Associate Profssional - Statistics

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Deadline for Application\:                                    26 August 2020 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                                   Associate Professional – Statistics

Indicative Annual Salary\:                                    USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits [1] 

Duration of Appointment\:                                  One year, with possible extension

Duty Station\:                                                        Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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. 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. At present, IRENA has 161 Members (160 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 22 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

IRENA, with its unique mandate and near-universal membership, is aiming to become a centre of excellence for global renewable energy information with an integrated approach to data and information management. The IRENA Statistics Unit contributes to this effort through the provision of reliable and timely renewable energy statistics, an essential component of informed energy planning and decision making.

Key activities of the Statistics Unit include the collection and analysis of data from countries using the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics Questionnaire, desk research and other data sources such as industry associations. The unit is also engaged in data dissemination through avenues such as the IRENA REsource platform and forthcoming statistical publications, the development and dissemination of methodological guidance on renewable energy statistics and capacity building in statistics through workshops, seminars and daily communications with data providers and other stakeholders.

The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and post graduates to gain first-hand experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The programme offers valuable exposure to IRENA’s main activities and programmatic areas. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Director, KPFC and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer (Statistics), the Associate Professional (Statistics) will be responsible for the following duties\:

• Data collection from countries using the IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics Questionnaire;
• Data collection from secondary sources, such as regional entities and industry associations to ensure the most up-to-date information on renewable energy statistics;
• Checking, querying and analysing data to improve accuracy and preparing the data for dissemination in various formats, including online dissemination through the REsource platform;
• Preparation and implementation of capacity building activities in renewable energy statistics, including development of course materials and delivery of webinars and training modules;
• Performance of other duties as assigned.

Professionalism\: Knowledge of statistical principles and practices. Ability to conduct research and analysis with minimal guidance. 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.

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.

Accountability\: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.

Education\: A first-level university degree or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in statistics, mathematics, economics, engineering or related field. A first-level university degree or a Master’s degree in other subjects may also be acceptable in combination with qualifying experience.

Experience\: Experience in the collection, compilation, analysis and dissemination of statistics is required. A high level of proficiency in Excel is required and knowledge of VBA programming would be an advantage. Experience of managing and manipulating large datasets and good knowledge of methodologies for energy statistics is desirable.

Language\: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

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

Applications from qualified women, especially from nationals of developing countries, are highly encouraged.

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