Overview
The Economics Analyst will support municipalities, public utilities, and the UNDP Programme team in developing and analyzing economic and operational models for district heating and energy efficiency investments. The role focuses on investment justification, cost-benefit analysis, affordability assessment, scenario modelling, and forecasting.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain economic and investment analysis models for sub-projects.
- Prepare multi-period economic forecasting models.
- Assess and interpret key economic and project performance indicators.
- Analyze the operational and economic sustainability of municipalities and utility companies.
- Review and validate economic models and assumptions.
- Prepare standardised modelling templates and user guidance.
- Conduct operational cost and revenue-related analysis.
- Prepare investment-period and post-completion forecasts.
- Assess liquidity and operational risks of participating municipalities and utilities.
- Produce consolidated forecasting summaries.
- Update models and forecasts in response to changes.
- Provide direct technical assistance to applicants.
- Liaise with partner banks and relevant stakeholders.
- Support the preparation and organisation of sub-project data packages.
- Advise municipal and utility teams on investment planning and cost analysis.
- Participate in technical evaluation processes for sub-project appraisal.
- Consult with stakeholders on economic modelling and project analysis matters.
- Prepare analytical briefs and economic assessment summaries.
- Identify and document good practices and lessons learned.
- Conduct training sessions and workshops.
- Contribute to Programme/Project work plans and reporting.
Required Experience
- Minimum 2 years with Master’s degree or 4 years with Bachelor’s degree of relevant experience in economic analysis, infrastructure planning, investment modelling, budgeting, utility performance analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or forecasting, preferably in the energy, municipal infrastructure, public utilities or development sectors.
- Experience in economic analysis, financial/investment modelling, budgeting, forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, or infrastructure/energy project appraisal.
- Experience preparing analytical reports, feasibility/pre-feasibility assessments, investment justifications, or similar project appraisal documents.
- Experience working with quantitative financial, operational, tariff-related, budgetary, or utility performance data.
- Advanced MS Excel skills, demonstrated through experience with calculations, models, forecasts, dashboards, or scenario analysis.
- Experience preparing proposals, advisory documents, economic analytical papers, or results-focused report is an asset.
- Experience in developing or reviewing economic/business models and analytical tools for infrastructure, energy, municipal utility, or public investment projects shall be considered an asset.
- Familiarity with LCOE methodology, tariff gap analysis, and co-financing/grant blending structures for energy infrastructure projects is an advantage.
- Experience working with municipalities, state-owned enterprises, or public utility companies in Ukraine — particularly in the district heating, energy efficiency, or communal infrastructure sectors is highly desirable.
- Experience working with international financial institutions (EIB, EBRD, World Bank, NEFCO or similar) or with IFI-financed sub-borrower appraisal processes shall be considered a significant asset.
- Experience working with government counterparts, development partners including the EU, and financial intermediaries/banks is an advantage.
Qualifications
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Economics, Public Administration, Energy Management, Infrastructure Planning, Utility Management, Business Administration, Data Analytics, or other closely related fields; or A first university degree (Bachelor's degree) in the above fields in a combination of an additional two years of qualifying relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.
