Individual Consultant: Just Energy Transition & Renewable Constituency Analysis

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Introduction

Country: Eswatini

Description of the Assignment:

Given the current political economy of energy in Eswatini; including the actors driving and resisting the coal proposition, the formal and informal institutions shaping energy decisions, and the resources and capabilities at play; how can UNDP and the UN Country Team strategically position themselves to sustain and advance a just energy transition, and what narrative, alliances and sequenced interventions are required to keep a renewable energy trajectory viable? To produce this product with the requisite analytical rigor, the consultant will undertake a focused desk-based review of Eswatini’s energy policy landscape and actor environment. This preparatory analytical work is integral to the scope of the assignment but does not constitute a separate deliverable; it is the evidence base on which the primary knowledge product rests.

The assignment is desk-based, drawing on policy documentation, regulatory filings, energy sector data, published analytical literature and media. It is supplemented by a small number of targeted stakeholder engagements conducted for the specific purpose of validating and sharpening the knowledge product. The consultant will apply the six-step Political Economy Analysis (PEA) methodology of the UNDP guidance note on Political Economy Analysis for Just Green Transitions (2026) as an analytical lens, adapted to the specific purposes of this assignment

The ideal candidate should meet / exceed the below requirements;

• Poses an advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in Political Science, Political Economy, Development Studies, Energy Policy, Environmental Governance or a closely related discipline.
• have a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in political economy analysis, energy governance, strategic policy research or development advisory work, with a demonstrable track record of producing high-quality, decision-ready analytical products for senior leadership within constrained timelines and budgets.
• Proven experience in application of PEA methodologies; stakeholder and power mapping, actor and coalition analysis, institutional context analysis and narrative analysis; familiarity with the UNDP PEA for Just Green Transitions framework is a distinct advantage.
• Sound knowledge of sub-Saharan African energy markets, development finance architecture and the SADC energy trading system; direct knowledge of Eswatini’s political economy, energy sector and governance environment is a significant asset.
• Demonstrated experience working with or for UNDP, UN agencies or comparable multilateral organisations in analytical or strategic advisory capacities.
• A track record of producing strategic communication and narrative products; positioning strategies, messaging frameworks, coalition-building roadmaps, for senior decision-makers

Period of assignment/services: 20 Working days Spread over 2 Months.

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