Clean Cooking and Energy Expert

Mission and objectivesThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable, inclusive development by strengthening democratic governance, upholding the rule of law, and building resilient institutions. UNDP facilitates access to global knowledge, resources, and partnerships to support individuals and communities in improving their lives. Its work is anchored in advancing climate action, gender equality, and innovation, all in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Rwanda, UNDP plays a leading role in supporting the government’s efforts to transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. Central to this support is the mobilization and strategic deployment of climate finance to expand investments in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. These initiatives are essential to the realization of Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the country’s broader sustainable development objectives

ContextAccess to clean and sustainable energy is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s development strategy and its commitment to the SDGs and Vision 2050. Clean cooking solutions are critical in this regard, as they reduce health risks, protect the environment, and contribute to gender equality. Despite progress, the adoption of clean cooking technologies in Rwanda remains low. In response, the Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, is scaling up efforts to coordinate stakeholders, enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and mobilize resources to advance the clean cooking agenda. The UN Volunteer (Clean Cooking Coordinator) will be embedded within the Ministry of Infrastructure to provide technical and coordination support

Task DescriptionUnder the supervision of the Programme Analyst/ Sustainable Environment, Energy Development and Climate Change (SEEDCC) at UNDP and the guidance of the Director General – Energy Directorate at the Ministry of Infrastructure, the National UN Volunteer Expert will undertake the following responsibilities: 1. Strategy & Policy Development:  Provide expert technical advice to senior leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure on clean cooking technologies, markets, financing, and policies. 2. Coordination and Management  Follow up on the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Strategy and Action Plan, tracking progress and identifying bottlenecks.  Coordinate with relevant Ministry of Infrastructure Energy Department subsectors (e.g., Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Planning, Finance) to ensure clean cooking is mainstreamed. 3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders: other government ministries (Environment, Education, Health, Gender, Fi-nance, Local Govt.), development partners, NGOs, private sector (manufacturers, distributors, financiers), research institutions, and consumer groups.  Establish a database of stakeholders in the clean cooking sub sector and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, and engagements through organizing clean cooking technical working group. 4. Resource Mobilization & Investment Promotion  Identify funding opportunities (grants, loans, climate finance, private investment) for clean cooking initiatives.  Develop a pipeline of clean cooking projects that can benefit from the carbon financing  Work with private sector to unlock investment in clean cooking supply chains and service delivery. 5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting:  Review and suggest areas of the existing MEL framework for the national clean cooking programmes, including key performance indicators (KPIs).  Oversee data collection (e.g., adoption rates, fuel use, health impacts, market data), analysis, and reporting.  Prepare regular progress reports for clean cooking  Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing efforts on clean cooking within the Ministry of Infrastructure and with stakeholders. 6. Market Development & Standards:  Support the development and enforcement of national quality standards and testing protocols for clean cooking technologies and fuels.  Identify barriers to market growth (supply chain, consumer awareness, affordability, financing) and propose solutions.  Support initiatives to build capacity of local enterprises (manufacturers, distributors, after-sales service).  Support the development of the clean cooking communication strategy and its implementation a national and sub-national levels.

Competencies and values☒Adaptability and Flexibility ☒Building Trust ☒Commitment and Motivation ☒Communication ☒Creativity ☒Ethics and Values ☒Integrity ☒Knowledge Sharing ☒Professionalism ☒Respect for Diversity ☒Self-Management ☒Technological Awareness ☒Working in Teams

Living conditions and remarksKigali, the capital of Rwanda, has experienced remarkable rejuvenation and stability, evident upon arrival in the city. While motorcycle taxis are the fastest mode of transport, they're not recommended without your own helmet, though some provide helmets. Standard taxis, marked with yellow stripes, are another option, with many operated by Kigali Taxi Service or Kigali Airport Taxis. Public transportation is affordable and efficient, with new and well-maintained buses available, and prepaid cards can be purchased at bus stations. Rental cars are also available due to significant investment in infrastructure, leading to minimal congestion. Accommodations in Kigali are readily available and meet relevant standards, with recreational facilities like swimming pools also accessible. Shopping options include various shops and markets offering essential items, imported goods, home furnishings, electrical appliances, and vehicle spare parts. The city boasts both public and private health facilities, such as King Faisal Hospital and Legacy Clinic, equipped to handle emergencies and affiliated with CIGNA insurance. Kigali is considered exceptionally safe, with emergency numbers like 999 for police, 111 for fire fighters, and 112 for general emergencies, and 113 for traffic accidents. The UNV Programme offers monthly living allowance covering basic needs like housing, utilities, transportation, and communication. The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to UN Volunteers is to enable them to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs. The allowances are in no way to be understood as compensation, reward, or salary in exchange for the UN Volunteer’s service.