Associate Professional - Green Gas Supply and Use

 Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication/Transmission Date\:     13 January 2022 

Deadline for Application\:                 27 January 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                Associate Professional - Green Gas Supply and Use

Indicative Annual Salary\:                 USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits¹ 

Duration of Appointment\:                One year with possibility of extension

Duty Station\:                                     Bonn, Germany

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

Introduction

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is 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 167 Members (166 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 17 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of technical and economic advice to inform and encourage policy for accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, optimisation of national renewable resources and social and economic frameworks. 

In late 2020, IITC boosted its manpower and work into the role of green gases and the gas infrastructure in the delivery of renewable energy. A key finding from IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook (June 2021) is that green hydrogen, synthetic fuels and feedstocks and targeted use of sustainably sourced biomass as biogas and biomethane pay a significant role in reaching a 1.5°C climate pathways. Green gases can deliver deep decarbonisation in the hard-to-decarbonise sectors (HTDS) of iron & steel, cement, petrochemicals and heavy transport. However, there is still uncertainty in terms of the feasibility, barriers and cost, challenges and “greening” the gas grids. 

IRENA works towards improved planning of the energy sector transformation of the gas sector and calls for closer dialogue with governments, industry, experts and stakeholders through the Collaborative Framework on Green Hydrogen and various partnerships and MOUs with public and private stakeholders involved in green gases. In particular, more focus is needed in tracking the many developments, R&D and projects in the reuse of the gas grid to transport green gases to replace fossil natural gas. 

Assignment and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, Green Gas Delivery and Use, the selected candidate will\:

• Support the delivery of insights to IRENA member countries on knowledge, innovations, trends, and approaches to greening the gas grid, with a focus on the increased delivery of renewable energy in the form of hydrogen-derived fuels, reuse of the gas grid to transport hydrogen and the transition of gas grids from transporting natural gas to hydrogen.
• Contribute to technical-economic analytical work on the production pathways of biomethane solutions to meet decarbonisation goals of the HTDS.      
• Contribute to the IRENA Collaborative Framework on Green Hydrogen; this may take the form of arranging meetings, drafting papers and presentations, following up with attendees/speakers and taking minutes of meetings.
• Assist with coordination of outreach activities, workshops and seminars on assigned topics/activities to develop an active presence in the relevant field.
• Organise and prepare written outputs on green gas innovation and developments, such as written inputs, background papers, studies, analyses, input to other groups’ reports and studies, inputs to publications and work programme planning, as relevant to the focus areas. 
• Communicate technical knowledge to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at a range of organisational levels and in a variety of contexts, including participating in workshops, webinars, making presentations and holding bilateral meetings.
• Assist in organising the activities of contractors, consultants and external personnel contracted by the Agency and, where required, supervise such activities.
• Conduct administrative functions related to publishing, procurement, work programme and budget reporting. 
• Other duties as assigned.

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. 

Eligibility

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

Qualifications 

Education\: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy technology, economics, engineering, policy, environment or natural science, or another relevant field related to renewable energy. Candidate with a first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience/skills\:

• Experience at an international level in an energy, technical or policy field related to the gas industry and an understanding of the issues facing the fossil gas industry in the energy transition is required. Experience on the role of hydrogen in decarbonising the hard-to-decarbonise sectors is highly valued. 
• Experience doing independent research into the gas industry in technical and policy areas is highly desirable. 
• Experience organising international workshops, meetings, and events is desirable. 
• Successful experience working with multi-disciplinary teams across regions and geographies with a demonstrated capacity to cooperate diplomatically in an international setting is a plus. 
• Ability to tailor writing style to different types of audience is a plus. 

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

[1] Amount of monthly lump-sum depends on qualifications and years of relevant work experience. In addition\: a monthly accommodation allowance (EUR 600); relocation grant upon arrival/separation if relocation involved (USD 1,200); installation grant if relocation involved (USD 1,300); health insurance; other entitlements as applicable.