Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Viet Nam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Since the early 2010s, the Government of Viet Nam has developed and is implementing a series of national strategies and action plans on climate change, green growth, and low-carbon sustainable development. The Government adopted the National Green Growth Strategy (NGGS) 2021-2030, vision to 2050 (Decision 1658/QD-TTg dated October 1, 2021) and the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) in July 2022. The National Power Development Plan for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045 (PDP8), was promulgated in May 2023 with the objective to ensure national energy security, diversification, and sustainable development in the electricity sector.
In addition, Viet Nam has also shown strong commitment to climate policy on the international stage. At the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, the Government pledged the country commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In November 2022, Viet Nam submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC. This revised commitment outlines Viet Nam’s measures and targets to reducing its national GHG emissions by 15.8 percent compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 or up to 43.5 percent, conditional upon international support. Viet Nam has also joined significant global pledges affiliated with ending new coal plant construction and phasing out existing ones, slashing methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and halting deforestation by 2030.
Viet Nam’s 2050 net-zero targets and other climate commitments to realize Viet Nam’s NDC have bold implications in terms of economic opportunities, improved environmental health, and enhanced energy security. However, overcoming economic disruption, social and political challenges, and high initial costs requires an all-of-government approach to emissions mitigation from fossil fuel consumption in all end-use sectors, particularly industry, transportation, buildings, as well as agriculture and fisheries
UNDP in Viet Nam
Over the course of its 45-year presence in Viet Nam, UNDP has been assisting Viet Nam with its successful transition from war to reconstruction; from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy; from poor to low middle-income status; and towards achieving first the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2000-2015 and then the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030. UNDP Viet Nam works closely with the Government of Viet Nam, line ministries and local governments, the Party and National Assembly, and related commissions. We also work with the private sector, national think tanks, and civil society organizations at various levels, as partners to contribute towards 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our services to the country include capacity strengthening support, technical assistance, and policy advice on (i) governance and participation; (ii) inclusive growth; and (iii) climate change, the environment, and enabling a just energy transition. This assistance is primarily done through programme cycles which are reflected in Country Programme Documents (CPD) for Viet Nam, the latest of which may be found here covering the period of 2022-2026.
Organizationally, the UNDP CO is divided into two main business tracks (programme and operations) and managed by a Senior Management team consisting of the Resident Representative, the Deputy Resident Representative, and the heads of the three main programme units, which are: (i) the Climate Change, Energy and Environment (CEEU); (ii) the Governance and Participation; and (iii) the Inclusive and Equitable Growth Team.
The six portfolios under the umbrella of the CCEEU are:
- Climate and disaster resilience;
- Green and Low-carbon development;
- Circular Economy and Waste/Plastic;
- Natural Resources and Biodiversity;
- Climate – Health and;
- GEF’s Small Grants Programme.
Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)
In December 2022, Viet Nam and the International Partners Group (IPG), a set of industrialised economies comprising the European Union, United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland, United States of America, Japan, Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, and Kingdom of Norway agreed to a Political Declaration (PD) on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The landmark agreement recognizes the need to accelerate actions tied to the Paris Agreement (PA) by supporting “Viet Nam’s low-emission and climate resilient development, as well as to support Viet Nam to accelerate the just transition and decarbonisation of the electricity system and develop new economic opportunities to support Viet Nam’s transition towards net zero future”. These efforts entail the Government of Viet Nam, IPG, and Global Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) working group members mobilizing at least $7.75 bn of public sector finance and $7.75 bn in private finance over the next 3 to 5 years. To implement the JETP, Viet Nam and IPG launched the Viet Nam’s JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) at COP28. The JETP RMP is proposing priority policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects which are to be reviewed, updated and prioritised to maximise Viet Nam’s ambition towards JETP targets. The JETP RMP presents a “pipeline of [new] opportunities consistent with the Government of Viet Nam’s position” towards the development and implementation of, inter alia, “wind, solar, transmission, energy efficiency, storage, electric vehicles, training, retraining and vocational training support for employment” and address halting of investment and/or closure of coal-fired power plants.
To support the JETP implementation, the Government established the JETP Secretariat, in accordance with paragraph 23 of the JETP PD, led by Minister of Natural Resource and Environment and supported by 4 Working Groups (WGs) namely the General (Synthesis) WG, the Institutional, Policy, and Investment WG the Technology and Energy WG, and the Finance WG.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam has been designated as the Secretariat Support Agency (SSA). As a partial function of this role, UNDP provides administrative and technical assistance to the JETP Secretariat. This entails the Secretariat and SSA setting up a pool of administrative support staff and technical experts to support the WGs and advance the development as well as implementation of policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects.
To support the implementation of JETP, climate change and energy portfolio projects and formulation of new projects, UNDP is seeking a National Coordinator on Climate Change and Energy.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under overall guidance of the Head of Climate Change, Energy, the National Coordinator will report to the Programme Analysts in charge of JETP, Climate change and Energies.
Reporting to the National Programme Analysts in charge of JETP, Energy and Climate Change portfolio, the National Coordinator has the following 3 functions:
- Effective coordination of SSA technical services to the Secretariat and 4 working groups of the JETP, and relevant projects.
- Effective facilitation to the implementation of assigned projects and formulation of new JETP and climate change-related projects for resource mobilization.
- Effective facilitation to the knowledge management.
Effective coordination of SSA technical services to the Secretariat and 4 working groups of the JETP, and relevant projects
- Enhance regular liaison and coordination with MONRE’s General Working Group, the Task Force of the JETP Secretariat and 03 other technical working groups in the preparation, implementation, M&E and reporting on the JETP Secretariat and WGs’ work-plans, ensuring timely and quality delivery of technical support by the SSA;
- Support the Programme Analysts and UNDP’s focal points in liaising with JETP ministries (MPI, MOF, MOIT, MOLISA, MOT, MOC..) to facilitate their engagement in JETP activities, ensuring timely and effective technical support by SSA to the ministries on an as-need basis;
- Coordinate and facilitate regular working sessions, managerial and/ or technical meetings and workshops organized by the JETP Secretariat and working groups on an as-need basis;
- Support in the TOR development and recruitment/ procurement of the supporting staff of the JETP Secretariat and 04 WGs (Coordinators, Communications Officer and Assistants) and technical advisor/experts for the implementation of JET RMP.
- Ensure the effective planning, implementation and M&E of the UK and EU-financed project to support the JETP Sec and its 4 WGs, based on Financial Agreement, and in accordance with the agreed rules, regulations, and policies between UNDP and the donors.
- Support the Government counterparts in setting up a proper system, templates, and tools for their project implementation.
Effective facilitation to the implementation of assigned projects and formulation of new JETP and climate change project initiatives for resource mobilization.
- Facilitate the implementation of assigned projects through effective support to the work-planning, recruitment/ procurement and management of Human Resources/ experts/ firms/ services, coordination with project partners, organization of meetings/ workshops, inputs to project M&E and reporting process for smooth implementation and timely delivery of project outputs.
- Work with Programme Analysts and technical advisors in Viet Nam and in Bangkok Regional Hub to identify opportunities to mobilize resources from international finance for climate change, and relevant funding-windows for related subjects, and ensure linkages between programmes and projects in Viet Nam and these at regional and global levels;
- Effectively coordinate, facilitate and support the formulation, appraisal and approval of UNDP concept notes and pipeline project proposals on climate change resilience and health. This includes (i) liaising and coordinating with government counterparts and related stakeholders to ensure that they are well-informed and engaged in the development processes; (ii) timely mobilization of technical inputs/experts to address information gaps for the formulation, appraisal and approval processes; (iii) preparing necessary documentations, reports and/or plans, as part of UNDP and donors’ requests, for submission and appraisal of pipeline projects; and collecting necessary data and information for the project formulation.
Provide facilitation to the knowledge management and other services to climate change and energy portfolios.
- Support to collect, compile, and provide information when required as well as provide assistance and support in preparation of project briefs, presentations, reports.
- Establish and regularly archive all project knowledges and technical deliverables of project consultants for common use by line ministries and for UNDP reporting
- Facilitate in preparation of note verbal’s and draft official correspondence to relevant project partners;
- Take notes or prepare minutes at meetings and ensure follow up.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy:
- System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Development:
- Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bringing together diverse groups of people, data, information or ideas, an technology to design services or solutions
Partnership management:
- Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
Business Management:
- Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
- Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs.- Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Legal:
- Legal writing skills: The ability to analyse fact patterns and present argumentation in written form. This includes the ability to draft memoranda, legal briefs and other submissions to external parties, in both an advocacy and objective format, and legal opinions. It also includes the ability to convey legal analysis and recommendations to internal parties in written form, with a particular view towards communicating for the particular audience who may not be a lawyer or have legal background.
Partnership management
- Strategic engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Administration, Environment, Climate Change or related fields is required. Or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree
Experience:
- Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national and sub-national level in project/ program management, planning and implementation, coordination of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects/ programs is required
- Demonstrated experience in providing coordination for development and implementation of national policies, legal and institutional frameworks in energy, climate change, low-carbon and related sectors
- Experience in using data and research findings, and project management skills to enable the implementation of multi-disciplinary projects is desired.
- Experience in coordination of multi-disciplinary energy transition programs/ projects and private sector will be a strong advantage.
- Experience of working as a team and coordinating groups of experts from multiple disciplines at national level is an asset.
- Experience of gender equality and social inclusiveness is advantageous.
- Broad experience working with the Vietnamese government agencies, international and national financing institutions is desired
Language Requirement:
- Fluency in Vietnamese and English is required
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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