Programme Officer – SIDS Partnerships, P-3 (open to Danish nationals only)

Vacancy Announcement (Open to Danish nationals only)

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP)

Publication/Transmission Date\:                 18 January 2021

Deadline for Application\:                             17 February 2021 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                           Programme Officer – SIDS Partnerships, P-3 (open to Danish nationals only)

Indicative Net Annual Salary\:                     USD 62, to USD 71,170_[1]

Duty Station\:                                                 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Date for Entry on Duty\:               As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation, with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms or renewable energy. IRENA has 163 Members (162 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 21 additional States in the process of accession. 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 has a strong focus on the energy transformation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). IRENA’s Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) coordinates and facilitates the activities of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative. Launched at the 2014 Climate Summit, the Initiative provides a global framework to support SIDS in the transformation from a predominantly fossil-based to a renewables-based and resilient energy system. As a framework for action, it addresses all elements of energy transformation, from policy and market frameworks to technology options, capacity building, NDC enhancement and implementation, project facilitation and access to finance. IRENA’s engagement through SIDS LHI encompasses all relevant institutional levels with the aim to foster global policy dialogue, resource mobilisation, implementation of enabling policy and regulatory environment, comprehensive technology road-mapping and tailor-made capacity building and information dissemination on lessons learnt and best practices. Within the overall framework of the Initiative, IRENA strategically engages in partnership with 36 SIDS and 30 development partners to implement SIDS energy transformation commitment to the Paris Agreement through their Nationally Determined Contributions that will contribute to sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Country Engagement and Partnerships, and direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships, the Programme Officer – SIDS Partnerships will be responsible for the following duties\: 

• Support the implementation of the SIDS LHI activities as reflected in the Agency’s work programme.
• Provide support and substantive input in the design and implementation of regional capacity building activities in relating to SIDS energy transformation such as policy, regulatory, finance and related technical topics
• Support the development of partnerships as well as analyses to accelerate SIDS energy transformation to strengthen climate resilience and contribute to pandemic recovery efforts and the achievements of the SDGs and NDCs.
• Take the lead in maximizing synergies and complementary activities to the Danish bilateral work on the SIDS LHI as well as to ensure synergies with other Danish supported international initiatives and programmes, such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Bank energy programme ESMAP, the Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency (CCEE) and the UNEP DTU Partnership (UDP).
• Monitor the progress of the implementation of the SIDS LHI priority areas at the national, regional and global levels and contribute to the preparation of the annual LHI progress report through continued engagement with the LHI partners;
• Support IRENA work in SIDS through a strengthened government-investor dialogue for improved investment environment as well as project facilitation support, including developing project pipelines, improving project bankability, and facilitating matchmaking for implementation of renewable energy projects.
• Assist in developing, operationalizing and monitoring partnerships being led or coordinated by the Division.
• Lead the development of some, and contribute to the preparation of other, written outputs – including background papers, analyses, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications and online products relating to SIDS - to inform IRENA’s member countries, energy companies, planning bodies, and civil society;
• Support the organization of and follow-up reporting on all SIDS LHI events consultative meetings, workshops and panels by assisting with the preparation of programmes, identifying and inviting stakeholders, and drafting summaries and conclusions;
• Conduct research on trends, key topics, and emerging issues, and assist with the preparation of reports, brochures and online material; systematically collect and analyse data and coordinate with internal and external experts to develop and update briefs, papers and SIDS LHI website;
• Contribute to the preparation of proposals to mobilize resources for the SIDS LHI and prepare progress reports for donors.
• Prepare inputs, presentations, and draft correspondence as and when required and support the Division for effective implementation of the Work Programme;
• Perform other relevant tasks as required.

Competencies

Professionalism\: 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. 

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 the language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

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 organisational 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.

Teamwork\: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise, learns from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team member; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organising\: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

 Education\: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy economics, engineering, policy, sustainable development, international relations or another relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A good network in various island regions and sound knowledge of renewable energy and climate change issues.

Experience\: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums would have an added value.

Languages\: Excellent command of written and spoken English and Danish is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

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 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 an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.