Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date\:                   16 December 2021

Deadline for Application\:      31 January 2022

Title and Grade\:                     Associate Programme Officer 

 – Renewable Energy Cost Status and Outlook, P-2

Indicative Annual Salary\:      USD 48,805 to USD 56,904[1]

Duration of Appointment\:    One year, with possible extension 

Duty Station\:                          Bonn, Germany 

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 166 Members (165 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 18 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.

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and joint RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

The Renewable Cost Status and Outlook team is responsible for the collection and analysis of up-to-date renewable energy technology cost and performance data. The team maintains a world-class database of renewable power generation project costs and provides data, analysis and advice to IRENA member states, research institutions, think tanks, NGOs, academics and students. Analysis of historical costs trends is complemented by forward looking analysis of the techno-economic drivers of cost reduction in both energy supply and end-use technologies.

With a growing call on the cost team to undertake data collection and analysis, the team is looking to recruit an Associate Programme Officer (P2) to support IRENA’s ongoing activities and expand its impact. The Associate Programme Officer would be required to undertake individual projects from conception, research and data collection, analysis, stakeholder engagement, through drafting of reports, the publications process, release and promotion (an example would be the report “IRENA Cost and Competitiveness Indicators\: Rooftop Solar PV”) under the guidance of the Senior Analyst. There is a strong focus on data and analysis and excellent quantitative and analytical skills are required. The successful candidate would be expected to co-ordinate the inputs of other costing team members on a project-by-project basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under supervision of the Senior Analyst, Renewable Energy Cost Status and Outlook, the Associate Programme Officer will\:

- Contribute to the collection of data and analysis of renewable energy costs and performance for power generation, technologies facilitating the energy transition (e.g., batteries) and technologies in the end-use sectors.

- Oversee the management and expansion of the IRENA Renewable Cost Database on an ongoing basis.

- Contribute to analytical work researching primary and secondary data, analysing the collected data, translating the data and analysis into compelling messages/questions for policy makers, draft reports/conclusions, contribute to the report production review and engagement process.

- Prepare summaries, information sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and interact with relevant stakeholders as required.

- Support the development of the costing programmes’ online presence, including creating content, identifying clean and user-friendly designs, etc.  

- Conceive and organise expert meetings for data and analysis discussion, peer review or promotion; maintain and develop new links with partner organisations.

- Represent IRENA in international fora, meetings and conferences as required.

- Perform other tasks 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 language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

Planning and Organizing\: 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 planning, economics, engineering, policy, environment or natural science, or other relevant field related to the economic analysis of the energy sector. 

Experience\: A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience and proven track record of delivering high-quality analysis and publications in the economic analysis of the energy sector, with strong quantitative skills. Ability to develop and sustain a constructive dialogue with stakeholders, ability to deliver under high pressure in a rapidly changing policy environment. Excellent analytical skills and ability to deal with large amounts of data to extract insights. In-depth knowledge of energy supply and demand dynamics and energy technology costs and economics, and understanding of technology and policy issues related to energy transitions in both power and end-use sectors.

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

Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned 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 further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.

^[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual and sick leave, health insurance, Provident Fund participation, etc. as would be applicable.