Extremely Detailed Explanation of the “Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term)” Position with UNDP in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term) position with UNDP in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. This analysis covers:
- Context of the Position
- Overview of UNDP’s Mission in Moldova
- Energy Efficiency and Moldova’s Strategic Needs
- Detailed Breakdown of the Role
- Core Responsibilities
- Required Qualifications
- Technical Competencies
- Soft Skills and Behavioral Traits
- Organizational Relationships and Stakeholders
- Challenges in the Role
- Expected Deliverables
- Relevance of the Short-Term Nature
- Opportunities for Impact and Professional Growth
- Career Pathways After the Role
1. Context of the Position
The Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term) role exists within the framework of UNDP Moldova’s broader efforts to improve environmental sustainability, strengthen energy infrastructure, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. This role is likely linked to a project or funding cycle with specific goals that must be accomplished in a defined timeframe.
The short-term nature usually means:
- There are specific, measurable deliverables tied to a grant or donor-funded initiative.
- The UNDP is responding to an urgent need – possibly a policy shift, regional energy crisis, or infrastructure assessment.
- The role may later lead to long-term opportunities depending on performance, funding, and national progress.
2. Overview of UNDP’s Mission in Moldova
The UNDP Country Office in Moldova works on:
- Democratic governance
- Resilient communities
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Energy efficiency reforms
- Gender and inclusion
Energy efficiency aligns with Moldova’s commitments under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement, National Energy and Climate Plan, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Energy Efficiency and Moldova’s Strategic Needs
Energy security is a critical issue for Moldova due to:
- Dependence on imported energy (especially from Ukraine and Russia).
- Aging infrastructure in public buildings, industries, and residential sectors.
- Vulnerability to energy price shocks.
- Need for sustainable practices in heating and power systems.
UNDP helps the government by:
- Developing Energy Efficiency Strategies.
- Supporting energy audits and green building codes.
- Financing pilot projects through instruments like ESCOs (Energy Service Companies).
- Building institutional capacity.
4. Detailed Breakdown of the Role
Job Title:
Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term)
Location:
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (primarily office-based with potential field visits)
Type of Contract:
National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA), usually administered under UNDP’s Individual Contractor framework.
Duration:
Typically 3–6 months, possibly extendable depending on funding and project phases.
5. Core Responsibilities
The Officer will be tasked with planning, implementation, coordination, and technical advisory roles. This includes:
a) Technical Assessments and Data Collection
- Conduct energy audits in public and private buildings.
- Assess the thermal performance of infrastructure.
- Develop baseline and benchmark indicators for energy usage.
- Review electricity, heating, and fuel consumption data.
b) Policy and Strategy Support
- Provide input to national/regional energy efficiency policies.
- Align local initiatives with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and Energy Community Treaty.
- Contribute to the development of legal frameworks, subsidies, or incentives for EE (energy efficiency) improvements.
c) Project Management
- Support project work plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Liaise with technical consultants, contractors, and municipalities.
- Monitor the procurement of materials or retrofit services.
- Track project KPIs, GHG reduction metrics, and cost savings.
d) Capacity Building and Training
- Organize workshops for local authorities, building managers, and engineers.
- Develop training manuals or toolkits on energy audits, insulation, HVAC systems, and renewable integration.
- Coach local counterparts on measurement and verification (M&V) standards.
e) Outreach and Awareness
- Contribute to public awareness campaigns on energy savings.
- Work with communication specialists to produce newsletters, infographics, and web content.
- Present technical data in non-technical language for stakeholders and beneficiaries.
6. Required Qualifications
a) Education:
- At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline.
- A Master’s Degree is often preferred, especially for seniority and decision-making input.
b) Experience:
- 2–5 years of professional experience in energy efficiency, engineering, energy audits, or building retrofitting.
- Experience with international donors, particularly UNDP, EU, or World Bank, is an advantage.
- Experience in public procurement and working with municipalities or government agencies is highly desirable.
c) Certifications (Preferred):
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
- ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems
- LEED / BREEAM for green buildings
7. Technical Competencies
- Energy Performance Diagnostics: Knowledge of modeling tools (e.g., RETScreen, EnergyPlus, or TRNSYS).
- Thermal Insulation Materials and Energy-Efficient HVAC systems.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) and Return on Investment (ROI) modeling for EE projects.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Familiarity with Moldova’s Law on Energy Efficiency or EU EE Directives.
- Reporting Skills: Preparing technical documents, progress reports, and donor updates.
Table of Contents
8. Soft Skills and Behavioral Traits
- Analytical Thinking: For interpreting energy consumption data and proposing technical solutions.
- Communication Skills: Translating complex engineering concepts for government and civil society.
- Adaptability: Comfortable with field visits and a mix of office/technical environments.
- Team Collaboration: Engaging with multidisciplinary teams (lawyers, economists, project managers).
- Results-Oriented Mindset: Ability to work under pressure with tight timelines.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Working with local authorities, often in Russian/Romanian-speaking environments.
9. Organizational Relationships and Stakeholders
You will liaise with:
- UNDP Moldova Climate and Environment Cluster
- Energy Efficiency Agency (EEA)
- Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development
- Local governments and mayors’ offices
- Contractors, engineers, and site inspectors
- Funding partners (GCF, EU, SIDA, etc.)
- Civil society groups working on energy poverty or green transitions
10. Challenges in the Role
- Outdated Infrastructure: Many public buildings were constructed decades ago with little thermal insulation.
- Funding Bottlenecks: Delays in procurement or grant disbursement.
- Stakeholder Fragmentation: Overlapping responsibilities across ministries.
- Public Skepticism: Resistance from local actors due to unfamiliarity with EE measures.
- Urgency: As a short-term role, timelines are often aggressive.
11. Expected Deliverables
By the end of the assignment, you may be expected to produce:
- Energy Audit Reports for a set number of buildings or municipalities.
- Feasibility Studies for retrofitting or modernization projects.
- Training Modules for government staff or community engineers.
- Procurement Specifications (e.g., for LED lighting, insulation material, smart meters).
- Monitoring Frameworks to evaluate EE project results post-implementation.
- Final Report summarizing lessons learned, challenges, and recommendations.
12. Relevance of the Short-Term Nature
Short-term posts often:
- Are tied to pilot projects or project closure needs.
- Help UNDP meet donor-imposed deadlines.
- Provide specialist technical support during key phases (audit, design, evaluation).
- Can lead to future re-engagement or consultancies if successful.
13. Opportunities for Impact and Professional Growth
Even in a short time, you can:
- Help reduce GHG emissions at a national level.
- Improve public service delivery (e.g., warmer schools and hospitals).
- Contribute to data-driven policymaking.
- Build your reputation with UNDP and international partners.
- Gain practical exposure to climate finance mechanisms, like ESCOs or PPPs.
- Position yourself for future long-term posts, project lead roles, or UN consultancy pools.
14. Career Pathways After the Role
This position opens doors to:
- Technical Advisor roles in climate/energy.
- Project Management roles with UNDP, UNEP, or GIZ.
- Consultancy work with World Bank, IFC, or EU delegations.
- Regional roles in energy policy or urban sustainability.
- PhD or academic fellowships in sustainable energy or green infrastructure.
Would you like a customized application letter, CV optimization tips, or a mock interview guide for this role? Or should I expand on any section (e.g., procurement involvement or monitoring tools)?
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term) in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. This role is integral to the “Greening the Future: Advancing Rights and Stability” project, which is part of the broader “Accelerating a Just Energy Transition in the Republic of Moldova” initiative. The project aims to address the ongoing energy crisis by promoting a green and just energy transition, enhancing energy security, and laying the groundwork for sustainable development.
Role Overview
The Energy Efficiency Officer will be responsible for implementing activities under two key outcomes:
- Intensify Demand Creation and Access to Funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Residential Buildings: This involves organizing public competitions to select Homeowners Associations for energy audits, developing technical documents for energy efficiency interventions, and participating in training and awareness programs.
- Enhance MSMEs Access and Investment Opportunities in Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies: The officer will design and roll out an energy audit program for MSMEs, promote the adoption of Energy Management Systems, oversee market assessments for introducing additional instruments like energy savings insurance, and develop technical assistance programs to create an enabling environment for investments into renewable energy sources and energy efficiency at the local level.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct Energy Audits: Organize and monitor energy audits for multi-storey buildings and MSMEs, ensuring the development of necessary technical documents and the implementation of energy efficiency interventions.
- Develop Technical Assistance Programs: Create programs to support investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency at the local level, including the development of Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) for selected localities.
- Knowledge Product Development: Collaborate with the project team to assess energy efficiency supporting programs, highlight current needs and opportunities for interventions, and develop lessons learned knowledge products.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to ensure effective implementation of project activities and the promotion of sustainable energy practices.http://🔗 UNDP Energy Efficiency Officer Job Posting
Qualifications
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Energy, Engineering, or other closely related fields is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree.
- Experience: A minimum of 2 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressively acquired experience in project implementation, preferably in the energy sector and climate change fields. Experience in conducting energy audits and engaging with a variety of stakeholders is essential.
- Languages: Fluency in English, Romanian, and Russian is required. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to Moldova, such as Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, is an asset.
- Skills: Proficiency in computer applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.), strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.@vacancyspaces.com
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:UNDP Moldova
- Personal CV or P11: Indicating all past positions held, their main functions, durations, qualifications, and contact details of at least three recent professional references.
- Cover Letter: A one-page letter indicating why the candidate considers themselves suitable for the position.
Managers may request additional materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of experience, such as reports, presentations, or publications.
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
For more details and to apply, please visit the official job posting: UNDP Energy Efficiency Officer Job Posting
Sources
The Energy Efficiency Officer position in Chisinau, Moldova, offered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is a pivotal role aimed at advancing the country’s transition towards sustainable energy practices. This short-term, full-time position under a National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8) is central to implementing energy efficiency initiatives within residential buildings and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Responsibilities:
- Residential Energy Efficiency Initiatives:
- Organize public competitions to select Homeowners Associations (HOAs) for energy audits and subsequent efficiency interventions.
- Develop technical documents and monitor the implementation of energy efficiency measures in selected multi-storey buildings.
- Participate in training and awareness programs for HOAs on energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
- MSME Energy Efficiency Programs:
- Design and implement energy audit programs targeting ambitious MSMEs to promote energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
- Encourage the adoption of Energy Management Systems among MSMEs.
- Market Assessment and Financial Instruments:
- Oversee market assessments to introduce instruments that facilitate the uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures by MSMEs.
- Develop Terms of Reference for suppliers conducting these assessments and ensure stakeholder consultations are integrated.
- Local Energy Planning Support:
- Assist in developing Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) for selected localities, including monitoring and capacity-building programs for local public authorities.
- Knowledge Management:
- Collaborate with project teams to assess existing energy efficiency support programs and develop knowledge products highlighting lessons learned and opportunities for intervention.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Education: A Master’s Degree in Energy, Engineering, or related fields is required. A Bachelor’s Degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
- Experience: At least two years of progressively responsible experience in project implementation, preferably in the energy sector and climate change fields.
- Languages: Fluency in English, Romanian, and Russian is required. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to Moldova, such as Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, is an asset.
- Skills: Proficiency in MS Office applications, experience with web-based management systems, and familiarity with energy audits and stakeholder engagement.
Competencies:
- Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.UNjobs
- Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates/respects differences, aware of unconscious bias, confronts discrimination.
- Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:
- Results-based Management: Ability to manage projects with a focus on improved performance and demonstrable results.UNjobs
- Project Management: Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
- System Thinking: Ability to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system.UNjobs
- Monitoring: Ability to provide regular feedback on project performance and results.
- Agile Methodologies: Ability to manage projects through continuous iteration, learning, and improvement.UNjobs
- Futures & Foresight: Ability to identify patterns and trends to inform decision-making with a long-term view.UNjobs
- CSO Engagement: Knowledge and understanding of Civil Society Organizations and the ability to engage with them.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit:
- A personal CV or P11 form detailing past positions, qualifications, and contact information for at least three professional references.
- A cover letter (maximum one page) explaining suitability for the position.
- Additional materials such as reports, presentations, or publications may be requested.
Equal Opportunity:
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, or background.
Application Deadline:
Applications must be submitted by April 17, 2025, at 10:59 PM.
For more information and to apply, please visit the official job posting.
Sources
The Energy Efficiency Officer (Short-Term) position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Chisinau, Moldova, is a pivotal role aimed at advancing the country’s transition towards sustainable and energy-efficient practices. This role is integral to the “Accelerating a Just Energy Transition in the Republic of Moldova” initiative, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency in residential buildings and promoting green technologies among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Responsibilities
The Energy Efficiency Officer will undertake a range of tasks to support the project’s objectives:
- Energy Audits for Residential Buildings:
- Organize a public competition to select at least 25 Homeowners Associations for energy audits.
- Develop Terms of Reference for procuring companies to perform these audits.
- Monitor the implementation of contracts and technical work performance.
- Participate in developing and implementing training programs for homeowners on energy efficiency and renewable energy measures.
- Energy Audits for MSMEs:
- Design and implement an energy audit program targeting at least 25 MSMEs.
- Promote the adoption of Energy Management Systems among selected MSMEs.
- Market Assessment for Energy Efficiency Measures:
- Oversee a market assessment to introduce additional instruments for higher uptake of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures by MSMEs.
- Develop Terms of Reference for suppliers conducting the assessment.
- Ensure stakeholder consultations within the assessment exercise.
- Technical Assistance for Local Investments:
- Develop a technical assistance program to create an enabling environment for investments into renewable energy and energy efficiency at the local level.
- Develop Terms of Reference for suppliers to develop Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) for selected localities.
- Monitor contract implementation and deliverables.
- Knowledge Product Development:
- Collaborate with the project team to assess energy efficiency support programs for residential and private sectors.
- Develop knowledge products highlighting lessons learned and opportunities for intervention.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Energy, Engineering, or related fields.
- Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in project implementation, preferably in the energy sector and climate change fields.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement across public, private, and academic sectors.
- Familiarity with energy audit activities and donor requirements.
- Languages:
- Fluency in English, Romanian, and Russian.
- Knowledge of additional languages relevant to Moldova, such as Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian, or sign language, is an asset.
Competencies
- Core Competencies:
- Achieve Results: Plans and monitors own work, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: Open to creative ideas, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: Shares knowledge, learns from mistakes.
- Adapt with Agility: Adapts to change, handles uncertainty.
- Act with Determination: Shows drive and motivation.
- Engage and Partner: Demonstrates understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Appreciates differences, confronts discrimination.
- Technical Competencies:
- Results-based Management: Manages projects with a focus on performance and results.
- Project Management: Plans and controls resources to achieve specific goals.
- System Thinking: Understands how interrelated elements coexist within a process.
- Monitoring: Provides regular feedback on project performance.
- Agile Methodologies: Manages projects through continuous iteration and improvement.
- Futures & Foresight: Identifies patterns and trends to inform decision-making.
- CSO Engagement: Engages effectively with Civil Society Organizations.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Personal CV or P11 form, indicating past positions held, main functions, durations, qualifications, and contact details of at least three recent professional references.
- A cover letter (maximum one page) explaining suitability for the position.
- Additional materials such as reports, presentations, or publications may be requested.
UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, or other status.
Additional Information
- Job Schedule: Full-timeUN Talent+3UNjobs+3Unjoblink+3
- Contract Duration: 6 months
- Grade: NPSA-8
- Vacancy Type: National Personnel Service AgreementUNjobs
- Practice Area: Nature, Climate, and Energy
- Bureau: Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS
- Application Deadline: April 17, 2025, 10:59 PM
For more details and to apply, please visit the official job posting:
🔗 UNDP Energy Efficiency Officer Job Posting
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