Lead Specialist - Energy Sector Resilience Expert

Position

The position is open to candidates of all nationalities.

All nationals demonstrating 10 years of international work experience in at least 5 countries across 2 UN geographic regions (from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania) would be considered for international positions(international hire).

Objective of the position

CDRI seeks experienced professionals to lead the formulation and implementation of technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives in critical infrastructure systems. The person recruited for this position (Energy Sector Resilience Expert) will be instrumental in developing activities aimed at strengthening the resilience of energy Infrastructure systems across multiple countries in accordance with CDRI’s mandate. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Assistance

Develop technical assistance initiatives in coordination with sectoral departments/agencies in member countries, knowledge institutions, technical experts, and others to support strengthening the disaster resilience of energy infrastructure systems. These initiatives could include:

• Mobilizing relevant experts from coalition members and partners to address specific technical assistance needs in member countries.
• Designing, executing, and managing technical studies.
• Facilitating resilience assessments related to the design of energy infrastructure systems, including identification of physical risks related to natural hazards and climate change.
• Supporting the incorporation of innovative technologies and approaches in the financing, planning, design, and implementation of energy infrastructure.
• Addressing gaps in codes and standards.
• Supporting the development of programmes and projects to mobilize disaster and/or climate financing.
• Introduce a life-cycle approach within project planning and management, including but not limited to identifying opportunities to embed resilience in various stages of a project development, strategy formulation, planning and design, procurement, operations and utilization, and the end-of-life phase for power infrastructure.
• Coordinating closely with government agencies, development partners, the private sector, including insurance companies, and other relevant stakeholders on disaster-resilient energy infrastructure and maintaining up-to-date information on their activities and programmes. 

Capacity Building

Contribute to capacity-building initiatives in coordination with other experts within the Secretariat and partner organizations to deepen the understanding of resilience amongst energy sector professionals in member countries and within the CDRI Secretariat. Initiatives could include:

• Preparing policy and advisory documents related to resilient infrastructure.
• Documenting case studies and best practices.
• Develop training materials and delivery of the same in workshops and other capacity-building events.
• Building partnerships with institutions engaged in capacity building and knowledge management in member countries.
• Building partnerships with global standard-setting organizations.

Management

Contribute to the Secretariat’s management functions, including:

• Programme and project management.
• Contributing to reporting to funding agencies.
• Representing CDRI in global dialogues related to resilient infrastructure.
• Presenting to CDRI governing bodies.
• Convening and conducting or attending and documenting meetings or consultations with external stakeholders, as required.

Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in the design and implementation of Energy infrastructure systems, such as infrastructure planning and implementation, including solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage projects, with expertise in climate and disaster-resilient design, operations, and maintenance.
• Proven expertise in grid resilience and power system planning, including transmission and distribution networks, microgrids, and smart grid integration to enhance energy security against climate hazards.
• Software experience/knowledge.
• Strong experience in collaborating with global energy agencies, such as IRENA, IEA, ESMAP(WB), and national regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with energy resilience standards, codes, and best practices for power system sustainability.
• Expertise in disaster preparedness and post-disaster recovery planning for power infrastructure, including rapid response strategies for grid restoration, emergency power backup systems, and resilient energy supply chains.
• Knowledge of project management software (e.g. MS Project, Primavera) and demonstrated skills in designing and implementing project monitoring systems.
• Proven ability to work effectively and innovatively in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural teams and with an entrepreneurial approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and strategic planning skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement.
• Experience working in an international organization and with a diverse number of partners comprising Governments, the UN, multi-lateral systems, industry, financial institutions, and knowledge and research institutions in multi-country locations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in electrical engineering, energy science, energy policy, energy systems, or closely related engineering thematic area (renewable energy, solar PV technology), equivalent related experience, and/or Business or other related fields. Candidates with international education are desirable.

Experience

• 10 + years, including at least 4 years in a leadership role at the national or international level, managing power and energy infrastructure projects. The candidate must have expertise in one or more of the following areas: 1) Power Generation & Transmission, 2) Grid Resilience, with a strong focus on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation, and 3) Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro). 

Reporting Line

• The incumbent will report to the Director or the appropriate role per the approved organizational structure.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English, both oral and written.
• Knowledge of any of the UN's official languages will be an asset.

How to Apply

If you have experience working in a similar capacity and want to make an active and lasting contribution to a global initiative spearheaded by India, please apply through the online application form only.