Background
The Moldova Energy and Biomass Project, a 4 year 14.56 million EUR project, funded by the European Union and UNDP and implemented by UNDP aims to contribute to a more secure, competitive and sustainable energy production in the Republic of Moldova through targeted support to the most viable and readily available local source of renewable energy, namely biomass from agricultural wastes. In 2014 the project was extended in the framework of the Eastern Partnership Integration and Cooperation (EaPIC) programme, based on its continued high relevance, excellent performance and the clearly identified need to further support the consolidation of the emerging biomass market in the country. The extension timeframe is until middle 2017 with additional EU-funding of 9.46million EUR. The project purpose is to increase the use of renewable energy technology significantly through fuel switching and energy efficiency. It primarily focuses on improving heating comfort levels in rural public sector buildings including schools and community centers by using readily available waste supplied from local agricultural enterprises. The project also stimulates local markets for improved household heating; industrial cogeneration, and biomass-based briquetting, as well as raise local capacity in the biomass sector, and promote the benefits of biomass energy and the project. The main objective of the project extension is to scale up the successful activities and extend them to so far not covered or underrepresented regions, specifically Transnistria and Gagauzia, and to support the further consolidation of the Biomass market.The project consists of four inter-related components as follows:
- “Municipal biomass heating and establishment of fuel supply markets” aims to improve municipal heating of public buildings in rural areas and establish related fuel supply markets. Under this output 130 thermal biomass heating systems will be installed. During extension phase biomass-based municipal heating systems will be installed in up to 80 public buildings in Moldova, with focus on Transnistria, ATU Gagauzia, Taraclia district and small towns. An increased focus will be on the further development of the domestic biomass fuel market in view of ensuring sustainable supply, enhanced competition between producers, application of quality standards, certification of products and end-consumer protection.
- Foundations laid for establishment of efficient household heating, industrial cogeneration and biomass briquetting markets” focuses on three emerging technology options for biomass energy in Moldova, which will be assessed, developed, and piloted. In addition, technical and financial support will be provided for the creation of 7 PPPs for establishing sustainable biomass-based heating services and efficient operation and maintenance of the systems.3. “Building capacity for growth of biomass markets at regional and local levels in Moldova” aims to ensure that the benefits of biomass energy demonstrated and deployed under outputs 1 and 2 are delivered in a lasting and long-term way and that local capacities for further replication is ensured. The capacity development activities remains during extension as a key element of the component being tailor-made and extended to Transnistria, Gagauzia and Taraclia district, as well as small towns. Vocational education and training (VET) sector will be addressed in view of a consolidated effort to equip the Moldovan labor force in support of the emerging markets and technologies.
- “The opportunities and benefits of biomass energy for Moldova are well known, and visibility of project results promoted” facilitate widespread dissemination on the general and specific advantages and impacts of using biomass energy in Moldova. Awareness raising activities on the opportunities and benefits of biomass energy will be further facilitated during extension, with a specific focus on increasing the uptake of renewable energy technologies in ATU Gagauzia and Taraclia district, and Transnistria Region.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Project Manager, Project Officer – Engineer contributes to the effective and efficient implementation of the Moldova Energy and Biomass project. The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.The Project Officer – Engineer works in close collaboration with Project Community Mobilization and Business Development Officers, and the rest of the Project Team, and other UNDP project teams in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery.
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.
Summary of Key Functions:
Project Officer – Engineer will be part of the Project Management Team (PMT), under the overall supervision of the Project Manager and Community Mobilization Project Officer.
The main role of the Engineer is to provide technical expertise, including in the field of renewable energy technologies, to all project activities relating to installation of biomass heating systems and solar systems in public buildings and individual households, biomass fuel supply market and heat delivery services, etc.
The Engineer will also consult and train target local public authorities (LPAs) and community initiative groups in assessing, preparing, supervising and commissioning of works, equipment and other installations, monitor contracts fulfillment and periodical performance evaluations during the process of community project implementation.
The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients. More specifically:
Municipal biomass heating projects
- Contribute to the development / adjustment of project operational forms, templates and other operational documents to be used by the project and communities/partners in compliance with project implementation procedures and local legislation.
- Participate at district promotional meetings with all relevant stakeholders including mayors, managers of public institutions, and local agricultural / rural entrepreneurs with the aim of ensuring local buy-in.
- Together with the Community Mobilization Senior Project Officer, assist LPAs in formulating and submitting expressions of interest to implement community projects.
- Undertake preliminary technical appraisal of the expressions of interest received from communities, and assist in prioritising interested communities for awareness-raising and capacity assessment.
- Conduct field visits to the priority communities to raise awareness among key stakeholders of the opportunities and risks presented by biomass energy technologies, and to assess the capacities and needs of the priority communities with regard to biomass energy project implementation.
- Together with the Community Mobilization Senior Project Officer provide technical assistance to the targeted communities in completing the application forms, and rank the received applications for detailed evaluation.
- Take part in the participatory appraisal of community projects and contribute to the required assessments, incl. technical and economic feasibility, environmental and health impacts, security, and risks, following the established and approved criteria.
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of feasibility, evaluation and progress reports, technical design and project documentation and carrying out of works.
- Provide assistance to the mayoralty and Local Technical Supervisor when transferring the project site from the community to the Contractor. Determine the needs and ensure technical assistance for the mayoralty, Contractor and Local Technical Supervisor at the stage of project implementation.
- Assist the LPAs through all stages of community project implementation and closely monitor progress and results; closely monitor the performance of communities in fulfilling their obligations, including financial and in-kind contributions.
- Supervise periodically the community projects and closely monitor the performance of contractors, closely liaise with the Local Technical Supervisor in monitoring and verifying quality of works (field visits as required but at least once per month).
- Identify any challenges emerging in the field and assist the community and contractors in taking adequate measures; verify any requests for changes and prepare documentation in accordance with MEBP procedures.
- Monitoring operation of biomass heating systems after the implementation of communities’ projects. Work alongside the Business Development Officer in providing the necessary technical support to municipal authorities and potential fuel suppliers, with respect to quality control of fuel supplies and the formulation of fuel supply contracts.
Procurement
Provide assistance to the project Procurement Specialist on the technical / engineering content of the tendering documents, technical design, specifications and BOQs issued to solicit offers from prospective bidders. In addition, assist the Procurement Specialist in evaluation of technical / engineering aspects of the bids, as well as provide qualified advice regarding the relevance of unit prices and costs of works submitted by the bidders, etc.
Market development for biomass heating and biomass briquetting
- Work together with Project Business Development Officer to engage with relevant national authorities on addressing the policy, legislation and regulation issues regarding emissions standards for biomass-fired boilers, performance and construction standards for biomass heating systems, technical standards for biomass system components, technical standards for laboratory, etc.
- Provide technical support for establishing sustainable biomass-based heating services and efficient operation and maintenance of the systems.
Training, education, media and outreach
- Provide input for the technical content of training materials on biomass and solar energy systems targeted at municipal leaders, at design and build firms, at system operators and at commercial biomass fuel suppliers. Advice the Training and Capacity Building Officer as required.
- Review the technical rigour and accuracy of media packages, press releases, pieces for radio and TV and all other public communications relating to the project. Advise the Media Officer as necessary.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist the Project Manager in the development of annual activity and procurement work plans as well as budgets based on expected year-end outputs, and assist in the close monitoring of activities and disbursements.
- Apply UNDP programming tools and policies as explained in the Results Management Guide. Keep abreast of UNDP programming practices and maintain an optimum level of knowledge by continuous learning.
- Contribute to the wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Support mechanisms for exchange of information, experience and lessons learned at the local and national levels.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
- Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
- Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government, academia and private sector required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
- Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
- Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
Leadership and Self-Management
- Strong leadership skills and proven experience in managing interdisciplinary teams
- Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:- Master’s Degree or equivalent in technical sciences. Specialization in energy engineering and / or civil engineering is a strong advantage.
- At least 5 years of experience at the national or international level in designing/specifying/installing heating/integrated energy supply systems for public and/or commercial buildings.
- Practical experience in implementing (renewable) energy projects is required.
- Experience in conducting energy audits of buildings is considered an asset.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages is required (MS Word, Excel, etc.).
- Fluency in both oral and written, Russian and Romanian is a must. Working/Technical knowledge of English is required.
- Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gaguzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language is an asset.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.