Economic Development Associate-Electricity

In September 2016, the agreement 'Principles for Financial Clearance, Resolution of the Palestinian Electricity Debts and Establishment of a New Energy Market in the Palestinian Sector’ ('the Electricity Agreement’) was signed by the Palestinian and Israeli parties. If implemented in full, the Electricity Agreement will transfer significant control and authority over the electricity sector in the West Bank from the Israelis to the Palestinians. The agreement also provides an opportunity to resolve the longstanding Palestinian debt to the Israel Electric Company (IEC) and will pave the way for the establishment of a new Palestinian electricity market.

Implementation of the agreement requires the Palestinian Authority (PA) to assume significant additional responsibilities for the sector for which technical, financial and institutional capacity-building is necessary. The OQ has facilitated the development of a detailed 'Implementation Plan’ for the agreement and has developed an 'Electricity Agreement Tracker’ which is being used by the PA and the OQ to track progress, identify financing and capacity gaps, and flag risks on an ongoing basis. The timeline to fully implement the Electricity Agreement is two years, commencing after the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Although implementation has been slower than planned, the first major step was taken on July 10, 2017 when the interim PPA for the Al-Jalama substation in Jenin was signed and the substation energized. This has facilitated the negotiations of the main PPA for the sale of electricity from IEC to the Palestinian Electricity Transmission Company (PETL).

The EDA will support the work of the OQ’s Energy Team, particularly focussing on supporting the further implementation of the Electricity Agreement and, more generally, the development of the Palestinian electricity sector.  The work is of a highly confidential nature and the EDA must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality.

The EDA will contribute to the following deliverables:

Project Management and Delivery

1. Closely support implementation of one or more OQ energy projects, including supporting the further implementation of the Electricity Agreement.
2. Provide guidance on project strategy and direction and adapt this guidance as necessary in response to changing information.
3. Propose and maintain a detailed project plan and agree on outputs and deliverables with the Director of Energy.
4. Ensure that the project goals are met within acceptable tolerances from the perspective of project timeline, cost, quality and scope using a variety of tools including the OQ Electricity Agreement Tracker; take corrective action where necessary.
5. Identify, mitigate and manage risks associated with the delivery of project work streams, in liaison with the Director or Energy and the rest of the Energy Team.
6. Support the production of internal and external project outputs on a day-to-day basis, including: presentations, written documents, background research, Gantt charts and other tasks relevant to the project.
7. Support procurement of external service providers, in coordination with relevant OQ staff.

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Develop and maintain a comprehensive overview of electricity stakeholders at various levels.
2. Establish solid working relationships with Palestinian stakeholders at the appropriate level to ensure continued cooperation on the Electricity Agreement project, access to relevant information and to coordinate outputs. This will require the EDA to travel regularly to Ramallah and potentially Gaza.
3. Ensure stakeholders are aware of project activities, progress and risks.
4. Manage and facilitate the engagement of external service providers by maintaining effective communication with them; facilitating meetings, access to data and contacts as required; providing input to their work and ensuring an acceptable quality of delivered services.

Project Communication and Outreach

1. Prepare a range of written communication documents (such as reports, letters, emails and presentations) for internal and external project stakeholders as needed.
2. Assist with the organization and facilitation of meetings relating to the project.
3. Contribute to the Office fundraising efforts for the different energy projects, including the Electricity Agreement project, by engaging with potential and existing donors and drafting fundraising proposals.

Research, Monitoring and Knowledge Sharing 

1. Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian energy sector by identifying challenges, opportunities for further engagements and key players, and regularly share any learnings with the OQ’s Energy Team.
2. Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of regional energy developments, and regularly share any learnings with the OQ’s Energy Team.
3. Support data and information gathering relevant to energy sector work streams.

Event Organisation:

Assist with the organisation of meetings, workshops and conferences in relation to other OQ priorities, as required

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.