Vacancies at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Programme Officer – Sustainable Energy (ISSP)
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Duty Stations: Abia, Uyo, and Jos, & Lafia, Nigeria
Programme: Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP)
Overview
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is seeking a Programme Officer – Sustainable Energy to support the delivery of inclusive, community-focused energy solutions under the Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP) in selected Nigerian states. The role contributes to advancing clean energy access, climate resilience, and a just energy transition in line with national development priorities.
About UNDP
United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ largest development agency with a mandate to eradicate poverty through sustainable and inclusive human development. UNDP has supported Nigeria since independence in 1960, working with the Federal Government, development partners, UN agencies, civil society, and local communities across governance and peacebuilding, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The organization supports Nigeria’s National and Subnational Development Plans and the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on improving the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable.
Context
UNDP’s Climate Resilience, Energy Access, and Just Transition (CREATE) Portfolio supports Nigeria’s development trajectory by strengthening climate resilience, expanding access to affordable and clean energy, and accelerating a just and inclusive green transition. The portfolio aligns with Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021–2025), Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy.
Flagship initiatives include the Nigeria Integrated Clean Energy (NICE) Portfolio under the Integrated Smart States Programme (ISSP), which supports federal and state governments to create enabling policy and financing environments for public and private sector engagement in the energy sector. Interventions include capacity development for energy reforms, investment mobilisation, deployment of renewable energy mini-grids and decentralised clean energy systems for social services and productive use, and support for implementation of Nigeria’s revised Nationally Determined Contribution. The portfolio also supports monitoring, reporting and verification systems, climate finance mobilisation, and private sector de-risking for renewable energy and climate adaptation investments.
Key Responsibilities
- Energy Programme Planning and Implementation Support
Support planning and delivery of clean energy interventions under ISSP, including solarisation of health facilities, productive-use energy for MSMEs and markets, mini-grids, and energy solutions for youth and innovation infrastructure. Translate national energy frameworks into state-level implementation pathways. Prepare concept notes, technical briefs, and implementation plans. Coordinate delivery missions, technical assessments, feasibility diagnostics, and pilot interventions. Align energy activities with State Development Plans, Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks, and annual budgets. - Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Delivery
Monitor portfolio performance across ISSP states, track risks and bottlenecks, and prepare dashboards, progress updates, management briefs, and learning notes. Support results-based management and compliance with UNDP safeguards and reporting standards. Document lessons learned and adaptive solutions for scaling. - Knowledge Management, Learning, and Communication
Generate data-driven insights to inform energy finance strategies and investment pipelines. Prepare technical briefs and investment profiles on renewable energy, energy efficiency, decentralised and off-grid systems. Support modelling and scenario analysis on socio-economic and resilience impacts. Maintain datasets and performance-tracking tools. Contribute to briefs, presentations, factsheets, success stories, learning exchanges, and policy-relevant knowledge products. - Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Support
Provide inputs to partnerships with State Governments, development finance institutions, private sector actors, and development partners. Support donor briefs, investment notes, and materials for co-investment opportunities. Assist with investment forums, state-to-state dialogues, and technical working groups. Coordinate with national platforms such as the Rural Electrification Agency and Rural Electrification Fund, and partners aligned with the NICE portfolio. - Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate coordination between state-level ISSP implementation teams and UNDP thematic leads at the Abuja Country Office and regional offices. Support engagement with MDAs and partners to ensure coherence and information flow. Provide technical backstopping to ISSP Portfolio Analysts on energy components.
Eligibility and Requirements
Experience: Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Energy Systems, Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, or related fields. HND holders with relevant experience may be considered.
Languages: English (Fluent)
Core Competencies and Values
Accountability
Adaptability and flexibility
Commitment to continuous learning
Creativity
Integrity
Professionalism
Teamwork
Skills and Experience
Demonstrated knowledge of energy systems and technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, off-grid systems, and electrification planning
Strong analytical and modelling skills using Excel, Python, R, or specialised tools such as HOMER, LEAP, or SAM
Familiarity with energy access metrics, cost-benefit analysis, and investment appraisal
Understanding of climate finance mechanisms, blended finance, and energy project structuring
Experience supporting policy analysis and development of energy plans or regulatory frameworks
Strong technical writing and presentation skills
Assets
Knowledge of national or regional energy policies linked to NDCs and SDGs
Experience engaging private sector actors, utilities, financial institutions, and local governments
Familiarity with development partner operations, climate funds such as GCF, SEFA, or GEF, and UNDP programming approaches
Areas of Expertise
Community development
Development programmes
Energy and environment
Application Link
