Tiered Approach
In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:
- Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
- Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
- Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
- Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates
Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.
Background
Nepal is warming at nearly twice the global average, with urban areas experiencing significantly higher land surface temperatures than surrounding rural areas. In the southern Terai, prolonged extreme heat and high humidity have intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect increasing health risks, energy demand for cooling, cost of energy, greenhouse gas emissions and stress on energy infrastructure. Heatwaves, prolonged spells of extreme heat, are becoming more frequent, particularly in the southern Terai region, causing dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and fatalities among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions. In 2015, WHO projected heat-related deaths among the elderly (65+) to rise from 4 per 100,000 before 1990 to 53 per 100,000 by 2080.
Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City (DSMC), a fast-growing urban economic hub of Sudurpaschim Province in western Nepal with a population density of nearly 760 people per square kilometer, experiences recurrent heatwaves during the pre-monsoon and summer months (May-August), with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C and reaching a recorded maximum of 46.4°C. The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves in 2024 and 2025 have led to rising heat-related illness and mortality, disruption of education, strained health services, and growing livelihood impacts, prompting heightened concern among local authorities. However, current responses in DSMC remain largely limited to heatwave warnings and related advisory and short-term relief measures, which is insufficient given the accelerating frequency and severity of extreme heat events and need for sufficient investment in long-term for preventive solutions such as building cooling, energy efficiency, and nature-based interventions.
UNDP and DSMC have jointly codesigned and cocreated Green Transition Portfolio in Dhangadhi based on the umbrella portfolio approach. This Portfolio envisions transforming Dhangadhi into a model city that delivers on its vision of Green, Clean, Safe and Bright city. In addition, UNDP has designed a project to enhance urban resilience to extreme heat in DSMC. The project is expected to demonstrate practical, scalable approaches combining energy-efficient building design, nature-based solutions, and improved preparedness, while generating policy-relevant evidence and lessons to inform replication across other heat-vulnerable cities in Nepal’s Terai region. This project, supported by the Government of Japan’s Supplementary Budget (JSB), will pilot integrated urban heat management solutions in DSMC to reduce heat-related illness and deaths, while generating scalable lessons for other fast-growing cities across Nepal’s Terai.
UNDP Nepal seeks to recruit a dedicated, experienced, and technically competent expert for smart buildings and green infrastructure for improved human security and sustainable development project in Nepal. Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, Green Transition in Nepal Portfolio, the Energy Efficiency Analyst will provide technical support in design process, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), preparation of detailed feasibility study (DFS) and social & environmental screening (SES), site selection, supervision and monitoring, and capacity building of municipal officials and other relevant stakeholders to enhance nature-based solutions and energy efficient infrastructure development.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Energy Efficiency Analyst (for smart buildings and green infrastructure development) will report to and work under the direct supervision of the UNDP Project Manager, Green Transition Portfolio with guidance of UNDP Portfolio Manager, Inclusive Economic Growth, and in close coordination with the DSMC technical team. The Energy Efficiency Analyst will be based in Dhangadhi and closely work with Green Transition Portfolio team of UNDP and Dhangadhi Field Office.
Duties and responsibilities includes;
A. Technical expertise and assurance on energy efficiency (Design, Site Assessments, Feasibility Studies, and Detailed Project Reports Preparation)
- Provide technical support to DSMC in identifying, assessing, and prioritizing suitable public buildings and community infrastructures for thermal retrofitting or environmentally responsible construction.
- Provide technical support to DSMC in identification, assessing and prioritizing the suitable ponds to be restored
- Facilitate carrying out on-site detailed feasibility study (DFS) and Social & Environmental Safeguard/Screening (SES) of the selected buildings and infrastructure (5 public buildings and 5 community urban infrastructure to be retrofitted) for demonstration incorporating energy efficient solutions) with the consultation and coordination of DSMC.
- Facilitate conducting DFS & SES of 3 selected urban wetlands and ponds in consultation with DSMC.
- Ensure that selected structures incorporate nature-based and energy efficient design solutions aligned with the project’s outputs, sustainability objectives , and performance benchmarks.
- Provide technical support to conduct comprehensive site measurements and structural assessments of the selected buildings, and verify all physical quantities required for developing accurate Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and technical specifications by identifying retrofit needs and ensuring that all estimates and technical details are aligned with project standards and design requirements.
- Conduct thermal performance assessments of at least five (5) public buildings and five (5) community infrastructures to determine retrofitting needs.
- Assess feasibility of at least two (2) thermal cooling measures (e.g., passive cooling, shading, ventilation, water-sensitive design).
- Carry out environmental and structural appraisals to determine suitability for retrofitting with energy-efficient and nature-based solutions.
- Conduct urban heat mapping and microclimate studies to identify at least three (3) priority wetlands/ponds for restoration as green and blue spaces.
- Assess socio-economic dimensions, including community vulnerability, affordability, and gendered impacts of heat stress.
- Evaluate energy sources (grid electricity, solar, hybrid systems) and recommend sustainable alternatives for cooling and retrofitting.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and social safeguards, including biodiversity protection and inclusive participation.
- Prepare feasibility reports with cost estimates, energy requirements, and economic viability of interventions.
- Organize site validation consultation meetings with DSMC officials, community groups, and private sector actors.
- Provide support to develop detailed technical designs and specifications for retrofitting public buildings and community infrastructures.
- Facilitate to integrate energy-efficient features such as insulation, shading, ventilation, green roofs, etc.
- Map and prioritize urban wetlands/ponds based on heat-vulnerability, flood-risk, biodiversity value, and community access.
- Facilitate to conduct baseline assessments: hydrology, water balance, water quality, sediment load, microclimate (surface temp, UTCI), and land tenure.
- Provide technical support to finalize social and environmental screening (SES) reports, including with focus on gender equality and social inclusion, and the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) principle and obtain required technical clearances.
- Facilitate to incorporate nature-based solutions into designs for wetlands and ponds restoration.
- Provide support to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) including engineering drawings, BoQs, technical specifications, technical evaluation of bids and construction schedules, including O&M plans.
- Provide technical support to integrate heat mitigation features (e.g., canopy shade) in line with the project document.
- Ensure designs comply with national building codes, renewable energy guidelines, and UNDP safeguard requirements.
- Align DPRs with DSMC’s municipal development plans and provincial adaptation strategies.
- Submit DPRs for technical validation and approval by stakeholders and government agencies.
- Provide technical support to draft concept notes, Terms of Reference (ToRs), and RFP/RFQ documents required for effective implementation of the project.
- Support to conduct feasibility and technical studies including social and environmental aspects to determine these interventions as solutions for thermal cooling.
B. Construction Supervision and Quality Control
- Monitor restoration works of wetlands/ponds as climate-resilient green and blue spaces.
- Inspect installation of thermal cooling measures for quality, durability, and energy efficiency.
- Supervise retrofitting and construction works to ensure conformity with DPRs and technical specifications.
- Inspect civil works, including insulation, ventilation systems, shading structures, and water-sensitive features.
- Monitor installation of mechanical and electrical systems for energy efficiency and durability.
- Ensure quality utilization of construction materials and certify suppliers based on project requirements.
- Liaise with contractors, technicians, and municipal engineers for joint inspection and certification at the field level.
- Provide support to prepare detailed construction supervision and quality assurance reports.
C. Capacity Development, Institutional Support, and Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide facilitation and coordination support to service providers to enable the efficient, high quality, and timely implementation of project interventions
- Design and deliver training programs for municipal engineers, contractors, and community groups on energy-efficient and climate-resilient building practices.
- Provide support to build technical competence of DSMC engineers for replication of retrofitting and nature-based solutions.
- Provide support to introduce digital tools and ICT-based applications for monitoring heat resilience of the retrofitted building.
- Provide technical input to develop operational training package on heat-resistant and low-energy solutions for municipal engineers, contractors, and community groups.
- Deliver training sessions and workshops to build technical competence for replication of retrofitting and nature-based solutions.
- Facilitate community learning exchanges on climate-smart infrastructure and urban heat management.
- Develop participatory operation and maintenance (O&M) plans with DSMC and community stakeholders.
- Facilitate to conduct awareness raising programmes on sustainable building practices, energy conservation, and inclusive urban resilience.
- Support to conduct mass awareness and orientation programmes in schools and communities on heat management.
- Provide technical support to DSMC in preparing policies/procedures related to urban heat management.
- Prepare standard design catalogues, tender specs, evaluation of bid documents and maintenance manuals.
- Strengthen institutional linkages between DSMC, provincial governments, cooperatives, and private sector actors.
- Promote inclusive participation of women, youth, Dalit, and marginalized groups in urban resilience planning.
- Facilitate public-private partnerships for scaling up energy-efficient and nature-based solution
- Contribute to develop governance structures, bylaws, and O&M manuals for sustainable management of retrofitted infrastructure.
- Provide support to conduct cost-benefit analysis of demonstrated solutions and develop case studies.
- Provide technical support to prepare heat response plans of Dhangadhi, and policy briefs and General Guidelines for municipal level.
- Support DSMC to implement key heat response measures (such as water points for humans and animals, cooling centers for urban poor, heat relief supplies, etc.) in line with the Heat Action Plan
D. Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Management
- Develop monitoring systems to track performance indicators such as building energy efficiency, thermal comfort, community resilience, and health and safety measures.
- Establish databases for tracking retrofitting and resilience measures at municipal and provincial levels. Prepare case studies, success stories, and lessons learned from interventions.
- Document learnings and human-interest stories that highlight the initial impact of nature-based solutions. Contribute to the comprehensive learning document capturing implementation processes, strategies, and impacts.
- Provide technical support to ensure quality assurance and monitor the progress of for smart buildings and green infrastructure development and report accordingly.
- Provide technical support to monitor the on-going green transition portfolio interventions, as and when required.
- Ensure gender- and inclusion-sensitive reporting with disaggregated data.
- Ensure regular reporting to and communications with the Supervisor.
E. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
- Ensure GESI related results are well captured and mainstreamed in planning, communications, monitoring and reporting system.
- Support implementing partners to adhere to UNDP GESI policies in all programming.
- Support implementing partners to ensure GESI consideration in beneficiaries’ selection particular emphasis should be given for disaggregated data management.
- Ensure GESI considerations are strongly considered in all aspects of assessments, design, and implementation of construction work.
- Ensure GESI considerations are strongly considered in all aspects of capacity development, institutional support, and stakeholder engagement.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Business Direction & Strategy
- Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business development
- Collective Intelligence Design: Ability to bring together diverse groups of people, data, information, ideas, and technology to solve problems and design solutions or services. Knowledge and understanding of Collective Intelligence Design principles, methodology and practices.
Business Management
- Partnerships Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies
2030 Agenda: Planet
- Climate: Climate Change Adaptation: Climate-Resilient Infrastructure; Climate Strategies and Policy: NDC enhancement
2030 Agenda: People
- Gender: Climate Change and Risk Management of Disasters with a Gender Perspective
2030 Agenda: Prosperity
- Inclusive Growth: Social Inclusion
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Energy Engineering or Engineering in Environment Science or Energy Efficient Building, or related field is required. OR
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned areas, in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience:
- Minimum two (2) years (with Master’s degree) or four (4) years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in the design, development, and implementation of energy efficient building, pond restoration or other aspects of urban heat management, including experience in renewable energy system
Required skills:
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages
Desired Skills:
- Proven experience in energy-efficient building design and/or nature-based solutions.
- Experience working with climate adaptation, urban resilience, and sustainable construction practices.
- Demonstrated experience supervising civil, mechanical, and electrical works during construction and ensure compliance with national standards, safeguards, and safety requirements.
- Strong experience in preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), including engineering drawings, RFPs, BoQ cost-benefit analyses, and technical specifications.
- Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and documentation
- Familiarity with Nepal's energy efficient building code policies, renewal energy guidelines, and relevant government codes.
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
- Prior involvement in projects related to heat management, sustainable construction practices or nature-based solutions.
- Prior work experience in UN / UNDP projects.
Required Language(s)
- Fluency in English and Nepali language is required.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Use of AI by candidates
Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection
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