Background Information – Job-specific
The OQ’s Energy Team supports the Palestinian Authority (PA) on a number of strategic initiatives to advance the development of the Palestinian energy sector. This includes support to the Gas for Gaza (G4G) project, the development of renewable energy opportunities, electricity transmission work as well as wider sector support. The Associate Advisor will broadly support the Director of Energy on the delivery of the energy team.
This position offers a unique opportunity to gain significant exposure to the Palestinian energy sector and also some exposure to the energy sectors of neighboring countries. The successful candidate will be expected to have (or to have the capacity to build) a sound understanding of the local and regional developments that affect the energy sector. The incumbent would leverage this economic, political, and technical knowledge to support the energy team in its work with the PA to advance the Palestinian energy sector.
The Associate Advisor will also support the OQ Director of Energy with external stakeholder management and the development of new initiatives and projects, in particular fundraising and the drafting of project proposals and project finance. As a senior member of the team, the Associate Advisor will be expected to provide guidance and coaching to more junior members of the team
Functional Responsibilities
The Associate Advisor will contribute to the following areas:
- Producing original analysis based on regional economic, technical, and political analysis to support the DoE’s engagements at the senior international stakeholder level
- Supporting the development and implementation of current and new OQ energy initiatives
- Advising and producing deliverables that help coordinate efforts between the Palestinian Energy Authority (PENRA), donors and the international community to support the development of the energy sector
- Developing and maintaining relations with junior and intermediate level stakeholders in the energy sector in the public, private and international development spheres.
- Supporting fundraising efforts and drafting project proposals
- Providing general office support
- Coordinating cross-sectoral engagements within the OQ (e.g. water, trade, etc.)
- Supporting the Director of Energy with team management
The Associate Advisor will be responsible for delivering the following: Advising
- Produce independent, actionable briefings (or other formats) in support of the Palestinian energy sector, considering the local and regional contexts (e.g. economic, technical, social, and political). The briefings should yield tangible actions that can be delivered by the DoE and the energy team.
- Advise the DoE and energy team members on local and regional energy sector developments that impact the OQ’s ongoing projects, initiatives, and engagements.
- Develop policy recommendations based on local and regional energy sector developments in support of the Palestinian energy sector.
- Advise the DoE on the energy team strategy and cross-cutting workstreams, including providing support for budgeting activities.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain a diverse network of stakeholders (i.e. government, private sector, international community) in the energy sector at the junior and intermediate levels to inform the DoE and the team of sectoral developments in the Palestinian and regional contexts.
- Support the DoE with overall stakeholder management, particularly at the senior levels, through activities such as developing briefing notes, technical analysis and background research on key organizations, institutions and stakeholders.
- Continuously evaluate the energy team’s existing stakeholder network to determine new areas to expand and to support efficient coordination with existing actors in the energy sector.
Team and Project Management Support:
- Support the timely delivery of workstreams (projects, policy development, etc.) by providing guidance and inputs to team members to ensure expected results.
- Work with the team to identify key risks on energy team initiatives and identify mitigation plans or ways to adapt workstream strategies for review by the DoE.
- Advise the DoE on issues that may impact the achievement of project outcomes.
- Ensure consistent and quality deliverables across the team’s work for review by the DoE.
Communication, Outreach and Donor Liaison:
- Lead the coordination and ensure quality of delivery across the team for of formal communications (e.g. annual reports, AHLC reports, formal letters/emails, presentations, etc.) for internal and external project stakeholders.
- Ensure timely reporting to energy team donors and other key stakeholders on both regional developments and the OQ energy team’s ongoing work
- Draft project proposals and fundraising strategies based on a sound knowledge of the team’s work and the regional context.
All these deliverables are to be reached in close coordination and cooperation with the wider OQ team and under the leadership of the Director of Energy.
The work is of a highly confidential nature and the selected candidate must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education: Advanced degree (MA or PhD) is preferred. Bachelor’s degree can be accepted. Degrees in law, economics, business, or engineering are preferred. Technical professional license or diploma can be accepted with additional years of experience.
Work Experience: At least 7 years’ experience working for international organizations, government or the private sector, preferably in the energy sector Deep understanding of international energy markets and energy project experience and international relations; is preferred. experience in working for international organizations or private sector with a focus on energy is preferred.
org Skills and Abilities:
- Highly skilled in stakeholder management: Customer-orientation and sound judgment; ability to consistently demonstrate a professional manner in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internal and external to the organisation.
- Highly skilled in research and analysis: Very strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills; keen attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Excellent communication skills: Strong research and writing ability; skilled in creating knowledge products such as policy briefs, papers, guidance notes and other pieces directed at multiple audiences.
- Strong team player: Ability to work independently and in teams; ability to interact with high-level individuals across a range of organisations; flexible as tasks and priorities shift; respect and proven ability to work and strive in a multicultural environment.
- Project management: Strong project management skills across the whole spectrum of skills required to effectively manage a project (from timely execution through to identifying red flags, strong coordination skills etc)
- Time management skills: Strong time management skills and abilities which are critical for successful management of projects and initiatives; ability to work under tight deadlines, juggling multiple competing tasks and prioritising demands.
- Other: Demonstrated competence with using standard office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Knowledge in financial projects and managing project finances is an asset.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Knowledge of Arabic and/or Hebrew is an asset.
Contract type, level and duration
The contract for this position will be issued by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of its Client the Office of Quartet pursuant to an agreement between both parties whereby the successful candidate’s contractual rights and responsibilities will be managed by the Office of Quartet (OQ) office and not by UNOPS. Contract type: International Individual Contract IICA or Local Individual Contract LICA Contract level: ICS 10/ IICA 2 Contract duration: 3 months, with the option for 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.aspxCompetencies
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. For people managers only: 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.
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.