Job Description
Renewable Planning Assistant
(Full-Time Staff Position)
USAID Clean Power Asia Program, Bangkok-Based
Abt Associates’ International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic wellbeing
of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health,
agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. In
partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin
America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.
Opportunity
Abt Associates, a global leader in technical assistance, program implementation, and international
development seeks qualified individuals to fulfill the position of Renewable Energy Policy Specialist for
the USAID Clean Power Asia program.
The purpose of USAID Clean Power Asia is to accelerate the regional transition to a high performing, low
carbon power sector. The program assists the governments of the Lower Mekong and other developing
countries in Asia in energy planning and helps establish an effective policy, regulatory, and technical
environment for low emissions growth in the power sector, while simultaneously mobilizing public- and
private-sector investment in renewable energy (RE) development. USAID Clean Power Asia is focused
on solar, wind, small hydro (<15 MW), and biomass from agricultural residues. The program focuses on
the Lower Mekong including Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam, and also includes activities on a regional
level in support of RE development among ASEAN member states.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Work in close coordination with the project team, supporting Task 1 focused on high RE
scenario planning, under the direct supervision and guidance of the RE Planning Specialist and
the Chief of Party (COP) on the following tasks:
o Ensuring the sustainability of data useful for RE planning and policy through capacity
building of data curators in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and potentially Vietnam.
o Promoting regional knowledge-sharing to advance consideration of renewable energy,
especially variable renewable energy, in power sector plans.
o Promoting the use of tools, models, and data in RE planning and analysis.
o Supporting capacity building programs, trainings, workshops, meetings, and other related
events to build capacity on RE planning, planning tools, and data.
o Supporting the development and updating of RE targets and incorporating RE targets into
power development plans.
o Developing or reviewing agendas, participant lists, and draft invitation letters for
workshops focused on RE planning.
o Assisting the Task 1 staff in developing and nurturing relationships with other donors,
government counterparts, and others in the region who share the program’s goals.
o Supporting the Task 1 team in monitoring progress indicators, and reviewing and
commenting on sub-task deliverables.
o Conducting analysis and further scoping of Task 1 interventions included in the approved
work plan, as well as proposing new interventions for the next year’s work plan to
support power sector planning to promote grid-connected renewable energy in the
region. Planning may include development of RE targets and updated approaches and
analysis for integrating RE targets into the power development plans and planning process.
o Other duties to be determined in conjunction with the COP and RE Planning Specialist.
The RE Planning Assistant will support activities under Task 1 related to the overall responsibilities
above. In cooperation with and support of the RE Planning Specialist, specific activities to be performed
under Task 1 during 2019 include, but are not limited to, the following tasks:
Support individual and regional activities to promote use of the Southeast Asia Renewable
Energy Data Explorer and other related tools in RE planning/analysis by working with the ASEAN
Centre for Energy (ACE) and government counterparts in selected Southeast Asian countries. (Sub-task 1.1)
Promoting and supporting learning and sharing experiences on conducting vulnerability
assessments and developing resilience action plans for power sectors in Southeast Asia. (Subtask 1.2)
Supporting capacity building programs and activities on Integrated Resource and Resilience
Planning in Lao PDR by using Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning, and other related tools. (Sub-task 1.3)
Promoting and supporting learning and sharing experiences on developing Integrated Resource
Planning and Power Development Plan among Lower Mekong countries. (Sub-task 1.4)
Support the COP and RE Planning Specialist to manage subcontracts including the ASEAN Centre
for Energy, the Stockholm Environment Institute, and potentially additional subcontractors.
These subcontractors are supporting promotion of the RE Data Explorer, conducting the ASEAN
Interconnection Master Plan Study to improve connectivity in Southeast Asia, and developing
capacity in Lao PDR for completing an Integrated Resource and Resilience Plan, as outlined in
their respective agreements. (Sub-task 1.5)
Supporting development of guidelines on linking Southeast Asia with other energy planning
tools by collaborating with Stockholm Environment Institute, the ASEAN Centre for Energy, and
the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (Sub-task 1.6)
Supporting inclusion of RE zones in transmission plans in Lao PDR. (Sub-task 1.7)
Minimum Qualifications
Ability to work in Bangkok, Thailand as no sponsorship, visas, or relocation costs will be offered.
A master’s degree with 1-2 years’ experience or bachelor’s degree with 5 years experience in
work directly related to the position is required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience in planning or policy aspects of grid-connected renewable
energy in one or more of the Lower Mekong countries in which USAID Clean Power Asia is
focused (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR) and/or in ASEAN is required.
Fluency in English and Thai is required.
Preferred Skills and Experience
A master’s degree in engineering, economics, energy, environmental policy, public policy, or related
disciplines is preferred.
Experience in energy modeling, specialization in capacity-expansion modeling and/or productioncost
modeling in the power sector, and using geospatial data/tools preferred.
Working efficiency in regional languages in addition to Thai preferred.
Commitment and passion for renewable energy and development assistance in general.
Ability to work under pressure and independently, with guidance from the RE Planning Specialist
and/or COP.
Application Procedure
The deadline for submission is Friday, June 28, 2019 and interested candidates may express their
interest by emailing us at recruitment@usaidcleanpowerasia.org or applying online at
https://www.abtassociates.com/careers. Applications received after the deadline will not be
considered. Failure to provide the required information may result in your application being removed
from consideration. To be complete, your application MUST INCLUDE the following information:
1. A written Expression of Interest summarizing your qualifications for the position. The
expression of interest must address each of the preferred skills/prerequisites AND minimum
qualifications.
2. Resume or CV clearly indicating work/consulting history and either daily consulting rate or
annual compensation for each consultancy/position, stated in currency of payment.
3. US Federal Form 1420 (EBD) https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-1420-17
Please be prepared to provide upon request proof of education and/or degree attained (transcript or
diploma) and proof of annual salary or daily consulting rate as stated in the EBD (acceptable forms
include employment agreement, pay stubs, employer verification letter).
Due to the volume of anticipated applicants, only candidates selected for an interview will be
contacted. Interviews will be scheduled as warranted and may be conducted in person or via electronic
means. Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a
diverse workforce and provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits.
.jpg)
