Background

Biomass energy provides the bulk of the energy supplied in the household, commercial and service sectors of the Sierra Leone economy. The challenge, though, is balancing economic development pursuits with environmental considerations. The biomass energy situation has transformed dramatically over the past decade with a significant increase in charcoal production nationally and in charcoal consumption in urban areas. Many rural people are giving up farming to become full-time charcoal and commercial fuel wood (firewood) producers, illustrating the new vitality of the trade and its importance for rural livelihoods. However, there is little incentive to improve efficiency. The unsustainable production and utilization of biomass resources represents one of the key drivers of deforestation and land degradation in Sierra Leone. In response to this challenge, the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) has secured funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for an Energy Efficient Production and Utilization of Charcoal (EEPUC) project. The project is nationally implemented by the Ministry of Energy as the implementing partner, with oversight support from UNDP. The project is seeking the services of a Chief Technical Advisor (CTA). The CTA will be responsible for providing overall technical guidance and backstopping to the project. The CTA will render technical support to the Project Manager, the Project Steering Committee (PSC) and other Government counterparts as may be deemed necessary.

The objective of the project is to bring economic, social and environmental benefits through the production of certified charcoal from sustainably sourced feedstock and through the promotion of improved cookstoves to reduce fuel wood demand, improve health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the direct supervision of the UNDP SL Energy, Environment and Natural Resource Management (EENRM) Programme Lead and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) will work closely with government officials, project communities and the private sector to achieve the duties and responsibilities listed below.

Ensure technical guidance on the use of Charcoal and improved cook stoves through Policy and regulatory frameworks.
Development of public-private initiatives for the improved and more efficient production of charcoal and the scaling up of improved cookstove production.
Ensure Improvement of more efficient production and efficient utilization of certified charcoal and cookstove.

Knowledge Management

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure technical guidance on the use of Charcoal and improved cook stoves through Policy and regulatory frameworks.

• Coordinate and provide strategic guidance to the Project Manager on the implementation of the project
• Provide strategic guidance to the Project Board/Project Steering Committee.
• Prepare the mid-term climate change mitigation tracking tool prior to the mid-term review, in consultation with the Project Manager and the Regional Technical Advisor in UNDP’s Regional Service Centre.

Development of public-private initiatives for the improved and more efficient production of charcoal and the scaling up of improved cookstove production through:

• Provide “on-the-job” technical guidance and mentoring to the Project Management Unit (PMU) in order to strengthen their capacity to effectively implement the technical aspects of the project.
• Facilitate meetings with project partners and resolve any issues, conflicts or delays affecting project implementation.

Ensure Improvement of more efficient production and efficient utilization of certified charcoal and cookstove

• Facilitate the development of strategic regional and international partnerships for resource mobilization and the exchange of skills and information related to sustainable fuelwood management.

Others:

• Assist the Project Manager and project team to prepare a detailed Annual Work Plan of project activities in line with the project document and approved budget
• Ensure delivery and disbursement of project funds in accordance with agreed Annual Work Plans, to achieve expected quarterly disbursement schedules and to meet the stated project outcomes and outputs; work closely with the Finance Officer to review expenditures and ensure cost-efficiency and effectiveness
• Provide administrative oversight to the Project Manager and support staff, and work in close consultation with GoSL and UNDP in contracting, procurement, administrative and related issues to support efficient project implementation.
• Assist the Project Manager in the timely completion of quarterly progress reports and yearly Project Implementation Reports (PIRs).
• Work with the Project Manager to create tenders for procurements of inputs and services and evaluate and provide recommendations on bids (to National Project Director).
• Participate in and advise on the recruitment of local consultants and international experts
• Support UNDP Country Office staff on their regular field missions and monitoring visits to the project sites

Perform any other duty relevant to the assignment as assigned by UNDP

Competencies

Innovation

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership

Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers.

People Management

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others.

Communication

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others.

Delivery

Accepts accountability for the outcomes of programme delivery and facilitates improvement and innovation in the delivery of products and services

Knowledge Management

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in natural resources management, environment or natural sciences, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in public or private sector management, preferably with direct experience in programme or project management.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of biomass energy, including improved cookstoves and kilns
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills and ability to draft high quality reports in a concise manner.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and communication skills.
• Sensitive to government and civil society interactions.
• Ability to lead, manage and motivate teams of national staff, international and local consultants and other stakeholders to achieve results.
• Fully computer literate.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of other UN language desirable

Source:https://jobs.partneragencies.net/erecruitjobs.html?JobOpeningId=18263&hrs_jo_pst_seq=1&hrs_site_id=2