Associate Professional - Renewable Energy Grid Integration

 Vacancy announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre

Publication/Transmission Date\:       17 May 2021

Deadline for Application\:                   31 May 2021 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                 Associate Professional - Renewable Energy Grid Integration

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

Duration of Appointment\:                 One year, with possible extension 

Duty Station\:                                       Bonn, Germany 

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

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 164 Members (163 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 21 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.

The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means to accelerate renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, as well as social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include\: analysis of renewable energy technology policies; promotion of innovation; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technology overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer; joint research, development and demonstration; and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

The purpose of the Associate Professional (AP) Programme is to enable 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. On occasion, there are also opportunities in support areas such as administration, finance, human resources and public information. The Agency also benefits from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

IRENA supports developing nations and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the integration of variable renewable energy resources into their power systems. This is facilitated by technical grid assessments of the power system as well as capacity building engagements to exchange experiences between international recognized experts and local technical stakeholders, and allow the identification, understanding and overcoming of the technical challenges associated with the reliable and efficient operation of electricity grids under high shares of variable renewable energy resources. 

The AP will support member countries on the integration of renewable energy technologies to transition the power system from conventional based resources to with a predominantly renewable energy based one and overcoming technical challenges in power system operation due to the inclusion of these sources. The AP will support IRENA’s activities in the space of renewable energy integration into the power system by supporting grid assessment studies and capacity building activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the IITC Deputy Director, the Associate Professional – Renewable Energy Grid Integration will work to extend and position IRENA’s current engagement supporting developing nations and SIDS with the technical aspects related to the integration of renewable energy resources and the transformation of their power systems. Furthermore, they will work towards the following tasks\: 

• Support the coordination and execution of technical power system studies to plan the integration of variable renewable energy resources into the power systems with their experience in power system simulation and modelling in related software such as PSS/E or DigSILENT PowerFactory;
• Support with  acquiring and analyzing power system data and assess the current and future needs of power systems with high shares of variable renewables;
• Prepare written outputs of conducted analyses on modelling of system scenarios and their implications for policy and look to publish in publications of international repute;
• Contribute to the extension and dissemination of the methodological guides developed by IRENA; 
• Support the organisation and development of contents for outreach and presentation of work done by the team in meetings, technical workshops, webinars and conferences aiming to promote good practices and lessons learned from IRENA’s study cases;
• Support Agency activities  related to outreach, networking and the establishment of cooperation with other organizations, governments and the private sector in the context of  technical issues around maintaining reliable and efficient electricity supply on systems with high shares of renewable generation;
• Support and work towards synergies in collaboration with other teams within the Agency; 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Competencies

Professionalism\: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; is accurate and pays attention to details; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; takes responsibility for own performance; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; 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; tailor 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\: 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 honor 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;

Eligibility

Applicants should be no more than 32 years of age at the time of submitting their applications.

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree in Electrical Engineering. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience\: Practical or academic experience on the analysis of power sector/power systems institutional structures and knowledge of power network analysis, operation and planning Strong analytical and numerical skills; technical understanding of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV, wind power and grid integration enabling technologies, e.g. energy storage, electric vehicles, heat pumps etc.; exposure to technology innovations; knowledge of programming skills in Python/Matlab; experience in presenting in events;

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English 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 final outcome of the selection process.