Job title: Energy experts – USAID Climate Smart Energy Activity (USAID-CSEA)
Vacancy type: Short and long-term consultancy
Location: Pakistan
Service areas(s): Economic Development Team
About The Role
Adam Smith International’s Economic Development Team specialises in the design and delivery of innovative programmes focused on three core practice areas: Infrastructure and urban development, climate resilience and adaptation, and trade, investment and private sector development. We deliver impactful, results-driven programmes across Africa, South Asia, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas for clients including the United States Agency for International Development, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, European Commission, European Investment Bank and various other multilateral development banks and bilateral donors.
Over the past decade ASI’s Climate Change Practice has built a reputation for delivering high quality, high impact, innovative and transformational mitigation and adaptation programming. We aim to facilitate low-carbon, resilient growth and empower vulnerable communities to adapt to changing climate conditions. We have led a large number of energy programmes globally for bilateral and multilateral development partners in the last 20 years.
Our team in Pakistan, comprising more than 100 staff and associates, has since 2012 supported federal, provincial and district governments in the delivery of large-scale public reforms in the areas of energy, climate change, trade and economic growth, education and Rule of Law. Through our ongoing FCDO-funded ‘Sustainable energy and economic development (SEED)’ technical assistance programme we are aiming to mobilize investments, particularly climate investments that increase economic, social and environmental returns in-country. Most recently, we have developed a Climate project investment pipeline in key economic sectors for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and are supporting improvements in the design and appraisal of government projects, notably steps to climate proof infrastructure via more adaptive designs and improved government planning.
Now ASI is looking for short and long-term energy experts to support the implementation of ‘USAID Climate Smart Energy Activity (USAID-CSEA)’. This activity aims to support the Government of Pakistan (GOP) in the implementation of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) announcements of 2021. More specifically, the project will aim to reduce emissions from the energy sector and decrease the energy sector’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change. To this end, we welcome applications from energy professionals specialising in one or more of the following fields:
Renewable Energy Experts
- Policy, legal, institutional arrangements and regulatory environment (with an understanding of the gas sector)
- Finance and investment, incl. international climate finance
- Market incentives and private sector engagement
- Grid stability, connectivity and system integration
- Clean energy generation through established technologies such as hydropower, solar and wind
- Clean energy generation through new technologies and cross-cutting ones such as waste-to-energy/biogas projects
- Energy utility commercialization and new business models driving Net Zero
- Physical and transition risks
- GHG Emission inventories, modelling and data analytics
Energy and Resource Efficiency Experts
- Policy, legal, institutional arrangements and regulatory environment (with an understanding of the gas sector).
- Finance and investment, incl. international climate finance
- Market incentives and private sector engagement
- Energy management systems and system optimisation
- Reduction in methane emissions including Unaccounted for Gas (UFG)
- Reduction in livestock methane emissions
- Watershed management
We are looking for energy professionals from all levels (junior, mid-level and senior level) to be deployed as appropriate. The project is planned to start in 2024 (subject to award) and will run until 2029. Full and part-time roles will be available. Flexible arrangements can apply.
Tasks and responsibilities could include:
Investment mobilisation
- Identify viable clean energy projects aligned with the country’s NDC and develop project concepts to be submitted to international climate finance institutions (i.e GCF, CIF, the Mitigation Action Facility);
- Support and manage investor outreach and campaigns from technology/company screening to deal finalisation and closure.
Development and enhancement of regulatory structures and institutional capacity
- Develop, revise and execute energy sector strategies for various stakeholders in Pakistan – including the Government of Pakistan (incl. the ministries of energy, finance, climate change, industries), regulators (ie. the State Bank of Pakistan) and the private sector;
- Support preparation of tender procedures and procurement through advice on legal, technical and managerial aspects;
- Provide analytical advisory and diagnostic assessments for policy development and implementation for clean energy deployment, energy system resilience, and energy and resource efficiency;
- Prepare technical studies for new technology potential and route to market;
- Conduct needs assessments, capacity building and draw resource and action plans for a wide range of actors.
Private sector support for Net-Zero
- Organise and lead dialogues, matchmaking and investor events to secure political and financial commitment to Net Zero;
- Organise and lead dialogues, roundtables and capacity building for businesses to support alignment with regulatory requirements (i.e TCFD).
About You
ASI associates have the ability to build effective relationships with experts from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, and to work effectively in politically sensitive and challenging environments. The candidates should relish working in a team, should be innovative, energetic, positive, and genuinely committed to making a lasting contribution to international development.
Adam Smith International seeks the following skills and experience:
- A graduate degree in economics, finance, engineering, energy and environmental studies, international affairs, or other relevant fields;
- Professional experience in one of the fields indicated above. For Junior profiles we ask for at least 5 years’ experience;
- Demonstratable experience supporting various levels of government, regulators, businesses and financial institutions in Pakistan on energy issues is a must;
- Understanding of the tensions and complexities linked to the existing gas network, clean energy, climate change, trade and development in Pakistan;
- Knowledge of the key sector players in Pakistan including the Government of Pakistan (incl. the ministries of energy, finance, climate change, industries), regulators (i.e. the State Bank of Pakistan), private sector actors;
- Previous experience in international development and cooperation projects is desirable, experience with USAID, MCC, DFC, OTA or other U.S agencies/departments is considered an asset;
- Data and modelling skills for the appropriate roles;
- Outstanding written English and oral communication skills;
- Demonstrated experience of initiative, planning and organisation skills, results-focus and working in complex and time-pressured contexts;
- Excellent inter-personal skills and teamwork.
What We Offer You
Our people are at the heart of our strategy and our decisions. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a dynamic and friendly team environment, the opportunity to support a highly successful portfolio of programmes, and support to develop your skills and progress in your career.
The diversity of our workforce makes ASI a great place to work, more creative and resourceful, and underpins strong partnerships. We keep a sharp focus on diversity and inclusion, including through our Equality Action Plan and our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and through leadership from our Executive Team and oversight by our Board.
We recognise the importance of your life outside of work. We are proud to support flexible working arrangements and commit to make a success of flexible working arrangements wherever possible. We’ve built a culture to reflect our values, full of likeminded professionals who are smart, passionate and great at what they do.
When applying, please clearly mark the years of professional experience you hold and specify the specialist area your profile refers to.
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