Project Specialist

UNDP Viet Nam and Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit

Over the course of its 47-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 with a high level of international integration; from poor to low middle-income status; and towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 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, development partners and civil society organizations at various levels, as partners to contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Our services to the country include technical assistance, capacity building, pilot projects and policy advice in the areas of (i) governance and participation; (ii) inclusive growth; and (iii) climate change, the environment, and enabling a just energy transition. 

 Just Energy Transition Partnership 

At the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, the Prime Minister pledged Viet Nam’s 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. Overall, Viet Nam’s 2050 net-zero targets and other climate commitments to realize Viet Nam’s NDC and 2050 carbon neutrality commitments 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.

In December 2022, Viet Nam and the International Partners Group (IPG), a set of industrialized 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 decarbonization 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. JETP represents both a long-term, ambitious partnerships and a long-term legal framework for the low-carbon transition of Viet Nam’s economy.

The Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1009/QD-TTg dated August 31, 2023, approving the Implementation plan of the PD on the JETP (hereafter called the Scheme), an effort to legally formalize the approval of the PD and implementation structure, including the allocation of roles and responsibilities to ministries and agencies. Also, the Scheme highlights priority areas to enable the promotion and development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and related technologies, among other key areas, towards the realization of the net-zero target.

On 14th July 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 845/QD-TTg on Establishment of the JETP Implementation Secretariat, in accordance with paragraph 23 of the JETP PD, with the Secretariat directed by the Government of Viet Nam. The Secretariat is tasked with the development and implementation of the JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) in accordance with the JETP PD. Ultimately, the Secretariat is tasked with assisting the Prime Minister, through the COP26 Steering Committee, in coordinating with the IPG and coordinating the work related to the JETP PD.

Viet Nam’s JETP RMP was launched in December 2023 at COP28. This is the first step in implementing the JETP, providing a plan on how to mobilise resources as well as a roadmap to achieve just energy transition goals. The JETP RMP is a “living document”, proposing numerous priority policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects which are to be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis to maximise 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.

The 5th Session of the COP26 National Steering Committee to Implement Viet Nam’s Commitments at COP26 was held on 2 October 2024. It concluded that there is a need to accelerate the development of “mechanisms, policies, and regulations to prioritize green transformation” as well as the implementation of priority projects focused on energy transition under the JETP framework. It also issued new directives to enhance governance of JETP implementation by assigning the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) the role of JETP Secretariat Standing Agency, with the responsibility of providing necessary personnel, resources, working facilities. The Working Groups (WGs) under different ministries, led by vice ministers will be reconsidered, also because some ministries will be merged with others.

To realize the tasks of the JETP Secretariat and the Technology and Energy WG (T&E WG), MOIT proposed and are operationalizing sub-working groups (SWG) across 8 key working teams (WTs) to be prioritized, namely (1) Energy Storage Systems (ESS); (2) CFPP transition; (3) RE Centre; (4) Offshore Wind (OSW); (5) Smart Grids; (6) Hydrogen; (7) Capacity Building and Training for Energy Transition; and (8) Energy Efficiency. The 8 WTs are established with a cooperation mechanism between the Government and IPG and include financial support from the IPG. Each team is chaired by one appointed Government-affiliated agency and co-chaired by one IPG member with support from relevant stakeholders across International Development Partners (GIZ, USAID, JICA, GEAPP, AFD, ADB, WB, etc.), including UNDP. These working teams oversee the implementation of concrete actions and roadmaps which enable the development of their respective priority projects, ensuring MOIT’s fulfilment of Viet Nam’s JETP commitments.

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 assistance, procuring and providing human resources for the operations of the Secretariat. This entails the Secretariat and SSA setting up a pool of administrative support staff and technical experts to support the WGs and the advancing the development as well as implementation of policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects.

On this basis, UNDP is seeking a National JETP Energy Development Specialist to provide, inter alia, strategic advice and technical assistance to the government on energy and technology policies and strategies to develop the roadmaps and action plans for JETP’s energy prioritized projects, particularly those are considered transformative and breakthrough, and facilitate the implementation of JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (JETP RMP). Moreover, these efforts may also entail aiding with coordinating technical and technology transfer activities.

 Duties and Responsibilities

The Energy Project Development Specialist works under direct supervision and reports to JETP Programme Team Lead in the Climate Change Environment and Energy Unit. 

The primary objective of the JETP Energy Development Specialist is to facilitate the transparent selection, prioritization, and preparation of breakthrough energy projects, ensuring alignment with Vietnamese regulations and JETP principles. The Energy Development Specialist will provide strategic energy expertise across SSA’s energy support activities, working in close coordination with the Government of Vietnam (GoVN), the International Partners Group (IPG), and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) stakeholders to drive JETP implementation. 

The Energy Development Specialist provides holistic facilitation across wider initiatives of JETP stakeholders and their ecosystems to help prioritize crucial SSA support, particularly focusing on enabling impactful energy breakthroughs’ will advise on integrating innovative technologies (such as wind, solar, and energy storage) into project designs and ensure local capacity building for sustainable operations. Additionally, the role will ensure that the Just Transition Framework is integrated into JETP project development.

Under the general supervision of JETP Team Lead, the Energy Development Specialist shall support the JETP Secretariat in the implementation of the JETP RMP and operationalization of the MOIT’s General and Energy (G&E) WG. The Specialist is expected to undertake the following activities under the 5 key areas:

Area 1. Lead UNDP/SSA Support for the Facilitation of (Breakthrough) Energy Projects 

• Develop concept notes, proposals, roadmaps, and action plans to enable funding and implementation pathways for priority projects.
• Maintains a technical overview of potential JETP projects, facilitating their progression from initial concept through design and development, toward potential implementation in support of achieving Net Zero by 2050.
• Provide inputs and technical support for project approval processes within MOIT and JETP Secretariat.
• Assist co-leads and members of the sub-working groups (e.g., Offshore Wind, Renewable Energy Industrial Zones, Energy Storage) in defining project scopes, objectives, and outcomes.
• Collaborates with the relevant sub-working groups on assigned projects to advance them from the design phase toward potential implementation.
• Provide regular technical inputs into MOIT’s sub-working groups, in particularly being a active member of 2-3 groups and providing regular support for project prioritization, resolving challenges, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
• Conduct high-level reviews of energy policies, national energy plans (e.g., PDP8), and technology trends to identify gaps, resource needs, and actionable recommendations.
• Present findings and recommendations at sub-working group meetings and engage with SSA, IPG, and G&E WG stakeholders to align projects with JETP goals.
• Provide strategic advice and technical assistance to stakeholders (e.g., G&E WG, IPG, developers) on technology adoption and policy applicability.
• Support PVN, EVN, VinaComin, and others if required, in channeling technical assistance to undertake feasibility studies for investment-ready projects (e.g., Offshore Wind, BESS, Smart Grid).
• Provide technical inputs monitoring priority policies and TA activities under the JETP RMP as part of JETP M&E framework.

Area 2. Strengthening planning and policy frameworks to support JETP implementation and prioritize breakthrough projects 

• Develop TORs for policy actions in collaboration with the G&E WG, detailing objectives, deliverables, and required resources.
• Provide peer reviews, comments, and technical inputs on policy research and recommendations.
• Advise PVN, EVN, VinaComin, and other entities in channeling technical assistance for pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for investment-ready projects (e.g., offshore wind, energy storage, hydrogen).
• Monitor and supervise the implementation of priority policies, projects, and TA activities outlined in the JETP RMP
• Contribute to updates and refinements of the JETP RMP by proposing amendments and supplemental actions based on emerging insights and project progress.
• Collaborate on the preparation of annual/bi-annual workplans for the G&E WG, aligning activities with JETP objectives.
• Support effective data collection and reporting on progress of JETP activities and related investments of the General and Energy WG, in alignment with the agreed M&E Framework.
• Provide technical support on monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of government and RMP energy projects, to track progress towards RMP objectives, identify challenges, and recommend corrective measures.

Area 3 – Provide strategic support to effective implementation of JETP priorities through day-to-day technical advice and coordination 

• Collect and report data on JETP activities and investments, adhering to the M&E framework.
• Collaborate with the other Energy Transition related initiatives, like for example the Viet Nam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG), and its respective Technical Working Groups, to advance technical policy formulation and technology adoption.
• Collaborate with the other experts of WGs and the JETP Secretariat (Legal and institutional experts and public finance experts) for fostering collaboration with IPG and GFANZ representatives to address bottlenecks, challenges, and policy prescriptions as needed in JETP implementation activities.
• Provide technical support on updating of the JETP RMP, as required, through the proposal of amendments and supplementation of the RMP as well as subsequent implementation.

Area 4 – Build JETP stakeholder capacities to ensure sustainable operations and the long-term success of energy projects under JETP 

• Design and deliver targeted training programs for policymakers, project developers, and financiers on emerging technologies and JETP-aligned practices.
• Facilitate workshops to promote the adoption of innovative energy solutions across sectors.
• Organize knowledge-sharing events and technical sessions to disseminate best practices and lessons learned. Logistics arrangement cost (if any) will be borne by UNDP.
• Stay updated on global and local innovations in the energy transition to inform capacity-building efforts.

Area 5 – Provide technical review and develop knowledge products for SSA/JETP Secretariat and IPG 

• Provide technical reviews and substantive inputs into SSA guidelines, reports, and policy briefs.
• Ensure knowledge products are aligned with JETP priorities and offer actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Develop materials that highlight the importance of specific technologies and regulatory adaptations for achieving JETP goals.
• Advocate for evidence-based policy adjustments to address gaps and enable project implementation.
• 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 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

 Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

2030 Agenda: Partnership    

• Sustainable Energy Hub. Renewable Energy;
• Sustainable Energy Hub. Just Energy Transition;

Data    

• Data analysis. Ability to extract, analyze and visualize data (including Real-Time Data) to form meaningful insights and aid effective decision making

General (across the functions)    

• Event planning and execution. Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.

Partnership management    

• Private sector engagement. Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector

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    

• Human-centered Design. Ability to develop solutions to problems by involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process.  Knowledge and understanding of human centered design principles and practices.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Engineering, Energy Economics, Environmental Science, Energy Policy, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field 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 give due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience working in energy sector and climate change, particularly in formulating and analysis of energy technologies, energy regulatory frameworks; development of strategies and plans/ policy papers and recommendations on Just and Sustainable Energy Transition.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc), database packages, and web-based management systems.
• Demonstrable experience supporting and/or contributing to the energy project development process:
• Proven experience in concept notes, project proposals, and successful mobilization of resources (particularly in blending public and private finance)
• Proven experience in relevant thematic areas of energy transition: coal power plant transition, offshore winds, battery and energy storage system, transmission grids, energy efficiency, solar PV.
• Having at least 10 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing policy formulation and policy implementation in energy sector is an asset.
• Experience in design, monitoring and evaluation and management of development projects; sound knowledge of international best practices, national policies, legal and institutional frameworks in energy and climate change.
• Broad experience working with the Vietnamese government agencies and international organizations.
• Having experience working in UN agencies or international organizations;
• Good knowledge of gender equality and civil society participation are advantageous.
• Good analytical, conceptualization and communication skills;

Required languages:

• Fluency in English and Vietnamese is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Source : https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/25614