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Programme Officer – Sub-Saharan Africa, P-3

Abu Dhabi

  • Organization: IRENA - International Renewable Energy Agency
  • Location: Abu Dhabi
  • Grade: Mid level - P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP)

 

Publication/Transmission Date\:      14 February 2021

Deadline for Application\:                   6 March 2021 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Time)

Title and Grade\:                                  Programme Officer – Sub-Saharan Africa, P-3

Indicative Annual Salary\:                   USD 62,120 to USD 71,170[1]

Duration of Appointment\:                 One year, with possible extension

Duty Station\:                                       Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Entry on Duty\:                   As soon as possible

 

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. 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’s Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It supports them in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy strategies, by contextualizing the knowledge being developed in the other three divisions of IRENA, to the national requirements. Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future programmatic priorities.

IRENA’s regional work is implemented through the Clean Energy Corridors and the Regional Renewable Energy Initiatives. The Clean Energy Corridors in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACEC), West Africa (WACEC) and Central America (CECCA), and the Regional Renewable Energy Initiatives, currently implemented in South East Asia, Central Asia, Latin America, MENA and South-East Europe regions, provide critical impetus to scale up across the region in question. Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRA) constitute the backbone of IRENA’s engagement at the country level. 

A major opportunity identified by IRENA as part of its African programme is the possibility of harnessing tremendous renewable energy potential existing in various sub-regions, notably Eastern and Southern Africa through the “Africa Clean Energy Corridor (ACEC)” and in the ECOWAS region through the “West Africa Clean Energy Corridor (WACEC)”. This approach can have far-reaching implications for a clean and secure energy future for Africa. The ACEC and WACEC were respectively endorsed by Ministers from the countries of the Eastern and Southern African Power Pool at IRENA’s Fourth Assembly in January 2014, and the Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State in June 2017 with the aim to transform the current fuel mix by promoting the development of clean, indigenous, cost-effective renewable power options. IRENA also engages with Central Africa through a renewable energy roadmap jointly developed with Economic Community for Central African States (ECCAS).

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of Director of the Country Engagement and Partnerships Division and the immediate supervision of the Head of Regions, the Programme Officer will\:

  • Assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with Sub-Saharan Africa countries, with focus on Southern and Eastern Africa, to enhance IRENA’s engagement in the region and support regional activities related to renewable energy deployment;
  • Support the implementation of regional initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, with focus on Southern and Eastern Africa, including, the Africa Clean Energy Corridor initiative and the Investment Forums;
  • Support the implementation of Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRA), combined RRA-Renewable Energy Roadmap (REmap) combined RRA-project bankability studies as well as post-RRA support activities in Southern and Eastern Africa, upon request; 
  • Support the effective implementation of the SADC Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship Support Facility (SADC RE ESF) initiative;
  • Support the coordination and implementation of NDC and LTS support in Sub-Saharan Africa, with focus on Southern and Eastern African countries;
  • Ensure close links with the other divisions to identify synergies and interventions in line with priorities identified by countries;
  • Research trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to renewable energy development and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa;
  • Support the coordination and development of the framework for setting up and maintaining cooperation networks and strategic partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa;
  • Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, collaborative frameworks, conferences, etc., including proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.; 
  • Assist with the implementation of the Work Programme activities of the CEP Division;
  • Perform other duties, as required.

 

Competencies

Professionalism\: Good knowledge of the socioeconomic aspects of energy and a strong understanding of the multiple components that contribute to energy system transformation. Ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with the renewable energy policies. Good analytical skills. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Persistent when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

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. Excellent drafting and analytical 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.

Planning and 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 engineering, economics, energy, international relations or another relevant field are required. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector with exposure to climate change mitigation, some of which could be at the international level; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums; strong knowledge of technical and policy aspects regarding renewable energy and climate change and knowledge of international development issues is an added value.

Language\: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Africa 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.

 

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

 

 

[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual leave, health insurance, provident fund, etc.

This vacancy is now closed.
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