Energy & Development Specialist – REnew Pacific

Job Description:

Energy & Development Specialist – REnew Pacific

*****Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM AEST on Friday 27 June 2025. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found.

• Position: Short Term (3 months, with possibility of extension)
• Reports To: Partnerships & Portfolio Lead
• Location: Ideally Australia or Pacific Islands

REnew Pacific

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people’s lives.

REnew Pacific is a $75m investment by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) under the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), that will help deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific. It is to be delivered over a five-year period from 2024-2029. The goal of REnew Pacific is to demonstrate Australia’s role as a climate infrastructure partner of choice in the Pacific. This will be achieved by increasing access to affordable and reliable electricity, which will create opportunities for improved human development.
Through the program, Australia will also support Pacific Island countries (PICs) to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by electrifying rural communities and avoiding Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions commensurate with the program’s capacity. The program will run a grant application and management process for projects that will enable lighting, access to water, improved agriculture, better food security, quality education and health services, reliable communications connectivity and enhanced incomes. The program covers all Pacific Island countries eligible for overseas development assistance and Timor Leste.

Responsibilities of the Consultant

Under the guidance and direction of the Partnerships & Portfolio Lead, the Energy & Development Specialist will:

< strong>Evaluation and Assessment:

• Thoroughly review concept notes and proposals submitted to REnew Pacific team, assessing their technical soundness, feasibility, and alignment with REnew Pacific’s strategic goals.
• Evaluate the budget proposed, ensuring it is realistic, cost-effective, and aligns with DFAT donor requirements.
• Review potential risks, providing justification for concerns.

Scoring and Ranking:

• Apply established selection criteria to assign scores to each proposal or concept note.
• Contribute to the development of the final evaluation report, including scoring lists, methodologies, and recommendations.

Providing Feedback and Recommendations:

• Offer constructive feedback to applicants on how to strengthen their proposals or concept notes.
• Provide detailed recommendations on selected proposals, suggesting further development or changes.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with REnew Pacific team, other assessors, evaluation committees, and relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly and concisely.

Quality Control:

• Ensure the quality and consistency of all proposal and concept note assessments.
• Maintain accurate records of assessments and recommendations.

Due to the evolving nature of our program, it is possible that the incumbent may be expected to undertake duties that fall outside the remit of their original Terms of Reference as reasonably required to ensure the ongoing success of the program.

Reporting Requirements

This role reports into Partnerships & Portfolio Lead. Reporting requirements may include but are not limited to:

• Attendance at team meetings, other requested meetings and regional meetings (e.g. townhalls).

Minimum Education and Experience Required

• A degree in engineering, energy systems, natural resource management, international relations or other relevant disciplines or equivalent level of experience.
• Highly developed information management and analytical skills, evidence-based judgement, ability to prioritise, and work calmly under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience in international development, climate change policy, environmental management, economics, or related field
• Experience assessing concept notes and proposals for grants in climate, international development, and renewable energy sectors desirable
• Excellent written and oral communications skills with demonstrated experience in synthesizing information and writing technical reports and summaries
• Knowledge of DFAT donor requirements and regulations desirable
• Understanding of project management principles and processes
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, and also as part of a team
• Ability to meet deadlines and balance competing priorities
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly in a cross-cultural context