Energy efficiency and green buildings technical specialist - Retainer (Multiple positions)

Dutystation: Home based

Functional responsibilities

For more than a decade, UNOPS has been measuring the GHG emissions deriving from its facilities and operations through the annual environmental inventory exercise that includes scope 1, scope 2 and official duty travel (as per the defined UN boundary). The data from the exercise helps establish the emissions reduction baseline for country offices around the world against a 45% reduction target.

In order to reduce its emissions from buildings, UNOPS is implementing a three-stage approach:

• Stage 1- Data readiness

• Stage 2- Energy assessment

• Stage 3- Energy efficiencies and, where feasible, switch to renewable energy

In line with the three stage approach, the “technical specialist” will support the UNOPS energy efficiency and emission reduction approach. Potential deliverables include the delivery of audit reports, connection of smart meters, conducting an on-site assessment of building infrastructure and a detailed energy audit, green building feasibility study and refurbishments. Other sustainability related tasks can be identified and assigned as necessary.

Assignment and deliverables:

Assignments may include (but are not limited to):

1. Undertake the primary responsibility of conducting an in-person, detailed survey of the designated UNOPS facility.

2. Site, buildings and services- Assess the complete facility to identify avenues of sustainability, energy efficiency and resource optimisation.

3. Green building systems- Undertake a feasibility study of the facility to make it compliant with the chosen green building system.

4. Energy supply - Assess the incoming energy supply and document the various sources with associated issues, challenges and/or risks.

5. Energy demand - Assess the facility’s energy demand and document the load profile.

6. Electrical distribution - Assess the on-site electrical distribution network.

7. Electrical safety and suitability- Assess the electrical setup at the distribution panels and identify the safe and suitable locations for the installation of smart metres.

8. Smart metering- Install the UNOPS smart meter with limited local assistance and remote assistance by the HQ expert.

9. Technical assistance- Participate in the assigned meetings and provide technical assistance. Participate in preparation of technical documents like BoQ, specification, minimum compliance criteria, SoP as required.

10. Facilitate subject training development and delivery for the variety of stakeholders.

11. Reporting- Draft reports for consultation and approval by the supervisor.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• An advanced university degree ( Master’s or equivalent) is required, preferably in the field of electrical engineering, energy infrastructure, renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, sustainable architecture or a matching subject.

• A relevant first university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with 2 additional years of relevant experience may substitute for a Master’s degree.

• 5 years of experience of successfully conducting a minimum of five site-level building infrastructure audits with at least one of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) details are required with a master’s degree.

• Proficiency in producing high quality electrical and building layout drawings is required.

• Ability to prepare techno-economic reports is required.

• Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafting software is required.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working with projects in the field of energy audit, energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy infrastructure or green building systems is highly desirable.

• Working knowledge of google suite is desirable.

• Knowledge of the latest development and technology in the green energy field (for example, solar PV, batteries, inverters etc.) is an asset.

• Knowledge of renewable energy analysis, sizing and design software is an asset.

• Fluency in the English language is required.

• Fluency in other languages besides English is desirable.