Senior Integrated Energy Systems Expert

About the role

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a senior professional to lead the design and rollout of its Global Demand Flexibility Accelerator. This consultant will shape programme strategy, engage with governments and power‑sector stakeholders, and drive the development of demand‑side flexibility roadmaps in priority countries.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical design, development and initial implementation of UNEP’s Global Demand Flexibility Accelerator, including strategy, work planning, results framework and risk management.
• Provide programme leadership for demand‑side flexibility initiatives in Brazil and the Philippines, fostering nationally owned programmes and roadmaps.
• Develop and apply a common UNEP methodology for national demand‑side flexibility roadmaps, covering flexibility potential, system value and policy pathways.
• Represent UNEP in high‑level technical and strategic discussions with ministries, regulators, system operators, utilities and standards bodies.
• Engage with ISO, IEC and national standards organisations to advance practical standards for demand‑side flexibility, appliances, buildings and interoperable energy systems.
• Offer senior technical guidance on market and regulatory frameworks enabling aggregation, procurement, measurement, verification and consumer safeguards.
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for analytical work performed by consultants, partners and technical organisations.
• Coordinate with IRENA and other international partners to integrate demand‑flexibility activities across UNEP platforms.
• Lead or contribute to resource mobilisation, donor engagement and funding proposal development for integrated energy systems initiatives.

Required profile

• Proven senior‑level experience in integrated energy systems and demand‑side flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical programmes and develop strategic roadmaps.
• Extensive experience engaging with government ministries, regulators and power‑sector institutions.
• Strong knowledge of international standards development processes (ISO, IEC).
• Track record of securing funding and managing donor relationships for large‑scale energy projects.

Required skills

• Power system analysis
• Market and regulatory analysis
• Standards assessment