Background

UNDP is the UN’s global development organization, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

Agenda 2030 remains at the centre of the UNs engagement, including in LDCs, crisis and fragile settings. Underpinning the agenda is the commitment to “Leave No One Behind”, with many of the most marginalized living in protracted crisis settings. As the lead UN development agency working on the sustainable development agenda, UNDP is central in supporting the UN development system, engaging at the global policy level and through its programmatic interventions.

Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

Energy is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions – alongside poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, and gender equality – to support countries towards three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind and resilience.

As per UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the first objective of UNDP is increasing energy access for those furthest behind. By speeding up investment in distributed renewable energy solutions, especially for those hardest to reach and in crisis contexts, it aims to increase access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people. The Africa Minigrids Programme, for example, is improving the financial viability of renewable energy mini-grids in 18 countries, encouraging private investment, lower tariffs and expanded service. Second, UNDP will work to accelerate the transition to renewable energy through systems changes that support inclusive, green economies, particularly in countries with low levels of renewable energy generation or poor energy-efficiency improvement rates. This work will capitalize on technological gains, clean energy innovations and new business models in the energy sector.

The newly established UNDP Sustainable Energy Hub (hereafter, the ‘Sustainable Energy Hub’) will be the arrowhead of UNDP’s new Strategic Plan objectives. The Sustainable Energy Hub will build on UNDP’s existing Energy Portfolio, covering over 100 countries to harness clean energy and support the energy transition as well as on UNDP’s Climate Promise, UNDP’s Sustainable Finance Hub and UNDP’s Digital offer. The Sustainable Energy Hub will develop and operationalize, policies, programmes and partnerships to support UNDP Energy Compact, a commitment to help increasing access to clean and affordable energy for 500 million people; and accelerating and supporting the transition to renewable energy. Recognizing that change will be disruptive, UNDP will work to ensure that such transitions are just, and that their impact on vulnerable people is understood and duly mitigated.

The Energy Policy Analyst of the Sustainable Energy Hub will report to the Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub and to the Coordinator of UNDP Rome Centre. S/he will work collaboratively with a number of key staff across Bureaus and Units

Duties and responsibilities 

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Energy Policy Analyst will:

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Research and Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth research on energy policies, regulations, and market trends at the international, regional, and national levels. Provide comprehensive analysis to support UNDP’s policy recommendations, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development.

Strategy Development: 

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of energy policies and strategies to promote clean energy transitions, energy access, and energy resilience. Contribute to the development of national and regional energy strategies in line with UNDP’s sustainable development goals.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Building:

• Collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, private sector entities, NGOs, and community groups to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and partnerships.

Project Management and Implementation: 

• Support the design, execution, and monitoring of energy-related projects, including feasibility studies, capacity-building initiatives, and pilot projects. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project alignment with UNDP’s goals and objectives.

Data Collection and Reporting: 

• Develop and maintain databases of energy-related data, including financial, technical, and policy information. Prepare reports, briefing notes, policy briefs, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to UNDP leadership and partners.

Knowledge Management and Dissemination: 

• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, including case studies, best practices, and policy papers. Share insights and lessons learned from UNDP’s energy projects to enhance the organization’s impact and promote policy innovation.

Support to UNDP’s Sustainable Energy Hub: 

• Provide analytical and operational support to UNDP’s global and regional energy teams, contributing to the development of strategic frameworks, policy advocacy, and resource mobilization efforts for clean and sustainable energy initiatives.

Monitoring and Evaluation: 

• Guide in the monitoring and evaluation of energy projects and programs to ensure they meet objectives and deliverables. Develop indicators to measure progress and impact and support the preparation of periodic progress reports.

Innovation and Technology Integration:

• Identify and promote innovative clean energy technologies and solutions that align with UNDP’s sustainable energy goals. Collaborate with startups, technology providers, and research institutions to explore new opportunities for technology integration and innovation.

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 Policy Analyst will report through a supervisory role to the Director of the Sustainable Energy Hub and the Coordinator of the UNDP Rome Centre Rome Centre

Competencies

Core      

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Experience 

Min. Education requirements

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science, Economics, International Relations, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Min. years of relevant work experience               

• Applicants with master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in a related field, such as energy, sustainability, environmental policy, corporate strategy, project management, or international relations.

Required skills   

• Experience with International Engagement:
• Familiarity with international organizations, such as the UN or IRENA, and experience in diplomatic or international relations contexts.
• Knowledge or experience in energy transition projects and initiatives, technology scouting, or circular economy practices.

Desired skills

• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans, particularly in the context of energy transformation, sustainability, or environmental policy.
• Experience in managing projects or programs, including planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
• Certification in project management or relevant disciplines (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or similar certificates) is an asset.
• Previous experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting. Proficiency in tools such as Excel and RStudio.
• Previous track record of excellent communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, including senior executives, international organizations, policymakers, and other external partners.
• Previous working experience in organizing, coordinating, and executing events, workshops, or forums, particularly in international or corporate settings.
• Proven record of ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating leadership and collaboration.
• Previous experience in CleanTech, renewable energy technologies, sustainability practices, and international energy policy frameworks.

Required Language(s)   

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge in Spanish or French is a plus.