“Comprehensive Job Breakdown: Project Specialist JETP Energy Development at UNDP Viet Nam”

April 16, 2025

11 minutes read

“Comprehensive Job Breakdown: Project Specialist JETP Energy Development at UNDP Viet Nam“UNDP Project Specialist position (NPSA-10) in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, here is an extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) about the role, its context, responsibilities, qualifications, and strategic significance — particularly within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and Vietnam’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2050.Vacancies

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1. Overview of the Job: Project Specialist (JETP Energy Development Specialist)

Title: Project Specialist
Level: National Personnel Services Agreement (NPSA-10)
Location: Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Contract Type/Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Practice Area: Nature, Climate and Energy
Languages Required: Fluent in Vietnamese and English
Deadline to Apply: April 25, 2025
Education & Experience Requirements:
- Master’s Degree + 5 years of relevant experience, OR
- Bachelor’s Degree + 7 years of experience

2. Contextual Background

2.1 UNDP in Viet Nam

UNDP has had a presence in Vietnam for over 47 years. It has supported the country’s:

Recovery post-conflict and war
Transition from a centrally-planned to a market economy
Rise from poverty to lower middle-income status
Aspirations to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Key work areas include:

Governance and participation
Inclusive growth
Climate change and environment, including energy transitions

UNDP partners with:

Central and local governments
Party and National Assembly
Private sector, academia, and civil society

2.2 Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)

The JETP is a multi-stakeholder, high-level political and financial agreement designed to help countries transition from carbon-intensive energy production (like coal) to renewable and sustainable energy.

2.2.1 Vietnam’s JETP Milestones

COP26 (2021): Vietnam pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050
November 2022: Vietnam submitted its updated NDC, increasing GHG reduction ambition
December 2022: Vietnam and the International Partners Group (IPG) formalized the JETP Political Declaration
July 2023: Establishment of the JETP Implementation Secretariat
December 2023: Launch of the JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) at COP28

2.2.2 Key Features of Vietnam’s JETP

$15.5 billion pledged over 3–5 years (public + private finance)
Focus on:
- Phasing out coal
- Developing renewables (wind, solar, hydrogen)
- Enhancing transmission infrastructure and storage
- Green job training and retraining
- Creating policy and legal frameworks for green investments
Structured coordination between:
- Government of Vietnam
- International Partners Group (IPG)
- Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
- UNDP and development partners (ADB, WB, USAID, GIZ, etc.)

3. Role Objectives and Key Responsibilities

3.1 Purpose of the Role

The Project Specialist / Energy Development Specialist supports the JETP Secretariat, MOIT, and related sub-working groups. The objective is to facilitate the design, development, and advancement of breakthrough energy projects aligned with:

Vietnam’s national regulations
JETP principles
Net-zero targets by 2050

This includes:

Strategic advisory services
Technical assistance
Multi-stakeholder coordination
Resource mobilization
Capacity development

3.2 Reporting Line

Reports to the JETP Programme Team Lead
Based within the Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Unit

3.3 Key Work Areas (Five Strategic Domains)

Area 1: Lead UNDP/SSA Support for Breakthrough Energy Projects

Develop concept notes, feasibility studies, project proposals, and action plans
Maintain a project pipeline database and ensure projects move toward implementation
Support MOIT and JETP Secretariat with technical vetting and approval processes
Facilitate sub-working group project designs (e.g., Offshore Wind, Storage)
Contribute to project selection, stakeholder alignment, and problem-solving
Deliver gap analyses based on energy policies (like PDP8), and suggest actionable reforms
Represent UNDP at sub-working group meetings and present technical findings

Area 2: Provide Strategic Technical Guidance on Energy Technologies

Ensure innovation integration: Wind, Solar, ESS (Energy Storage Systems), Hydrogen
Support government alignment with international technology standards and best practices
Collaborate with development partners and technical experts
Promote the adoption of energy efficiency and smart grid systems
Enable localization of technologies through partnerships with local institutions

Area 3: Strengthen Institutional Capacities

Conduct capacity needs assessments for MOIT and other agencies
Support design and delivery of training for government officials, technicians, and regulators
Coordinate with the Working Groups (WGs) and IPG members to strengthen institutional readiness
Facilitate knowledge-sharing platforms, study visits, and technical exchanges
Help develop SOPs, toolkits, and institutional guidelines

Area 4: Support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER)

Develop and maintain a results framework for JETP energy projects
Set and track performance indicators (technical, environmental, social)
Contribute to knowledge products, case studies, and impact assessments
Prepare regular updates for internal and external stakeholders (e.g., COP briefings)

Area 5: Foster a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition

Integrate social equity and just transition principles into project planning
Address potential job displacements from coal plant closures by advocating for retraining programs
Promote gender-sensitive and socially inclusive programming
Contribute to stakeholder mapping and inclusion strategies

4. Qualifications and Competencies

4.1 Education

Master’s degree in:
- Energy, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Climate Policy, or related field
Or Bachelor’s with 7+ years of experience

4.2 Experience

At least 5–7 years of experience in:
- Energy sector, project development, renewable technologies, or policy advisory
Demonstrated background in:
- National or international energy initiatives
- Government advisory work
- Engagement with international development partners
- Implementation of complex technical projects

4.3 Technical Competencies

Deep understanding of energy policy and market dynamics in Vietnam
Strong grasp of international energy technologies and project cycles
Ability to analyze and align Vietnam’s Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8) with JETP
Familiarity with policy instruments, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and financing mechanisms

4.4 Soft Skills and Attributes

Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
Strategic thinker with ability to balance technical and political sensitivities
Excellent presentation and communication skills (English and Vietnamese)
Project management capabilities with a focus on cross-sector collaboration
Commitment to sustainable development and climate justice

5. Strategic Importance of This Role

This role is central to Vietnam’s green transformation, as it:

Operationalizes high-level climate diplomacy into tangible projects
Drives systemic change in energy generation and usage
Connects finance, technology, and governance at scale
Acts as a linchpin between government, donors, and private investors
Helps position Vietnam as a model for Just Energy Transition in Southeast Asia

6. Career Trajectory and Development Opportunities

Short-Term Prospects

Leading project design and coordination with major national and international actors
Gaining hands-on experience with large-scale energy transition initiatives

Medium to Long-Term Opportunities

Positioning for leadership roles in:
- UNDP or other UN Agencies
- National government energy departments
- International NGOs or think tanks
- Multilateral climate finance institutions

7. Application and Next Steps

Deadline to apply: April 25, 2025, 05:59 AM (GMT+7)
Application portal: Oracle Cloud Careers Portal
Documents typically required:
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter
- References (optional)
- Additional documents if requested (e.g., writing samples, certifications)

8. Final Thoughts

This position isn’t just a job — it’s a mission-critical role at the intersection of climate diplomacy, energy policy, and sustainable development. You’d be working directly with the Vietnamese government, G7+ nations, and international development partners to shape Vietnam’s energy future.

If you’re passionate about decarbonization, technology integration, policy advocacy, and inclusive development — and you have the technical chops and project experience to match — this is a rare and transformative opportunity.

Would you like help tailoring a cover letter or CV for this specific position? Or should I prepare a mock interview with JETP-specific technical and behavioral questions?

Absolutely! Let’s go into very detailed depth (over 3000 words) about the Project Specialist (JETP Energy Development Specialist) position with UNDP in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, covering:

1. Overview and Context

1.1 About UNDP and Its Mandate in Viet Nam

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam has had a significant role over the past 47 years, supporting the country’s journey from post-conflict recovery to becoming a lower-middle-income economy deeply integrated into the global system. In recent years, UNDP has pivoted toward helping Viet Nam transition into a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy, especially through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNDP’s programming in Viet Nam is grouped under three pillars:

Governance and Participation
Inclusive Growth
Climate Change, Environment, and Just Energy Transition

This position is under the Nature, Climate, and Energy Practice Area, focusing specifically on the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) — a pivotal initiative representing a landmark transformation in Viet Nam’s energy and climate policy.

2. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)

2.1 Origin of JETP

JETP was officially launched following Viet Nam’s commitment at COP26 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In 2022, Viet Nam, in cooperation with the International Partners Group (IPG) — including the EU, US, Japan, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Denmark — signed a Political Declaration on establishing JETP.

JETP’s ambition is to:

Accelerate the decarbonization of the electricity sector
Promote a just and inclusive energy transition
Unlock both public and private financing for clean energy
Enhance energy security, economic opportunities, and environmental health

2.2 Financing and Implementation

JETP promises at least $15.5 billion in total financing: half from public institutions and half from private investment channels, including those under the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).

2.3 Governance Mechanisms

The Vietnamese Government established:

A JETP Secretariat under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)
An Implementation Plan (the Scheme) via Decision 1009/QD-TTg
8 thematic Working Teams (WTs) covering key sectors: Offshore Wind, Energy Efficiency, Hydrogen, Energy Storage, Smart Grids, and more.

3. The Role: JETP Project Specialist (Energy Development Specialist)

3.1 Contract Type and Location

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA) – Level 10
Duty Station: Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Contract Duration: 1 year, with possible extension
Languages Required: English and Vietnamese

3.2 Supervision and Reporting

Reports to: JETP Programme Team Lead
Works under: Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit at UNDP Viet Nam
Collaborates with: MOIT, JETP Secretariat, International Partners Group, GFANZ members, and sub-working groups.

4. Key Responsibilities (Deep Dive)

The role centers around five main areas, broken into specific functions and tasks:

4.1 Lead UNDP/SSA Support for Breakthrough Energy Projects

The position is a strategic, technical leadership role in supporting the development of energy projects considered “breakthrough” under the JETP agenda. Tasks include:

Developing concept notes, roadmaps, and action plans that can unlock both domestic and international financing for high-impact energy projects.
Maintaining a pipeline of viable projects, ensuring technical and regulatory compliance with Viet Nam’s policy frameworks (e.g., Power Development Plan 8 [PDP8]).
Supporting the JETP Secretariat’s technical review process to vet and advance projects for implementation.
Directly working with sub-working groups like Offshore Wind, Energy Storage, or Renewable Energy Industrial Zones to refine project scopes and deliverables.

The Specialist will also work as a technical focal point in 2-3 sub-working groups, providing support on:

Project scoping and feasibility
Regulatory alignment
Identification of implementation barriers
Stakeholder coordination

4.2 Provide Strategic and Technical Energy Advice

As an Energy Policy Advisor, the specialist will:

Conduct policy reviews (e.g., PDP8, Renewable Energy Strategy)
Identify gaps in current energy laws, technology readiness, and private sector enablers
Recommend policy reforms and regulatory improvements to promote energy transition

This includes translating high-level policy intentions (like phasing out coal or developing offshore wind) into actionable policy instruments, pilot projects, or capacity development programs.

4.3 Engage Stakeholders and Promote Energy Ecosystem Development

A significant aspect of this role is stakeholder coordination, particularly involving:

Government partners (MOIT, MPI, MONRE, MOF)
International donors and DFIs (GIZ, JICA, AFD, WB, ADB, etc.)
Private sector investors and developers
Academia and training institutions

Tasks here include:

Facilitating roundtables, technical workshops, and consultations
Supporting the creation of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanisms
Encouraging technology transfer, localization of supply chains, and skills development

4.4 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

The Energy Development Specialist will:

Develop indicators and frameworks to track project development progress, especially for projects in the JETP RMP.
Regularly update the JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) by:
- Documenting pipeline maturity
- Identifying new project opportunities
- Tracking commitments and disbursements
Ensure that gender equality, social inclusion, and environmental safeguards are embedded in project design and execution.

4.5 Promote Just Transition Principles

As the JETP includes a “Just” dimension, the Specialist ensures:

Project designs address the social impacts of energy transition
Workers and communities affected by coal phase-out are provided with:
- Reskilling and retraining opportunities
- Alternative livelihoods
- Social protection support

This is especially important in regions where coal power or fossil fuel employment is dominant.

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

5.1 Education

Master’s Degree (preferred) in one of the following:
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy
- Public Policy
- Climate Policy
OR Bachelor’s Degree with 7 years of progressive experience

5.2 Work Experience

Minimum of 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in the following:
- Energy policy development
- Renewable energy project design
- Climate change or environmental programming
- Government advisory or policy dialogue

Experience in:

Designing or implementing energy projects (solar, wind, hydrogen, storage)
Working with international development partners
Knowledge of Vietnamese energy sector regulations

5.3 Language and Soft Skills

Fluency in Vietnamese and English
Strong communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills
Strategic thinking and stakeholder management
Understanding of decarbonization, net-zero planning, and Just Transition frameworks

6. Impact of the Role

This job is a critical enabler of Viet Nam’s ambitions to:

Become a renewable energy leader in Southeast Asia
Mobilize billions in climate finance
Reduce emissions while preserving jobs and equity

By ensuring sound project design, strong stakeholder coordination, and alignment with both national strategies and international commitments, the Project Specialist directly contributes to:

Achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Implementing PDP8 and other national energy strategies
Unlocking funding from international partners
Building local capacity for managing complex energy systems

7. Broader Strategic Importance

This position serves as a crossroad between policy and implementation, bridging the gap between:

Government climate pledges
International donor interests
Technical project viability
Social and economic justice

The role is also future-oriented, helping position Viet Nam for:

Energy independence
Green jobs creation
Climate resilience
International competitiveness in clean technologies

8. Why This Role is Unique and Valuable

This is not a routine development job. It’s a rare chance to:

Work at the center of global climate diplomacy and finance
Influence national-level decisions on energy transition
Shape flagship renewable energy projects that could become regional models
Help ensure equity during a major economic transformation

9. Conclusion

The Project Specialist (Energy Development Specialist) role at UNDP Viet Nam is strategic, dynamic, and high-impact. It calls for technical mastery, policy fluency, and collaborative leadership. It’s ideally suited for professionals passionate about climate action, clean energy, and just development, particularly those seeking to be part of a once-in-a-generation transformation in Viet Nam’s energy landscape.

This position is both a technical challenge and a moral imperative — contributing to a future where Viet Nam thrives economically while becoming a global climate leader.