JOB DESCRIPTION

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre(IITC)

Publication/Transmission Date: 21 August 2023

Deadline for Application: 20 September 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade: Programme Officer, REmap, P-4

Indicative Annual salary: USD 77,326.00 to USD 87,422.00 [1]

Post Adjustment: USD 31,317.03 to USD 35,405.91

Duration of Appointment: Two years (with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds)

Title and Grade: Bonn, Germany

Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual and sick leave, health insurance, Provident Fund participation, etc. as would be applicable.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. At present, IRENA has 169 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 15 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and joint RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

IRENA’s REmap (Renewable Energy Roadmap) supports IRENA Members along three main pillars: 1) development of detail country and regional energy transition outlooks, building energy transition scenarios to inform and assist tailored decarbonization strategies; 2) development of global energy transition scenarios for the IRENA flagship report World Energy Transition Outlook; 3) development of thematic studies to contribute to the global energy transition forums.

Integrated energy planning approach through modelling energy systems, stakeholders’ engagement, policy makers consultation are key steps of the REmap process. Scaling up renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low carbon technologies and solutions are key components of the analysis. It covers end-use sectors, transport, building, industry, as well assessment of the supply of renewable electricity and renewable fuels, sustainable biomass, renewable hydrogen, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer – REmap, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following:

• Conduct and coordinate sector, national and regional technical and economic analysis and roadmaps in the context of Renewable Energy Outlooks;
• Maintain and expand the assessment of established and emerging renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon technology options to inform the Renewable Energy Outlooks;
• Oversee the national and regional power sector analysis for Member States through the use of optimization models to analyse power system capacity expansion as well as flexibility;
• Contribute to the maintenance and further development of REmap analytical tools;
• Support Member Countries Nationally Determined Contributions development (NDCs);
• Support the preparation of World Energy Transition Outlook;
• Oversee energy-related information gathering at country level; organize and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications; presentations towards meetings and conferences;
• Manage agreed resources and establish dialogue with donors and develop project proposals that can mobilize voluntary contributions to fund the programme;
• Supervise, guide and support the development of staff members in ways that fully utilize their capabilities in support of the work programme;
• Ensure ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of planned work activities and their relevance, identify opportunities to expand and enhance the work, review priorities and propose solutions to address emerging issues;
• Facilitate cross divisional and intra-divisional cooperation and coordination. Work in close partnership with other IRENA teams to ensure synergies are exploited, including teams working on World Energy Transition Outlook and Regional Energy Transition Outlooks;
• Upon request, represent the Agency, at international fora, meetings and conferences;
• Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars and expanding the network of national experts and partner organizations;
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good understanding of renewable energy technology, markets or technology policy frameworks. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Accountability: Stands accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy, engineering, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience/Skills:

• A minimum of seven years of work experience in the energy field, including energy system analysis, some of which should be at the international level;
• Experience in the use of optimisation models for the power sector is required. Academic knowledge of operations research and other optimization techniques would be an important asset;
• Experience in international co-operation and in dealing with multilateral agencies and forums is required;
• Knowledge of energy technology, energy planning, energy balances and statistics, assessment of potentials, costs and benefits of energy technologies, renewable energy policy and related macroeconomic issues is required;
• Expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel is required. Knowledge of energy modelling tools and methodologies is required;
• Skills and experience on project management is an asset.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages, especially Spanish and Portuguese are required for the position.

Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.

[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual and sick leave, health insurance, Provident Fund participation, etc. as would be applicable.

Apply at: https://eexh.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/preview/NC0276