Technical Analyst

Over the course of its 45-year presence in Viet Nam, UNDP has been assisting Viet Nam with its successful transition from war to reconstruction; from a centrally planned economy to a market economy with a high level of international integration; from poor to low middle-income status; and towards achieving first the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2000-2015 and then the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-2030. UNDP Viet Nam, in close cooperation with other UN agencies under the UN Deliver as One Initiative, works closely with the Government of Viet Nam, line ministries and local governments, the Party and National Assembly, and related commissions. We also work with the private sector, national think tanks, and civil society organizations at various levels, as partners to contribute towards 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Our services to the country include capacity strengthening support, technical assistance, and policy advice on (i) governance and participation; (ii) inclusive growth; and (iii) climate change, the environment, and enabling a just energy transition. This assistance is primarily done through programme cycles which are reflected in Country Programme Documents (CPD) for Viet Nam, the latest of which may be found here covering the period of 2022-2026.

Most UN agencies in Hanoi have been located in the same building since 2015: the Green One UN House (GOUNH), a climate-neutral building that has received multiple certifications and awards recognizing its status as a leader among eco-friendly buildings nationwide.     

Organizationally, the UNDP CO is divided into two main business tracks (programme and operations) and managed by a Senior Management team consisting of the Resident Representative, the Deputy Resident Representative, and the heads of the three main programme units, which are: (i) the Climate Change, Energy and Environment Unit (CCEEU); (ii) the Governance and Participation Team; and (iii) the Inclusive and Equitable Growth Team. and one Policy Advisor Team (PAT). 

The three current overall portfolios under the umbrella of the CCEEU are: 

• Innovative solutions for risk-informed climate and disaster resilience
• Low-carbon development, circular economy, and environmental protection; and
• Natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based tourism.

Just Energy Transition Partnership 

Since the early 2010s, the Government of Viet Nam has developed and is implementing a series of national strategies and action plans on climate change, green growth, and low-carbon sustainable development. Viet Nam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, approved the National Green Growth Strategy (NGGS) 2021-2030, vision to 2050 (Decision 1658/QD-TTg dated October 1, 2021) and the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) in July 2022. The National Power Development Plan for the period of 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045 (PDP8), was promulgated in May 2023 with the objective to ensure national energy security, diversification, and sustainable development in the electricity sector. 

Viet Nam has also shown strong commitment to climate policy on the international stage. At the 26th Conference of Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Glasgow, the Prime Minister pledged Viet Nam’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In November 2022, Viet Nam submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC. This revised commitment outlines Viet Nam’s measures and targets to reducing its national GHG emissions by 15.8 percent compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario by 2030 or up to 43.5 percent, conditional upon international support. Viet Nam has also joined significant global pledges affiliated with ending new coal plant construction and phasing out existing ones, slashing methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and halting deforestation by 2030.  Viet Nam’s 2050 net-zero targets and other climate commitments to realize Viet Nam’s NDC have bold implications in terms of economic opportunities, improved environmental health, and enhanced energy security. However, overcoming economic disruption, social and political challenges, and high initial costs requires an all-of-government approach to emissions mitigation from fossil fuel consumption in all end-use sectors, particularly industry, transportation, buildings, as well as agriculture and fisheries.

In December 2022, Viet Nam and the International Partners Group (IPG), a set of industrialized economies comprising the European Union, United Kingdom of Britain and Ireland, United States of America, Japan, Federal Republic of Germany, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, and Kingdom of Norway agreed to a Political Declaration (PD) on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). The landmark agreement recognizes the need to accelerate actions tied to the Paris Agreement (PA) by supporting “Viet Nam’s low-emission and climate resilient development, as well as to support Viet Nam to accelerate the just transition and decarbonization of the electricity system and develop new economic opportunities to support Viet Nam’s transition towards net zero future”. These efforts entail the Government of Viet Nam, IPG, and Global Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) working group members mobilizing at least $7.75 bn of public sector finance and $7.75 bn in private finance over the next 3 to 5 years. JETP represents a long-term, ambitious partnership and supports the development of the legal framework for the low-carbon and climate change resilient transition of Viet Nam’s economy. 

In terms of policy, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha signed Decision No. 1009/QD-TTg dated August 31, 2023, approving the Scheme for the Implementation of the JETP Political Declaration (PD) (hereafter called the Scheme), which legally formalizes the PD and implementation structure, including the allocation of roles and responsibilities to ministries and agencies. Also, the Scheme highlights priority areas to enable the promotion and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency, among other key areas, towards the realization of the net-zero target. Subsequently, Viet Nam’s JETP Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) was launched in December 2023 at COP28. This is the first step in implementing the JETP, providing details on priority actions. The JETP RMP is proposing priority policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects which are to be reviewed, updated and prioritized to maximize Viet Nam’s ambition towards JETP targets. The JETP RMP presents a “pipeline of [new] opportunities consistent with the Government of Viet Nam’s position” towards the development and implementation of, inter alia, “wind, solar, transmission, energy efficiency, storage, electric vehicles, training, retraining and vocational training support for employment” and address halting of investment and/or closure of coal-fired power plants.

On 14th July 2023, Prime Minster Pham Minh Chinh issued Decision No. 845/QD-TTg on Establishment of the JETP Implementation Secretariat, in accordance with paragraph 23 of the JETP PD. The Secretariat is directed by the Government of Viet Nam, with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) functioning at the helm as the Standing Agency with added responsibility of providing necessary personnel, resources, working facilities, and instruments. Apart from MONRE, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), and Ministry of Finance (MOF) each lead Working Groups (WGs) established to support the implementation of the JETP PD. The 4 WGS of the Secretariat are: 

• The General (Synthesis) WG, established by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, led by a Vice Minister of MONRE, and is responsible for monitoring, commissioning the biennial review, and reporting.
• The Institutional, Policy, and Investment WG, established by Minister of Planning and Investment, led by a Vice Minister of MPI, and is responsible for institutional improvement, reforming administrative procedures to facilitate business participation in the just energy transition, and mobilizing and effectively using financial resources.
• The Technology and Energy WG, established by Minister of Industry and Trade, led by a Vice Minister of MOIT, and is responsible for reviewing and proposing the improvement of policies and regulations the promote the just energy transition as well as coordinating technology transfer.
• The Finance WG, established by Minister of Finance, led by a Vice Minister of MOF, and is responsible for leading negotiations to mobilize international finance from GFANZ, IPG, and other stakeholders.

The Secretariat is tasked with the development and implementation of the JETP RMP in accordance with the JETP PD over at least the next 5 years, in addition to any revisions and supplementations of the RMP itself. Ultimately, the Secretariat is tasked with assisting the Prime Minister, through the COP26 Steering Committee, in coordinating with the IPG and coordinating the work related to the JETP PD.

To support the Secretariat, some experts and support staff may include secondees from IPG and GFANZ members. Further, following recommendations from the co-leads of the IPG, the UK and EU, and with the agreement of the Government of Viet Nam, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam has been designated as the Secretariat Support Agency (SSA). As a partial function of this role, UNDP provides administrative assistance, procuring and providing human resources for the operations of the Secretariat. This entails the Secretariat and SSA setting up a pool of administrative support staff and technical experts to support the WGs and the advancing the development as well as implementation of policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects.

On this basis, UNDP is seeking an International Technical Analyst on Climate Change and Energy Policy to provide, inter alia, coordination and facilitation support, and technical assistance to the government on climate change and energy policies and strategies to facilitate the implementation of JETP Resource Mobilization Plan. 

The Analyst shall regularly report to the UNDP Head of Climate Change and Environment Unit and International Senior Technical Advisor on Climate Change and Energy Policy on the progress of their work based on the Finance WG workplan and contract.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Vice Minister of MONRE and reporting to the UNDP Head of Climate Change and Environment Unit, International Senior Technical Advisor on Climate Change and Energy Policy, and focal point of the General (Synthesis) WG, the International Technical Analyst on Climate Change and Energy Policy shall support the implementation of the JETP RMP and operationalisation of the General (Synthesis) WG. He/She will: 

Area 1: Facilitate the implementation of JETP in Viet Nam

• Contribute to the development of the Secretariat, General (Synthesis) WG annual workplan (and 3 other WGs if suggested);
• Support the updating of the JETP RMP, as required, through the proposal of amendments and supplementation of the RMP as well as subsequent implementation.
• Provide technical analysis and guidance to priority policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects of the JETP RMP of the Government. The expert is expected to:
  • Seek the guidance of the International Senior Technical Advisor on Climate Change and Policy on policy, coordination and facilitation support to the 4 WGs through the provision of technical assistance, development and finalisation of deliverables, and participate in capacity building activities to enhance knowledge and skills in Vietnamese energy policy.
  • Support technical analysis on the impact of existing and proposed policies and investment actions across policy areas related to the 8 JETP RMP Concept Note categories, which includes tracking progress towards policy objectives, identifying areas of improvement, and making recommendations for policy reforms to facilitate the operation of the JETP Secretariat.
  • Support the development of an M&E framework for JETP implementation, including the identification of gaps in M&E and remedies.
  • Support effective data collection and reporting timely on progress of JETP activities and related investments, as relevant to JETP in general and to specific activities or investment items directly linked to the activities of relevant WGs, in alignment with the agreed M&E Framework.
  • Provide timely technical support to pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, support (project) approval processes, and monitor their implementation to support the investment and implementation of prioritized projects under JETP RMP.
  • Conduct policy review, research and analysis on national energy plans and strategies (e.g., PDP8, NCCS, NEMP etc.) to assure these plans align with Viet Nam’s economic, environmental, and social objectives, additionally considering factors such as the RMP, resource availability, and affordability.
  • Build capacity within the government to manage capacity and policy risks through identifying skills gaps in government agencies and facilitating knowledge transfer of your technical expertise.
  • Support the government in identifying needs, coordinating with stakeholders, and fostering collaboration with IPG and GFANZ representatives in JETP implementation activities.
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of government and RMP energy projects, to track progress towards RMP objectives, identify challenges, and recommend corrective measures.
  • Develop terms of reference (TOR) and technical expertise as required to support the implementation of tasks under each WG.
  • Provide technical inputs to support the development and implementation of the Just Transition Framework.
  • Support the General WG in carrying out communication and information dissemination activities to multiple stakeholders (e.g., businesses, other ministries, all of society) on implementation of the JETP PD, inclusive of substantive inputs and/or peer review of quarterly newsletters, policy papers, briefs, speeches, letters, op-eds, press-releases etc. for high-level meetings, dialogues, and related events.
  • Support technical analysis and substantive inputs to support the development and implementation of annual monitoring of progress, results reports, and biennial review related to JETP PD.
  • Support the preparation of materials and presentations at technical meetings, JETP high-level meetings, and/or consultation workshops hosted by the Secretariat and/or IPG.
  • Support in the organisation of and participate in high-level meetings, quarterly meetings, technical meetings, workshops, and write-shops of General WG to address policy actions, investment projects, and technical assistance projects; and
• Take minutes and draft progress reports on the implementation of JETP;
• Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, and forums to stay informed about emerging trends and remain up to date on the latest developments in climate science, energy policy, and related topics to inform policy decisions; and
• Promote good governance and transparency to inform evidence-based decision-making processes and low-carbon economic growth.

Area 2: Support the development of TA concept notes, research, and related proposals, as needed, on (Just) Energy Transition

• Lead and/or support the development of new concept notes, pipeline project proposals of JETP ministries in areas related to sustainable energy, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, investment in green production, climate change mitigation and related issues etc.
• Draft and finalise TORs for work-packages of on-going projects, and new TORs for the project development team, which include but may not be limited to activities of the 4 Working Groups (MOIT, MPI, MONRE, MOF) as well as relevant line ministries whose project / policy arena may be relevant to JETP.
• Provide technical inputs to supported studies related to energy transition towards net-zero emissions such as CCUS, green hydrogen production and demand potential, offshore wind development, socio-economic impact assessment of energy transition, etc.
• Support policy formulation and provide technical inputs into laws, regulations on climate change mitigation, energy, transport and other sectors with potential of low carbon transition/.
• Provide substantive and technical inputs into communication documents such as op-eds, policy briefs, and talking points for senior management.
• Provide technical support to the organisation of events and workshops by UNDP or of the working group / partnership that UNDP is facilitating.
• Develop and edit project publications and communication materials from a technical perspective.
• Facilitate, participate, and contribute to knowledge management and knowledge networks at UNDP, inclusive of the IPG, GFANZ, private sector companies, and other key stakeholders.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies:             

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Direction & Strategy             

• Business Acumen: Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome; Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.

Business Development           

• Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.

Business Management           

• Monitoring: Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and programme performance and results
• Evaluation: Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks; Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Legal    

• Legal analysis skills: The ability to digest a large amount of information and facts in order to frame and understand an issue, apply the legal framework to the particular set of facts and present a coherent and comprehensive analysis of the situation presented in order to deliver practical and meaningful advice. This skill includes the ability to provide an objective assessment of the case, the organization’s best arguments for proceeding and a recommended course of action. It also includes the capacity to think creatively and flexibly, within the applicable legal framework.
• Legal research: The ability to identify and retrieve information to support legal positions and corporate decision making from all relevant sources. In the UNDP context, this skill includes, amongst other things, proactive seeking of information in anticipation of the different angles that any given issue may present.

Partnership management     

• Strategic engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Policy, Energy, Economics, Environmental Science, Environmental Law, Natural Resource Management, Energy Systems or a related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Up to 2 years (with master’s degree) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in Green Energy Technologies, Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Solutions.
• Experience in development of strategies and plans/ policy papers and recommendations/ communications products on the topics of climate change/ green energy technologies/ just transition and environment.
• Experiences in just energy transition in Viet Nam will be an advantage (coal phase-out, energy modelling, mobilization of public and private investments, social consultation, etc.)
• Experience in coordination and management of a team of experts will be an advantage.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience and working knowledge in developing countries, within Asia, and with preference to Viet Nam and International Development Partners.

Required Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.