NDC Energy Expert - Namibia (Technical Specialist - Environmental)- Home-based -Retainer

The Energy Expert will provide support to the Government of the Republic of Namibia through the ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mines and Energy to implement the energy sector's NDC measures, update and enhance Namibia's NDC (NDC 3.0.), support the ideas in the energy sector. The expert will conduct a baseline assessment, engage stakeholders identify mitigation and adaptation intervention, support resource mobilization and offer energy-related technical support. 

The Energy Expert will:

1. Inception

• Produce an Inception Report and work plan (within 2 weeks of contract signing)

2. Project identification and conceptualization

• Work with government agencies, Commonwealth Climate Finance Advisor, NDC Partnership In-Country Facilitator, and stakeholders to identify high-potential renewable energy and low-carbon projects aligned with national climate targets.

• Assess current energy infrastructure, renewable resources, and project opportunities.

3. Feasibility studies and technical assessments 

• Provide strategic support for the feasibility studies for potential energy projects.

• Provide technical expertise to ensure projects are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with local conditions and international best practices.

• Engage stakeholders and develop a database, including women, youth, and marginalized groups.

• Compile a baseline report on the energy sector. 

• Produce a project identification report, energy infrastructure and resource assessment, feasibility study reports (3 months of contract signing)

• Produce technical assessment guidelines, stakeholder database, energy sector baseline report (4 months of contract signing)

4. Proposal writing and documentation

• Lead the preparation of project proposals meeting international climate funding criteria.

• Ensure proposals are well-structured with clear objectives, timelines, risk assessments, financial models, and impacts.

• Develop project proposals (at least 4)

• Produce risk and financial model report, training materials and workshop reports (9 months of contract signing)

5. Capacity building and knowledge transfer

• Provide training and capacity building for government officials and project teams.

• Assist in institutionalizing processes for developing bankable energy projects.

• Produce Institutional Capacity Report (11 months of contract signing)

6. Incorporating Gender and Social Inclusion

• Ensure project designs integrate gender considerations and social inclusion.

• Develop strategies to ensure projects benefit marginalized groups.

• Produce a Gender and Social Inclusion Strategy and Social Impact Assessment (11 months of contract signing)

7. Reporting and Coordination

• Prepare monthly and quarterly country update reports summarizing key insights and progress updates, challenges, and recommendations for the way forward.

Logistics and Reporting 

The Energy Expert will report directly to the NDC Partnership Country Engagement Specialist and will be working within the Ministry of Mines and Energy under the Division: Renewable Energy, working closely with the Deputy Director: Renewable Energy. S/he will collaborate closely with the NDC Partnership focal points in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise, Commonwealth Climate Finance Advisor, and the NDC Partnership Support Unit. 

This is a retainer position for a period of 12 months (maximum of 220 working days), with the possibility of a 12-month extension based on performance and funding availability.

**This is a local position; applicants must be nationals of Namibia or possess a valid residence permit to work in the country.

**This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office but from the government facilities. Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software to the ministry's duty station

*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required:

• At least 5 years of experience conducting energy sector assessments and analysis relevant for NDCs and LT LEDS and/or climate change policies, plans and strategies, or related areas.

• Demonstrated experience in developing energy sector bankable project proposals for funding in line with the relevant national climate actions policies and plans.

Asset :

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of Climate Change and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and GHG inventory.

• Knowledge of the country’s context of policy frameworks, national plans and strategies related to climate change is required.

• Familiarity with UNFCCC processes including Subsidiary Body and Conference of Parties (CoP), NDC and past experience on government climate change process. 

• Experience of other national contexts that indirectly contribute to climate change is desirable