Energy Investment Specialist - FSM SE Project

• Pohnpei-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC's projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Energy Investment Specialist – FSM SE Project will work closely with the Project Management Team (PMT), SPC technical division staff, regional, national and local development partners and FSM national, state, and municipal counterparts. A significant amount of the work is focused on all FSM States and working closely with the four States and engaging entities including the State Energy Working Groups, the State Governors, the State Utilities and the National Government Department of Resources and Development. Strategic networking, technical capacity and relationship development are critical to this role.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

1. Lead the development of four States Energy Investment Plans and one National Energy Investment Plan for the FSM Government

• Conduct a stocktake of potential RE and EE Investment projects for the FSM States including gathering lessons learnt and sharing of past experiences that would inform the development and implementation of four States and one National Energy Investment Plans.
• Facilitate consultations with National and State Governments to use national strategies and plans to identify prioritised and bankable investment activities to be delivered.
• Coordinate the procurement and management of relevant consultancies and partnership agreements towards supporting feasibility studies, consultations and development of the four State Utility investment plans and one National Energy Investment plan.
• Facilitate capacity buildings and trainings and sustainability options in the preparations and implementations of the investment plans after the project ends.

2. Lead efforts and strengthen partnerships in developing the necessary enabling environment and mechanisms that encourage private sector involvement in FSMs Electricity sector

• Where appropriate undertake studies or conduct research on economic, gender, social and technical impacts on utilities and consumers along tariff design.
• Research and propose solutions to better align utility interests with increased grid-connected RE through supporting regulatory framework.
• Establish scalable RE FIT programmes, competitive procurement or other policy incentive options to promote investment in grid-connected RE.
• Establish flexible regulatory framework or guidelines for private sector participation in the power sector.

3. Promote and support the investment plans to leverage at least four bankable projects in RE and EE Investments

• Promote the investment plans to potential Investors and donors beginning with hosting a national energy forum to launch the Investment plans.
• Coordinate and Strengthen partnerships with all major development partners.
• Identify 4 bankable RE and EE activity from the investment plan which are gender inclusive and lead the preparatory work towards conducting detailed technical and financial feasibility studies to promote the projects for funding either through grants support and or private investment targeting 2 IPP projects and 2 co-financed renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) projects.

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description.

Key selection criteria

1. Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (in Economics, Energy Planning, investment, Law, financial management or other fields relevant to this position.

2. Technical expertise

• At least 9-10 years in a similar project in particular in energy policy and regulation.
• Experience developing energy investment plans and resource mobilisation work.
• Thorough understanding of energy investments opportunities and project cycles, log-frames, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience managing a high volume and high dollar value procurement.
• Managing logistics in challenging and remote locations.
• Demonstrated abilities in remote staff management and their performance evaluation.
• Excellent computer skills across necessary applications.

3. Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

4. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated capacity to work with people from different technical skills and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 2 years and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Due to the current travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the priority SPC places on its staff safety, health and well-being, please note that there may be delays in taking up the appointment. These matters will be discussed thoroughly with successful candidates. In most cases, any appointment and on-boarding would only commence when relocation to the duty station is permitted.

Remuneration – the Energy Investment Specialist – FSM SE Project is a Band 11 position in SPC’s 2021 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,768–4,644 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 5,237–6,455. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Federated States of Micronesia; Federated States of Micronesia Nationals employed by SPC in Pohnpei will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for international staff employees based in Pohnpei – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000 USD – 2,000 USD. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is faire, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 6 March 2022 – 11:00 pm Pohnpei time

Job Reference: AL000454

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

• Could you describe your experiences in energy investment development and (or) implementation?
• Could you describe your experiences in energy policy and regulation work particularly on areas that cover private sector involvement in renewable energy and energy efficiency?
• What are your experiences in drafting project proposals?