

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Disclaimer:
This is not a full-time position. Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis. There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.

Additional Information

Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.