UNOPS South East Asia Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO)

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia – 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: SEMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2023, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 75 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background Information – ETP

The Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) brings together governments and philanthropies to work with partner countries in the region. We support the transition towards modern energy systems that can simultaneously ensure economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Enabling the transition toward greener energy systems will greatly contribute to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement objectives.

ETP focuses on Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which are the countries in the region with the highest energy demand, a substantial pipeline for fossil fuel-based projects, and a significant and cost-effective potential for renewable energy and energy efficiency. ETP provides high-level technical advisory support, holistic support to Governments on financing and technical needs, capacity and skill development, and facilitation of dialogues in all related areas. One of the upcoming interventions by the ETP in the Philippines is on carbon pricing instruments and the wider topic of climate finance.

Functional Responsibilities

This is not a full-time position. Retainer contractors are used to carry out tasks on an intermittent basis and called upon to work when needed. There are no minimum working hours or days guaranteed.

The incumbent will provide support to ETP and its government beneficiary that requires support to draft, conduct research and analyses and package an update of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). The NREP outlines the policy framework enshrined in the Philippines’ Republic Act 9513 Renewable Energy Law and sets the building blocks that will help the country in achieving its renewable energy goals. It defines the renewable energy targets, provides updates on the implementation of mechanisms and strategies to achieve these targets, and describes new ones.

The expected output is a publishable document that is presented and packaged in a style and form that would be suitable for technical and non-technical readers. Infographics, illustrations and photographs (if needed), should be used in preparing the report. The document will be used for knowledge sharing and investment promotion.

Under the general guidance and supervision of the ETP Senior Programme Manager, the incumbent will be a retainer with the following responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the Department of Energy – Renewable Energy Management Bureau (DOE-REMB) in preparing an update of the NREP. In coordination with ETP, initiate and facilitate discussions with DOE-REMB on updating and securing feedback on the NREP.
2. Update the draft NREP sections and align the work plan with ETP and DOE to deliver the document. In close coordination with the DOE-REMB, review and provide feedback and recommendations on the draft chapters and sections of the NREP, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information, and make the necessary revisions until a final version is approved by ETP and DOE. Ensure that the narrative is consistent with other energy plans and DOE publications, including the latest version of the Philippine Energy Plan.
3. Collect and consolidate relevant data and information from DOE-REMB, other relevant DOE bureaus, and energy agencies, as may be necessary. Diligence must be exercised in validating the data and information. Interviews or consultations may need to be conducted with DOE personnel to validate data and gather insights that will feed into the document. The incumbent should be mindful of the proprietary information received and shall not disclose or share it unless permitted by the Department of Energy; a non-disclosure agreement with DOE may be executed.
4. Write in a clear, concise, and objective style, using language understandable to a broad audience with varying technical backgrounds. Consistency in terminology, tone, style, and voice must be ensured throughout the document. The incumbent should proofread and edit all written content to ensure clarity, coherence and accuracy.
5. Work together with a graphic artist (to be engaged separately) in preparing the necessary visuals, charts, illustrations that will enhance the readability of the document. The incumbent is expected to provide guidance on the content or message of the graphics, guide in document layout, and ensure that the graphics are consistent with the written content.
6. Participate in meetings, discussions, and activities with the DOE and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, to draft, revise, and finalize the NREP. The incumbent will participate in DOE-organized NREP public consultations, including those held out of town. Before participating in any out-of-town public consultations, the incumbent will ensure that a travel plan and estimated costs, alongside the work plan, is approved by the ETP in consultation with the DOE.
7. Perform other relevant tasks necessary to complete the updated NREP.

Education

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or similar) or higher degree is required, preferably in Engineering, Environment, Science Communication, Development Studies, Economics, and other relevant fields.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degree.

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in technical writing and research in the energy sector.
• Experience in renewable energy or energy transition is required.
• Experience working on projects related to the Philippine’s electric power industry is required.
• Experience working in the Philippines is required.
• Experience working with the Philippines Department of Energy is preferred.
• Having published works (e.g. peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, books, guidebooks, trade publications, technical reports, and others) in relevant technical fields is desired.

Language

• Fluency in English is required.
• Local language in the countries of ETP’s operation (Philippines) is required.

Others

• Must be based in the Philippines
• Must submit at least two (2) sample written works, preferably published ones.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA) – Retainer
2. Contract level**: ICS-9/LICA-9**
3. Contract duration: 7 months with possibility of 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.aspx

Disclaimer:
This is not a full-time position. Retainers may be requested to carry out tasks on an intermittent and need basis. There are no minimum hours or days guaranteed.