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Consultancy Title: Sustainable Energy Consultant
Section/Division/Duty Station: PG-Climate Environment Energy & Disaster, Programme Division, NYHQ
Duration: 15 June 2025 to 31 December 2026
Home/ Office Based: NYHQ / Remote
About UNICEF
If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For over 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.
BACKGROUND
Purpose of Activity/ Assignment:
Climate change and environmental degradation present significant and escalating threats to the well-being of children globally, jeopardizing the progress achieved in child survival and development. Over a billion children are exposed to severe risks from climate and environmental hazards such as heatwaves, floods, and cyclones.
Given the urgency of adverse climate impacts, it is crucial to transition our energy systems to carry out effective climate change mitigation. Climate change mitigation projects can play a crucial role in saving children by addressing the underlying causes of climate change and its adverse impacts on their health, well-being, and future. Electricity is a critical enabler that dramatically improves the quality, accessibility and reliability of education, health care and WASH services for children. In healthcare and educational facilities, electricity is needed for lighting, heating, powering vital life-saving medical interventions, digital connectivity, learning digital skills, remote learning and delivering WASH services.
Leveraging its extensive field presence in remote areas, UNICEF is committed to fostering climate-resilient, low-carbon communities that safeguard all children. These endeavors constitute some of the most valuable investments for protecting vulnerable children in communities most vulnerable to climate change and its compounded risks.
The global gap in access to energy for these critical services threatens a child’s ability to survive and thrive. In parts of sub-Saharan Africa, only a quarter of health centers and a fifth of schools have access to reliable electricity. Providing sustainable energy and related equipment for water systems in remote schools improves menstrual hygiene management and means that girls can attend school. Improving access to solar-powered water and electricity in under-resourced schools and health centers will help bridge this global gap.
Decentralized sustainable energy solutions are becoming increasingly financially and technically viable. They enable uninterrupted essential services and power healthcare, water, and educational facilities. They also contribute to reducing GHG emissions and pollution, promote local employment, increase the retention and recruitment of staff, and can be more resilient in the face of disasters. Providing sustainable energy is key to pursuing a just energy transition to ensure that communities’ and households’ social and economic needs are met globally.
To further consolidate its global positioning and offer on sustainable energy, UNICEF is seeking a consultant who will support UNICEF in three key areas: implementation, partnerships, and investments and financing models. This includes:
1. Implementation: Strengthening the organization's capacity to implement and roll out energy programs and initiatives. This involves developing and executing an action plan on tools and training for UNICEF staff to enhance their understanding of renewable energy for solar sectors. These solutions will be integrated across UNICEF’s programs in healthcare, nutrition, WASH, education, social protection, and child protection.
2. Partnerships: Support the development and upkeep of strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, such as governments, private sector entities, and international organizations. This includes assisting in identifying potential partners, coordinating joint initiatives, and utilizing collective expertise to promote collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
3. Investments and Financing Models: Applying market assessments conducted to date to inform the provision of solar energy in UNICEF’s key sectors (WASH, education, and healthcare). This includes exploring innovative financing models and investment opportunities to support the transition to net zero energy systems and the adaptation of essential social services in an integrated and low-carbon manner for children.
Scope of Work:
Under the supervision and guidance of the CEED programme specialist, this consultant will work in collaboration with country offices, regional offices, and headquarters to advocate for increased sustainable energy commitments in investments, as well as child sensitive commitments in energy programming. The consultant will have the following responsibilities:
Implementation: Strengthening UNICEF’s Capacity to Roll Out Energy Programs and Initiatives
1. Enhancing UNICEF’s sustainable energy programming and advocacy capacity:
•Consolidate and present evidence from sustainable energy action integration to inform relevant stakeholders and explore avenues for collaboration.
•Support research and knowledge generation efforts, including market assessments for sustainable energy at the global and regional scales.
•Support the identification of strategic entry points for UNICEF into the sustainable energy market.
•Assist in the facilitation of capacity-building sessions (workshops, trainings, etc.) for internal and external audiences.
•Develop and execute an action plan on tools and training for UNICEF staff to strengthen their understanding of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and battery storage solutions.
•Integrate renewable energy solutions across UNICEF’s programs in healthcare, nutrition, WASH, education, social protection, and child protection.
Partnerships: Advancing and Maintaining Strategic Collaborations
2. Engaging with key sustainable energy partnerships, energy funders, and networks:
•Assist in the identification of strategic partnerships for advancing child- and youth-sensitive sustainable energy action.
•Support the development of multi-sector or energy-specific proposals, concept notes, and investment cases for public and private audiences.
•Provide technical review of energy activities, budgets, and implementation plans for CO and RO-developed funding proposals.
•Identify cost gaps and financing needs at regional and sectoral levels, aligned with existing UNICEF implementation structures and results.
•Assist in developing partnerships with energy funders and investors to pilot and scale new financing models for energy implementation and sustainability.
•Support the identification and external advocacy efforts with private sector entities.
Investments and Financing Models: Applying Market Assessments to Inform Strategic Decisions
3.Applying market assessments conducted to date to inform sustainable energy investments:
•Assess the market landscape and demand for the provision of solar energy in UNICEF’s key sectors (WASH, education, and healthcare).
•Generate the evidence base needed to inform UNICEF’s value add and future interventions.
•Explore innovative financing models and investment opportunities to support the transition to net zero energy systems.
•Provide technical advisory on the design of new financing models for energy implementation and sustainability.
•Support UNICEF in adapting essential social services in an integrated and low-carbon manner for children.
•Develop and implement strategies to ensure that investments align with UNICEF’s goals and contribute to meeting several Sustainable Development Goals.
Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:
1. Enhancing UNICEF’s sustainable energy programming and advocacy capacity:
a.Consolidate and present evidence from sustainable energy action integration to inform relevant stakeholders and explore avenues for collaboration.
b.Support research and knowledge generation efforts, including market assessments for sustainable energy at the global and regional scales.
c.Support the identification of strategic entry points for UNICEF into the sustainable energy market.
d.Assist in the facilitation of capacity-building sessions (workshops, trainings, etc.) for internal and external audiences.
e.Develop and execute an action plan on tools and training for UNICEF staff to strengthen their understanding of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and battery storage solutions.
f.Integrate renewable energy solutions across UNICEF’s programs in healthcare, nutrition, WASH, education, social protection, and child protection.
Deliverable 1: Updated Consolidated dashboard or mapping of UNICEF’s results and implementation models (including O&M) broken down per region, sector and delivery model.
31 August 2025
Deliverable 2: Resource mobilization tracker developed that includes detailed metrics such as funding amounts, sources, and timelines. Pre-filled templates tailored for different funding audiences developed, including climate initiatives, private sector entities, public sector organizations (MAF, GCF, CIDCA), and investors.
30 November 2025
2. Engaging with key sustainable energy partnerships, energy funders, and networks:
•Assist in the identification of strategic partnerships for advancing child- and youth-sensitive sustainable energy action.
•Support the development of multi-sector or energy-specific proposals, concept notes, and investment cases for public and private audiences.
•Provide technical review of energy activities, budgets, and implementation plans for CO and RO-developed funding proposals.
•Identify cost gaps and financing needs at regional and sectoral levels, aligned with existing UNICEF implementation structures and results.
•Support the development of partnerships with energy funders and investors to pilot and scale new financing models for energy implementation and sustainability.
•Support the identification of external advocacy efforts with private sector entities.
Deliverable 3: Three investment cases or fundraising pitches (Global, regional and country level) developed to support resource mobilization to close the sustainable energy gap
28 February 2026
Deliverable 4: One comprehensive report and key figures document completed based on aggregated market assessment data. This report details global and regional investment gaps, financing needs, return on investment, and potential investment partners. Specific metrics such as investment amounts, projected returns, and timelines are included.
30 April 2026
Deliverable 5: Guidance document completed on energy financing models, fundraising strategies, key partners, and implementation recommendations for UNICEF. This document includes specific metrics such as target funding amounts, timelines for fundraising activities, identification of key partners, and actionable steps for implementation.
30 June 2026
3. Applying market assessments conducted to date to inform sustainable energy investments:
• Assess the market landscape and demand for the provision of solar energy in UNICEF’s key sectors (WASH, education, and healthcare).
• Generate the evidence base needed to inform UNICEF’s value add and future interventions.
• Explore innovative financing models and investment opportunities to support the transition to net zero energy systems.
•Provide technical advisory on the design of new financing models for energy implementation and sustainability.
•Support UNICEF in adapting essential social services in an integrated and low-carbon manner for children.
•Develop and implement strategies to ensure that investments align with UNICEF’s goals and contribute to meeting several Sustainable Development Goals.
Deliverable 6: Energy as a service pilot proposal and investment document completed, including detailed pitches and implementation plans. This document outlines specific metrics such as projected energy savings, investment amounts, timelines for implementation, and identification of key stakeholders.
31 August 2026
Deliverable 7: Pre-feasibility assessment for energy as a service
31 October 2026
Deliverable 8: Report on financing partners and pathways for energy system implementation and sustainability
31 December 2026
Qualifications
Education:
An advanced university degree (Master’s) in in Renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, or a relevant technical field.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in the above areas.
Work experience:
Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:
• Expert knowledge in sustainable energy programming, financing, advocacy required
• Minimum 4-5 years’ work experience in developing, supporting, and implementing sustainable energy-related initiatives
• Excellent project management, coordination, and communication skills
Requirements:
Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and
- Upload copy of academic credentials
- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :
o the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
o travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
o Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
o Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
o Indicate your availability
- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.
- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.
- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.
U.S. Visa information:
With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
