Job Identification (Reference Number): 14071
Position Title: Programme Officer (Renewable Energy) (P)
Duty Station City: Nairobi – SO11
Duty Station Country: Kenya
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Special Short term ungraded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Applications
Initial duration: 6 months
Closing date: 10 April 2025
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this call, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.
Context
IOM Somalia’s Environmental Peacebuilding (EP) portfolio within Community Stabilization programming addresses the interconnections between environmental sustainability, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding, acknowledging that environmental issues can trigger or worsen conflicts and displacement. Through a holistic approach that integrates green economy, governance, and environmental activities, the EP portfolio promotes cooperation, addresses root conflict causes, and fosters inclusive development, particularly in newly recovered and fragile areas affected by Al-Shabaab.
To address these challenges holistically, IOM integrates green economy, green governance, and green environment activities within its approach. A flagship initiative under this portfolio is the Danish-funded “Forging a Greener Peace in the Hirshabelle State of Somalia” project, which, running until December 2026, holds particular significance for Denmark as its sole climate-conflict project. With both Denmark and Somalia on the Security Council, this project presents a unique opportunity to advance climate-security best practices and strengthen diplomatic ties. Additionally, through the Korea-funded Enhancing Women’s Resilience Programme, IOM is supporting sustainable recovery in conflict-affected areas, where both projects have critical and substantial green economy and renewable energy components. To scale up these interventions, IOM requires a Programme Officer focusing on renewable energy engineering and the green economy, supporting solar energy solutions, green infrastructure, sustainable energy access, and sustainable livelihoods. The role will ensure that renewable energy is effectively integrated into livelihoods, governance, and environmental programming, enhancing the impact, sustainability, and resilience of IOM’s peacebuilding initiatives in Somalia.
Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Community Stabilization) and direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Environmental Peacebuilding) Portfolio, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office (RO) for East and Horn of Africa in Nairobi and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Officer (Renewable Energy) will primarily be responsible for providing technical, administrative and logistics related support for the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the Korea-funded “Enhancing Women’s Resilience Programme”, the Denmark-funded “Forging a Greener Peace in the Hirshabelle State of Somalia” project, as well as other Environmental Peacebuilding projects in IOM’s Nairobi office, coordinating closely with implementing partners and providing technical inputs for the development of the overall Environmental Peacebuilding portfolio. This position will require frequent travel to Mogadishu.
Responsibilities
1. Provide technical and operational support for the design, execution, and scaling of renewable energy solutions, with a focus on solar-powered minigrids, decentralized energy systems, and sustainable electrification models for projects under the Environmental Peacebuilding program.
2. Oversee the full implementation of minigrids and off-grid energy solutions, ensuring compliance with technical standards, climate resilience principles, and socio-economic integration in fragile and newly recovered areas.
3. Facilitate the procurement, installation, and commissioning of energy infrastructure, ensuring adherence to sustainability and conflict-sensitive programming.
4. Conduct monitoring, evaluation, and performance assessments of solar minigrids, solar irrigation systems, and agro-processing solutions, identifying opportunities for optimization and scale-up.
5. Lead capacity-building programs on minigrid operations, maintenance, and sustainability, targeting local authorities, community-based organizations, and women-led cooperatives.
6. Develop technical training materials and facilitate workshops on renewable energy adoption, grid management, and productive uses of electricity in climate-resilient livelihoods.
7. Maintain close and effective collaboration and liaison with relevant stakeholders such as Government entities, national authorities, donors, development partners, United Nations agencies, energy regulators, and civil society to facilitate the success of the project.
8. Coordinate with UN agencies, energy regulators, development banks, and technical institutions to enhance knowledge-sharing and leverage co-financing for sustainable livelihood and energy programs.
9. Provide technical information and guidance to relevant Government authorities, donors and other stakeholders and participate in learning events, workshops and meetings to help expand the portfolio.
10. Support the development of concept notes, funding proposals, and technical reports to expand renewable energy and green economy interventions within IOM’s Environmental Peacebuilding and Community Stabilization programming.
11. Conduct energy market assessments, feasibility studies, and socio-economic impact evaluations to inform the design of energy solutions tailored to local needs.
12. Ensure information management systems on programme related activities are maintained and updated.
13. Ensure that energy interventions are integrated into stabilization, peacebuilding, and durable solutions frameworks, addressing resource competition and conflict risks.
14. Provide technical inputs to national energy policy discussions, advocating for the expansion of decentralized energy solutions as a pathway to stabilization, resilience, and post-conflict recovery.
15. Perform other such duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
- Experience in project management, implementation, development or support, with good knowledge of IOM/UN programme/project life cycles;
- Previous experience as an environmental/energy engineer;
- Previous experience coordinating with renewable energy companies;
- Previous work experience in coordinating with local and state government authorities and civil society organizations;
- Skill and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and,
- Experience working in East and Horn of Africa an advantage.
Skills
- Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of information technology;
- Demonstrated knowledge in environment, climate-change, durable solutions, stabilization, and peacebuilding concepts. In-depth understanding of off-grid electrification and energy access Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
- Knowledge and understanding of climate-conflict context and programming.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of Somali is an advantage.
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
- Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
- Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
- Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
- Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.
