Associate Programme Officer, Energy Access and Cross-Sectoral, P-2

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Division of Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP)

Publication/Transmission Date\:                   6 January 2022 

Deadline For Application\:                             27 January 2022 (midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                             Associate Programme Officer, Energy Access and Cross-Sectoral, P-2

Indicative Annual Salary\:                              USD 49,254 to USD 57,428 plus other benefits[1]

Duration of Appointment\:                            One year, with possible extension

Duty Station\:                                                  Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries.  At present, IRENA has 166 Members (166 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 18 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. 

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) is the Agency’s window to Members and partners worldwide and leads the engagement with countries at national, regional and sub-regional levels. This requires both substantive understanding of local circumstances and thorough knowledge of actors. CEP also facilitates the engagement of other programmatic divisions to effectively deploy analyses, data and methodologies for change on the ground.

Supporting energy access through decentralised renewable energy solutions cuts across IRENA’s programmatic divisions. Within CEP, access to energy is supported through country specific and regional initiatives alongwith knowledge exchange platforms. CEP’s access portfolio includes initiatives promoting the use of decentralised renewable energy solutions for improving various development objectives such as health, livelihoods and entrepreneurship, vocational skills development, food and water security and also provision of energy in the humanitarian context. This also includes promoting the use of decentralized renewable energy by eliciting discussions on its different uses along the energy supply value-chain.

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

• Coordinate the implementation of IRENA’s initiative aimed at transitioning remote communities to renewable energy;
• Contribute to the implementation of IRENA's work in the context of decentralized renewable energy solutions for energy access as well as energy nexus in different cross-sectoral settings;
• Carry out research and data collection, as needed.
• Support the preparation of technical meetings, including preparation of background material as well as the organization and follow-up, including technical and logistical aspects;
• Support the effective implementation of the division Work Programme.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

\: Possesses good knowledge of the socioeconomic aspects of energy and a strong understanding of the multiple components that contribute to energy access in different sectors. Ability to carry out research for development of reports and papers on technical issues. Ability to identify, understand and convey the results of technical reports and papers on energy issues. Can organize, plan and execute work tasks and manage conflicting priorities. 

\: 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. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare written material that is clear, concise, accurate and meaningful.

\: 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.

Qualifications

\: Advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in the field of engineering, economics, social science and/or any other relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

\: A minimum of 2 years of experience in the field of renewable energy or a related field. Specific knowledge, experience in energy access, energy nexus, and/or advisory services is highly desirable.

\: 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, 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.