Project Associate

**Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and**inspiring stories.**

The Western Balkan region is heavily dependent on fossil fuels and ranks among the most polluted areas in Europe. In Kosovo, energy production is primarily coal-based, relying on two outdated power plants that have been in operation for over 60 years. These aging facilities form the backbone of the local energy system, providing affordable electricity but at the expense of reliability and efficiency. This reliance on obsolete infrastructure imposes significant socio-economic costs, including environmental degradation, public health risks, and missed opportunities for economic modernization and sustainable development.

Institutional capacity building and inclusive community engagement, including SMEs and households, are pivotal to transforming Kosovo's energy landscape, despite the significant challenges they face in adopting energy-efficient practices. SMEs often lack the technical expertise and financial resources needed to implement innovative energy solutions, while households struggle with poorly insulated buildings, insufficient information, and reliance on low-efficiency appliances, leading to higher energy consumption.

Addressing energy poverty demands a multidisciplinary approach, from adopting necessary legal frameworks to implementing innovative technical and policy measures. Kosovo's Just Transition Roadmap, which is being developed as part of the EU Growth Plan reform agenda, calls for comprehensive strategies, including investments in renewable energy, subsidies for low-income households, job creation, and energy efficiency programs.

The ‘Inclusive and Just Pathway to 2030: Green Energy Future’ project aims to support Kosovo in achieving a just, inclusive, and sustainable transition from coal to renewable energy, fully aligned with Kosovo’s Energy Strategy 2022-2031, the National Energy and Climate Plans 2025-2030, and EU climate and energy commitments. This intervention aims to strengthen institutional and technical capacities for policy implementation, develop sustainable employment pathways in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, drive innovative investments, and foster public awareness of energy-efficient behavior. By 2030, the project seeks to contribute to a 35% share of renewable energy in Kosovo’s energy mix, a 33% reduction in emissions, and reduced energy poverty through an inclusive transition journey.

The project aims to address the above-mentioned challenges as follows:

- Provide tailored technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and access to high-level advisory support. Support the Ministry and relevant stakeholders to develop and implement policies that align with the ambitious programs in the EU accession pathway, and enhance institutional coordination by establishing flexible mechanisms, for example, engaging with municipalities and private sector stakeholders.
- Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency adoption in the private sector, particularly among SMEs.
- Empowering local communities through targeted support for energy-poor households and public awareness initiatives around efficient use of energy.
- Supporting investments in energy, that enhance energy savings, reduce energy poverty, and promote new policies for a just energy transition.

Through these interventions, the project aligns with Kosovo’s energy transition agenda while advancing Danish development objectives of promoting climate action, social equity, and economic resilience.

**Scope of Work**

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Associate will execute duties and responsibilities outlined below:
**Support the project team to ensure effective project planning and implementation.**
- Compile and summarize information and data for the formulation of project work plans, draft annual/quarterly budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements, and on other specific project related topics or issues.
- Provide comprehensive support in all aspects of project implementation in accordance with the project documents, annual work plans and other agreements between UNDP and responsible partners. Ensure quality of delivery by consultants, beneficiaries, and contracted companies; and communicate findings to the supervisor.
- Ensure compliance of project business processes with UNDP Project Operational Policies and Procedures (POPP) and UNDP Standar