Technical Specialist, P-3, Temporary Appointment (364 days), Copenhagen, Denmark,#130554

The purpose of this job is to lead the design, implementation, and operationalization of large-scale solar energy solutions to support UNICEF’s programmatic interventions, such as powering health facilities and schools under the general guidance of the Project Manager for Solarization,The role requires collaboration with strategic partners (such as WHO and GAVI), UNICEF Country and Regional Offices, and the private sector. Key responsibilities include identifying energy needs, developing procurement and implementation strategies, ensuring systematic approaches to solarization, and establishing sustainable operation and maintenance models for solar energy systems. The role also involves engaging with donors, contributing to training activities, and supporting deployment plans at the country level.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, A fair chance

The position is located within the Immunization Technology Centre (ITC) in the Supply Division. Through applied technical and operational expertise, ITC supports countries and works with partners to develop and roll out global immunization technology strategies, including solar-powered cold chain equipment and electrification/solarization of health centers. 

In addition, and through its expertise, ITC provides strategic support to other SD centers and countries in the design/development of strategies and implementation of solar-powered solutions to enable services for children, e.g., provision of oxygen, intensive care, connectivity, education, water, sanitation, and others.  

How can you make a difference? 

The purpose of this job is to lead the design, implementation, and operationalization of large-scale solar energy solutions to support UNICEF’s programmatic interventions, such as powering health facilities and schools under the general guidance of the Project Manager for Solarization,The role requires collaboration with strategic partners (such as WHO and GAVI), UNICEF Country and Regional Offices, and the private sector. Key responsibilities include identifying energy needs, developing procurement and implementation strategies, ensuring systematic approaches to solarization, and establishing sustainable operation and maintenance models for solar energy systems. The role also involves engaging with donors, contributing to training activities, and supporting deployment plans at the country level.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  130554 ToR Technical Specialist P3 ITC Sep 2024.docx

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

• Under the guidance of the Solar Project Manager, taking the lead and representing UNICEF’s position on solarization and broader energy questions with partners.
• Design solar solutions to be deployed at scale in a developing country context with a strong emphasis on social, technical, and economic sustainability.
• Prepares and maintains technical specifications for solarization and associated cold chain products.
• Ensures technical adjudication of Request for Quotations; /Invitations to Bid / Request for Proposals on solar products.
• Prepares analysis of UNICEF solar supply, background information, recommendation for improving the sustainability and O&M and the product range resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery and lower cost.
• Including in the Gavi pilot context (implementation of +1000 systems for primary health care facilities), screens and provides technical support to Operational Deployment Plans (ODPs) serving as the basis for secondary commercial bidding.
• In support of Country Offices and the commercial function, customize Terms of References and bidding documents for the execution of secondary bidding processes involving country-specific service bundling.
• Provide inputs for resource mobilization and advise/support PG in the development of documents to be used in the resource mobilization strategy.
• Works with PG and other SD Centres to develop and disseminate normative guidance for local procurement and implementation of solar systems.
• In a broader context, participates in crosscutting initiatives such as, sustainability and climate change.
• Establish work plans and priorities, monitor achievements, and evaluate performance of support staff.
• Work on Local Procurement Authorization (LPA), reviewing solar projects and portfolios, providing input for design and implementation and operation strategies.
• In the context of the LPA, assess the risk linked to the procurement and implementation of solar projects.
• Collaborate with other centres, and participate in the climate agenda of UNICEF, including the UNICEF SCAP (Sustainability Climate Action Plan).
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

  Advanced university degree in mechanical/electrical engineering or related discipline. Studies in business administration are an asset.

  A first university degree along with 2 additional years of relevant experience could be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

• Work Experience:

  Minimum 5 years of professional experience, including at least three at the international level in the technical field of solar energy, renewable energy, project management, and/or procurement.

  Knowledge of solar energy equipment and systems, worldwide sources, suppliers, and markets.

  Previous experience within the UN or a similar international organization / NGO is an asset.

• Language Requirements:

  Proficiency in English is required.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable underrepresented groupsare encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.