District Heating Emergency Coordinator, WASH Cluster Ukraine, Seconded to UNICEF  

Purpose of the job

The water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector in Ukraine is at a pivotal moment, with increasing emergencies linked to the impact of the war on already old and decaying infrastructure whose resilient is becoming thinner, increasing risks of system collapse. Ukraine’s bitter cold winter weather – dropping regularly to -20°C – combined with cumulative destruction of energy and heating infrastructure are expected to make the coming winter especially dangerous for children. National energy generation is now at one-third of pre-war capacity, and as of ay 2024, the country has been expecting the worst power outages seen since the start of the full-scale war. There has been $2.1 billion in damages to district heating systems up to the end of 2023, according to the third round of the Rapid Damage Needs Assessment. The heating season runs from October to April and all work needs to be completed before October; after the system is operational, it is no longer possible to add generation capacity or repair systems. While there is 20.9 billion m of gas in storage to run these systems – nearly four times the level of stores in 2019 – gas storage locations are also being targeted by strikes. District heating systems in Ukraine, crucial for supplying heat to homes, schools and hospitals, face significant challenges due to conflict-related damage.

UNICEF is implementing a comprehensive strategy to urgently repair and modernize these systems. UNICEF’s approach involved partnering with heating utilities to provide technical and financial assistance, supplies, and equipment for heating system repairs. Moreover, UNICEF leads the WASH Cluster, a coordination mechanism of over 100 implementing partners, particularly active in the frontline area. Notably, the Vodokanal Technical Cell of the WASH cluster conducts numerous assessment visits and supports the coordination of (currently) over 100 simultaneous projects across fifteen oblasts, mostly in Kherson, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Donetsk and Zaporizhzha, for support to water utilities. Such efforts ensure timely and informed response efforts while avoiding risks of gaps or duplication. On similar lines, to enhance coordination, UNICEF is establishing a District Heating Cell in the WASH Cluster, to oversee the heating system response, provide technical support, ensure proper prioritization and prevent gaps and duplications. 

Accordingly, the purpose of this post is to lead and manage the District Heating Technical Cell, providing technical and construction expertise on heating and energy systems, coordinating emergency response efforts, and supporting the development of long-term recovery plans for district heating infrastructure.

Responsibilities

The post holder will have the responsibility at the national level for the coordination and efficient management of humanitarian efforts for district heating, encompassing the following:

• Build strong networks with district heating companies and communal enterprises through specific field missions to assess and document needs and priorities, to enable response for district heating efforts, through the WASH Cluster and related implementing partners. This is also important to strengthen coordination of district heating initiatives, avoiding duplication and gaps in support.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, such as the Association of Heating Utilities, Association of Vodokanals, Association of Mayors, Rada Commission on Communal Services, and Ministry for Restoration/Infrastructure, to inform, with technical insight and input, technical assessments and review, and establish a coordinative and supportive relationship among all stakeholders.
• Undertake monitoring and evaluation exercises and develop monitoring and reporting frameworks for WASH programme implementation in the heating sector.
• Organize coordination meetings with government partners, heating companies, local authorities and NGOs/CSOs, tracking and mapping district heating efforts under implementation in Ukraine, focusing on the roadmap for recovery and resilience in the heating sector, and facilitate effective information transfer between Cluster partners and municipal authorities.
• Provide technical insight and input, especially related to construction and engineering, in responding to critical situations, to district heating companies, vodokanals, communal enterprises to implement projects in heating sector, when necessary.
• Organize trainings and lectures for the staff of heating companies and vodokanals to cover the topic of ensuring energy-efficient, high-quality, safe, environmentally friendly and reliable heating solutions.
• Develop Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) for agencies working on district heating emergency response and recovery.
• Ensure equitable and adequate mobilization and allocation of resources for district heating projects.

Accountabilities and duties & tasks

The post holder is accountable to:

• The UNICEF Representative in country and will be managed by the National WASH Cluster coordinator.
•  Participants of the country-led WASH Cluster.
• Inter-cluster coordination bodies established by the HCT/UNOCHA.
• Affected populations through agreed mechanisms.

Core functions:

• Network Building: Establish strong networks with district heating companies and communal enterprises through field missions. Assess and document needs and priorities to enable effective response efforts within the WASH Cluster and related implementing partners.
• Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including heating utilities, vodokanals, mayors, and government bodies. Provide technical insight for assessments, reviews, and establish supportive relationships among all stakeholders.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Undertake monitoring and evaluation exercises, developing frameworks for tracking WASH program implementation in the heating sector.

Planning and strategy development

• Coordination Meetings: Organize coordination meetings with government partners, heating companies, local authorities, and NGOs/CSOs. Track and map district heating efforts, focusing on recovery and resilience in the heating sector.
• Technical Insight: Provide technical input, especially related to construction and engineering, to address critical situations faced by district heating companies and communal enterprises during project implementation.

Advocacy

• Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs): Develop SOPs for agencies involved in district heating emergency response and recovery.
• Resource allocation: Ensure equitable and adequate mobilization and allocation of resources for district heating projects.
• Training and Lectures: Organize training sessions and lectures for staff from heat supply companies and vodokanals. Cover topics related to energy efficiency, quality, safety, environmental friendliness, and reliability in district heating.

Job grade factors

• Contribute to leadership, guidance, and direction for district heating emergency response and recovery efforts.
• Contribute to cluster goals and objectives related to district heating systems.

 Competencies

Core competencies:

• Understands the rationale behind Humanitarian Reform, its main components and recent developments including the Recovery Agenda.
• Understands, uses, and adapts the tools, mechanisms, and processes developed as part of Humanitarian Reform.
• Demonstrates commitment to Humanitarian Principles: https://docs.unocha.org/sites/dms/Documents/OOM-humanitarianprinciples_eng_June12.pdf
• Demonstrates commitment to Principles of Partnership: http://www.globalhumanitarianplatform.org/doc00003804.doc
• Communicates, works, and networks effectively with a wide range of people to reach broad consensus on a well-coordinated response, and demonstrates leadership where required.
• Thinks and acts strategically and ensures that district heating activities are prioritised and aligned within an agreed strategy.
• Demonstrates commitment to the WASH Cluster and independence from employing organization.
• Builds, motivates, and leads the relevant teams involved in the efforts.
• Successful track-record in presenting complex issues to various stakeholders effectively, sensitively, and within professional poise.

Professional Skills

• Ability to build trust, develop, and maintain effective working relationships with respect for diversity.
• Commitment to the UNICEF’s values and guiding principles.
• Communicates effectively including tailoring languages, tone, style, and format to match audiences; actively listens to perspectives of stakeholders and team members; interpreting messages and respond appropriately; speaking and writing clearly and efficient; and makes presentations in public with confidence.
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results.
• Fosters innovation and empowers management.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, as well as analytical skills, with an exemplary ability to identify problems and propose solutions.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with a commitment to excellence.
•  Strong interpersonal, teamwork, and self-management skills, as well as mature judgment.
•  Ability to perform under pressure while maintaining a sense of humour.

Technical competences

Deep understanding of critical technical aspects related to district heating systems and WASH engineering. Proficient engagement with stakeholders, to provide strategic guidance, and communicate effectively on complex engineering issues. Demonstrate expertise in construction, design, and implementation of heating infrastructure, ensuring energy efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.

Languages

The post holder will have at least CEFR level B1 in the following languages:

• English
• Knowledge of local languages and / or of another UN language will be an asset

Qualifications & experience

Qualifications

Advanced university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water and Sanitation Engineering, Energy Systems, or a related field relevant to district heating and WASH engineering. Extensive work experience in heating systems and WASH infrastructure may be considered as a replacement for formal qualifications.

Experience

At least 8 years of progressively responsible work experience in heating systems, energy infrastructure, or related fields, with a strong background in WASH engineering. Experience should include:

• Managing complex heating system projects or emergency responses.
• Coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government entities and international organizations.
• Familiarity with energy-efficient and cost-effective heating solutions.
• Experience in post-conflict or post-disaster recovery contexts is highly desirable.

Duty Station

Kyiv, Ukraine, with frequent travel to affected areas.

Starting date and duration of assignment:

As soon as possible for 12 months (6 months + 6 months extension)

Contract: SHA-contract.

This position is exclusively open to Swiss citizens (or Lichtenstein) or holder of a valid working permit (C permit) in Switzerland. Candidates who do not fulfil this condition will not receive response.

Contact

Odette Mauron
[email protected]
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
Humanitarian Aid
Field Resources H
Eichenweg 5
3003 Berne