Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication Date: 16 August 2023

Deadline For Application: 15 September 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade: Programme Officer – Energy Access Policy, P-3

Indicative Annual Salary: (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 64,121 to USD 73,463[1]

(b.) Post Adjustment: USD 48,603.72 to USD 55,684.95.[2]

Duration of Appointment: Two Years, with possible extension

Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Entry on Duty: 1 January 2024

Background

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 (168 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.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. Within KPFC, the Renewable Energy Markets Unit works on energy access, particularly on policies and financing of renewables-based solutions for expanding electricity access and clean cooking. This involves carrying out state-of-the-art policy analysis which can be leveraged to deliver country- and regional-level capacity building. The Unit also undertakes analysis on expanding productive use of energy looking specifically at the ecosystem needed to scale-up investments in renewables in sectors such as agriculture. In this context, it works across divisions and with external partners. The Unit also leads work on tracking investment flows in decentralized renewable energy solutions for access and developing new analysis around how public financing can be best structured to accelerate progress towards SDG 7 goal of universal access by 2030. Furthermore, the Unit is also responsible for integrating energy access insights in institutional products and activities, including the World Energy Transitions Outlook, Regional Energy Transition Outlooks and the International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference.

IRENA is seeking one highly skilled and motivated professional to support the design and implementation of activities under the energy access workstream.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre and direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the Programme Officer (Policy Advice) will perform the following duties:

Develop and coordinate the analytical work related to energy access and cross-sector linkages specifically on: Policies and regulations for renewable energy mini-grids, stand-alone systems and clean cooking solutions; andMeasures needed to strengthen linkages between renewable energy and other nexus sectors, including agriculture and water, with a focus on developing countries.

•  Provide energy access-related inputs for institutional reports, including the World Energy Transitions Outlook and the Regional Energy Transitions Outlooks.
•  Support the delivery of capacity building and technical assistance in response to Member State requests related to policies and regulations in the energy access context.
•  Liaise with internal and external stakeholders working on energy access.
•  Assist in the planning and delivery of the work programme of the unit, including project and work programme reporting.
•  Perform additional duties as required.
•  Attend international, regional and national meetings, workshops and conferences to give presentations or participate in panel discussions to disseminate IRENA’s work on energy access policies.
•  Coordinate projects and the work of consultants, contractors, junior staff and interns as needed.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of renewable energy and energy access, with a particular focus on decentralised renewable energy solutions and cross-sector topics (e.g. links to agriculture and water). Ability to conduct research and analysis with minimal guidance. Experience of writing reports for policy makers. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence in subject matter and pays attention to detail; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with various types of individuals and institutions. 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.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational 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.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in sustainable energy, energy policy, renewable energy engineering, development studies, economics or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional work experience in the renewable energy and energy access sector, with some experience gained in developing countries. A proven track record of carrying out analysis and producing publications aimed at policy-makers.

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages (especially French) would be of additional benefit.

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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.