The Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET) has begun recruitment for members to join a high-level independent advisory council to the United Nations’ Secretary-General.
The CEET has been established with the aim of contributing to the UN Secretary-General’s coalition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and providing engineering pathways to achieve comprehensive decarbonization by mid-century. It is being led and co-chaired by Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). CEET builds upon an existing partnership between the SDSN and Enel Foundation (EF) to engage important partners from the United Nations (UN), academia, and business realms to support the decarbonization of energy systems in line with the Paris Agreement goals.
The CEET is an opportunity to join a world-class council of engineers who will spearhead the technological diplomacy of the energy transition. Council members will work alongside leadership within the UN system and directly provide input to nations working on the energy transition. CEET will provide advice on roadmaps to decarbonization by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement and the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on Global Warming of 1.5 ºC. The Council will report on pathways to net zero-carbon energy systems and engage the global engineering community on key priorities for the energy transition.
CEET core activities will focus on: solving the challenges of scaling key technologies in support of the global energy transition; recommending guidelines to support countries in the implementation of their Nationally Determined Contributions in line with the Paris Agreement; publishing technical briefs on zero-carbon technologies, including breakthrough technologies; analyzing sectoral and integrated pathways at regional and local levels; and providing guidance and technical advice from a globally diverse expert perspective, ensuring a gender responsive energy transition and decarbonization.
The CEET membership will reflect a balance of multi-stakeholder constituencies and engineering expertise. In addition, geographical, and cultural diversity will be considered according to five dimensions:
- Key sectors: energy supply; transport; buildings; industry; agriculture; land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF); and waste
- Regions: Australia and New Zealand; Central and Southern Asia; Eastern and South-Eastern Asia; Europe and Northern America; Latin America and the Caribbean; Northern Africa and Western Asia; Oceania; and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Stakeholders: representation from industry, academia, think tanks, civil society, both local and international NGOs, and international organizations
- Gender
- Age
Engineers are invited to apply to the CEET through an open formal application process. The terms of service will be for two years in length, with possibility to extend, starting in May 2022. The confirmed members will be expected to participate in their personal capacities without remuneration, however any necessary travel or meeting expenses may be covered. Proficiency in the English language is required for participation in the CEET. Criteria for UN-CEET Membership:
- Formal engineering training or equivalent experience;
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in the engineering realm facing issues at the intersection of engineering and climate change issues;
- Demonstrated commitment, interest, and leadership in engineering topics as they pertain to climate and energy;
- Desire to serve global community through collaboration;
- Demonstrated exceptional writing, analytical, critical thinking, public speaking, and communication skills - publications, presentations, research, etc.;
- Experience drafting recommendations and working collaboratively with teams to develop recommendations;
- Experience with developing and implementing long-term strategies, especially in building consensus and navigating disagreement and diplomacy;
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders with a wide variety of strong relationships in the climate and engineering sectors.
Apply online by February 28, 2022 (23:59 EST / UTC - 5).
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) | www.unido.org
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. UNIDO’s mission is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For more information, contact: Nicholas Dehod, Project Administrator (n.dehod@unido.org)
Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) | www.unsdsn.org
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
For more information, contact: Elena Crete, Head of the Climate & Energy Program, SDSN (elena.crete@unsdsn.org)
