Energy Specialist - Palau (North Pacific ACP Renewable Energy and Energy EFficiency Project

SECRETARIAT OF THE PACIFIC COMMUNITY POSITION DESCRIPTION ENERGY SPECIALIST - PALAU [NORTH PACIFIC ACP RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT (NORTH REP)] BACKGROUND The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is an international organisation that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members. SPC works in a wide range of sectors with the aim of achieving three development outcomes – sustainable economic development, sustainable natural resource management and development, and sustainable human and social development. SPC’s headquarters are in Noumea, New Caledonia. It has regional offices in Suva, Fiji Islands, and Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and country offices in Honiara, Solomon Islands and Port Vila, Vanuatu. Additional information on SPC, particularly regarding its work in specific sectors, can be found on its website: www.spc.int. The Economic Development Division is a new division of SPC based in Fiji. It four programmes, namely Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and Communication. The Energy Programme coordinates work on (i) leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships; (ii) capacity development, planning, policy and regulatory frameworks; (iii) energy production and supply (petroleum and alternative liquid fuels, and renewable energy; (iv) energy conversion (electric power); (v) end-use energy consumption; (vi) energy data and information; and (vii) financing, monitoring and evaluation as outlined in the Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific. North Pacific ACP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (North REP) Consistent with the promotion of economic and social development, the governments of Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), in consultation with civil society, have targeted the energy sector, especially the identification and use of new and renewable sources of energy, as the area of concentration for funding under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). For the 10th EDF (2008–2013) these three countries have combined their allocations into a multi-country programme - North REP - which has a total budget allocation of € 14.44 million (approximately USD 19.44 million). The project will be staffed by a core of four technical experts, two based in Pohnpei and one each in Palau and RMI. The three Pacific states targeted in this programme are classed as small island developing states (SIDS) and they have development challenges that differ from those of other developing countries due to their very small populations (ranging from 20,300 in Palau to 116,000 in FSM), their isolation in the Pacific Ocean, their varying GDP per capita (from € 2,100/USD3,130 in RMI to € 8,000/USD 8,268 in Palau) and their fragile environment. The North Pacific ACP Renewable Energy and Efficiency management office is established in Pohnpei as part of the SPC North Pacific regional office. KEY RESULT AREAS The position of Energy Specialist – Palau [North Pacific ACP Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (North REP)] encompasses the following major functions or Key Result Areas: 1. Leadership, governance, coordination and partnerships · Foster and establish links with and cooperate closely with the staff of other related energy initiatives, including joint or co-sponsored activities, workshops, studies, etc. 2. Planning, policy and regulatory frameworks · Assist in preparation, assessment and award of tenders. · Assist in the development of action plans for implementation of renewable energy, energy efficiency and regulatory policy. · Provide technical support for the continued implementation of the Palau National Energy Policy Framework. 3. Capacity building · Provide technical support for capacity building of local technicians responsible for maintenance. · Design and conduct awareness campaigns on the energy efficiency plan and policy framework for all stakeholders, including the Olgiil Era Kelulau (Palau’s parliament). · Coordinate awareness raising and training among target communities prior to equipment installation. · Assist in the provision of training and human capacity development for the power utility, government institutions and private sector in energy efficiency and renewable energy. 4. Production and supply – access to affordable energy · Advise and support the Palau Community Action Agency (PCAA) in the implementation of its 9th EDF-funded Palau Renewable Energy Programme. · Troubleshoot 9th EDF renewable energy installations in Palau. · Establish a wind resource assessment project at suitable sites. 5. End-use consumption – efficient and productive uses of energy · Design and explore opportunities to create a fund within national development institutions that will support homeowners and small businesses to upgrade to energy efficient technologies. · Assist in the implementation of the recommendations of the energy efficiency action plan being developed under 9th EDF; (analyse the 9th EDF renewable energy installations in North-REP countries and ensure that lessons learnt are incorporated into new projects and that best practice is adopted). · Assess and recommend appropriate retrofit options and technologies to increase the efficiency of government buildings/facilities through efficient appliances and architectural upgrades. 6. Monitoring and evaluation · Ensure sustainability of investments through user-pay and revolving fund mechanisms. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential Ø A tertiary qualification in energy efficiency or other relevant discipline. Ø At least seven years’ experience with energy efficiency and renewable energy. Ø An understanding of the renewable energy needs of the region and an expert understanding of energy efficiency and grid-connected renewable energy systems or the ability to develop such an understanding in Palau. Ø Clarity, confidence and coherence in both oral and written communication. Ø Strong analytical skills and the ability to master new material quickly. Ø Very good knowledge of English. Desirable Ø Demonstrated experience in small island states /Pacific region. Ø Prior experience working in the Pacific and/or in a developing country. Ø Proven ability to supervise other staff effectively. SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS SALARY AND ALLOWANCE The position is in Band 10 of SPC's salary scale. Salaries for staff recruited internationally are set in SDR (special drawing rights) and paid in the local currency (i.e. the US dollar, USD, in Palau). As per SPC’s 2011 salary scale, the salary range for this band is SDR 2,780–4,030 per month. At prevailing exchange rates these amounts convert to approximately USD 4,300–6,200 per month (SDR 1 = USD 1.5297). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. The organisation subsidises housing. A housing allowance of either USD 1,000 per month, or 75 per cent of the total monthly rental, up to a limit of USD 2,000 per month, will be provided. In addition, an establishment grant will be payable to non-residents of Palau. Where appropriate, other allowances such as an education allowance will be paid. SPC emoluments are subject to income tax in Palau at the present time. TENURE The appointment will be for a period of three years, subject to a one-year probationary period, with the possibility of renewal for a further three years, subject to performance and continued funding availability. DUTY STATION Koror, Palau. LEAVE Annual leave will accrue at the rate of 25 working days per annum. For expatriate staff members, home leave fares are payable after 18 months of service. Sick leave is 30 working days per annum. MEDICAL BENEFITS With prior approval of SPC, the cost of the full premium of an appropriate personally arranged medical insurance scheme similar to medical insurance arrangements in place for staff based in SPC headquarters in Noumea will be reimbursed. PROVIDENT FUND The appointee will be eligible for membership in SPC's Staff Provident Fund. Staff members contribute 8 per cent of base salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution. FARES AND REMOVAL EXPENSES For an appointee recruited outside of Palau, the cost of air fares by the most direct and/or economic route for the appointee and recognised dependants, and reasonable removal expenses by sea of personal and household effects will be met by SPC on appointment and termination. COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT SPC has a standardised computing environment based on Microsoft Office running under Microsoft Windows. SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT Smoking is not permitted in the work place. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES SPC is an equal-opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit, but in cases where two short-listed candidates are ranked equal by the selection committee, preference will be given to Pacific Island nationals.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES The closing date for applications is 30 June 2011

Applicants are asked to use SPC’s online recruitment system. Applicants who cannot access the online recruitment system may send their documents to: Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, P.O. Box D5, 98848 NOUMEA CEDEX, New Caledonia or submit them by fax (+687 26 38 18) or email (spc@spc.int, preferably as an electronic attachment in Microsoft Word format). Applicants should provide their curriculum vitae and specifically address how their qualifications, knowledge and experience demonstrate their ability to successfully undertake the duties and responsibilities of the position in their cover letter. They should also provide names and contact details of three referees.