Background Information - Job-specific
UNOPS hosts Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Secretariat/Programme in Vienna, Austria. Working with leaders in government, the private sector and civil society to drive further, faster action toward achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which calls for universal access to sustainable energy by 2030, and the Paris Agreement, which calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate warming to below 2ยฐ Celsius. Achieving these goals will require a radical rethink of the way we produce, distribute, and consume energy. SEforALL is at the heart of this foundational shift to ensure no one is left behind. Drawing on data and evidence, we identify a critical path to success in achieving SDG7.
Launched in 2011 by the Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. SEforALL maintains close links with the UN, including through a relationship agreement, partnerships with UN agencies and with SEforALL's CEO acting as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. These roles include advising the UN Secretary General and his staff on issues relating to sustainable energy and the implementation of SDG7 and supporting the coordination of sustainable energy issues in the United Nations system.
The ambitions of SDG7 are extraordinary. Aiming to achieve them in the context of the Paris Agreement on climate change involves transformation at a scale never undertaken before. Swift action must be taken by leaders in governments, private sector companies, institutions, financiers, development banks, unions, communities, entrepreneurs, and civil society. As we enter the final decade to achieve SDG7, SEforALL has strategically chosen to strengthen global agenda-setting while expanding its activities to an engagement model that prioritizes data-driven decision-making, partnerships with high-impact countries and implementation on the ground. This position is located within the SEforALL Intelligence Unit to support cross-organizational and programmatic efforts that benefit from energy intelligence. The SEforALL Intelligence Unitโs mission includes to support data-driven decision-making for communications, fundraising and to drive more effective programme and project level solutions through energy information (data, analysis, visualizations and story-telling), energy tools (analytic tools, databases and software) and energy planning (energy modeling, outlooks, roadmaps, and energy & investment plans). Functional Responsibilities
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, Energy Intelligence, the Senior Officer, Energy Intelligence will support cross-organizational and programmatic efforts that benefit from energy information to support data-driven decision making. The main responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:
Data and Information Curation
Support the research, collection and collation of relevant data and information for SEforALL programmes, specifically to:
Conduct the identification, sourcing, validation, and maintenance of relevant energy-related data and information to support SEforALL programmes, including in particular energy planning, communications and fundraising.
Collaborate with SEforALL teams and external partners (e.g., SDG7 custodian agencies, governments, academic institutions) to gather, manage, and share data and information relevant to energy access, clean cooking, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and just transitions.
Maintain structured repositories for SEforALLโs priority datasets, including metadata documentation and quality assurance checks.
Conduct exploratory and descriptive data and information analysis to identify trends, gaps, and policy-relevant insights from energy, socio-economic, (non-)geospatial and other datasets.
Contribute to programmatic decisions, country landscape analyses, and contribute to the design of modeling frameworks and workflows, and tailored dashboards.
Data and Information Visualization
Support the transformation of data and information into actionable energy intelligence through enhanced visualization, specifically to:
Design compelling and user-friendly visualizations (e.g., maps, dashboards, infographics, and interactive tools) that translate complex technical data and information into clear actionable insights for decision-makers.
Support the development of flagship publications and planning tools by designing intuitive visuals that improve interpretation and amplify impact.
Contribute to increased consistency of visual outputs to align with SEforALLโs brand identity, tone and messaging for effective communications.
Data Intelligence and Storytelling
Support improved storytelling by turning data and information into compelling narratives that enhance understanding, engagement, and action across diverse audiences on sustainable energy, specifically to:
Contribute to narrative development across SEforALLโs analytical products and reports, ensuring coherent and compelling data-driven storytelling.
Work with SEforALLโs Communications, MEL, and other teams to embed evidence and insights into strategic outputs (e.g., reports, policy briefs, media content).
Support in mainstreaming intergenerational and inclusive storytelling techniques to enhance public understanding and engagement on energy and climate issues.
a. Education
An Advanced Degree (Masters or equivalent) preferably in Energy Systems, Environment, Sustainability, Public Policy, Data Science or related field is required. A PhD in Energy Systems, Environment, Sustainability, Public Policy, Data Science or related field is an advantage.
A Bachelorโs degree in Energy Systems, Environment, Sustainability, Public Policy, Data Science or related field with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
b. Work Experience & Language Requirements
Minimum of two years of relevant experience in energy or climate-related analytics, ideally with a focus on energy transitions, access, especially in developing countries is required.
Demonstrated expertise in data collection, management, and translation into policy-relevant intelligence is required.
Experience in developing data visualizations and storytelling content, including through digital or geospatial platforms is desirable.
Direct experience working with multilateral institutions, government agencies, or development partners in developing countries is desirable.
Experience in writing reports and academic papers on just energy transition is desirable.
Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Flourish, GIS platforms) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python) is desirable.
c. Language
Fluency in English is required.
Working knowledge of another UN official language is an asset.
Competencies Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contract (IICA)
Contract level: ICS 9 /IICA 1
Contract duration: Ongoing ICA โ Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
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
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.