Director - IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre, D-1

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication/Transmission Date\:         28 September 2022

Deadline for Application\:                     31 October 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                    Director, IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre, D-1

Indicative Annual Salary\:                     USD 103,660 to USD 115,683[1]

Duration of Appointment\:                   Two years, with possible extension

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 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 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 16 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 a duty station away from Headquarters and is located in Bonn, Germany.  With approximately 80 employees and divided in 7 programmes, IITC provides cutting-edge information on renewable energy technologies and innovations, while seeking new pathways for the global transition to a sustainable future.

Through this centre of excellence for renewable energy technology and innovation, the Agency stays abreast of the latest developments and translates them into practical, policy-friendly tools for IRENA Members. IRENA also produces continually updated cost data for renewable energy technologies, assistance with energy technology planning, project development, and strategies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of innovation for renewable energy. Such work supports the Agency’s engagement with a broad range of stakeholders .

In close cooperation with the other IRENA divisions, IITC’s work on energy transformation covers, among others, the areas of renewable energy roadmaps, energy planning and modelling, power system transformation, flexibility studies, project development and facilitation, innovation, standards, patents and quality assurance, as well as costing and competitiveness of renewables.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the guidance of the Director-General, the Director of the Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)\:

• Provides strategic leadership as well as overall management of the Division; 
• Leads the  formulation  and implementation of  the substantive work programme of the Division;
• Acts as principal adviser to the Director-General on all matters pertaining to innovation and technology;
• Manages the IRENA Bonn operation, by ensuring proper management of the facility, proper use and alignment with host government standards; 
• Builds partnerships and collaborate with the academic and scientific community to facilitate innovation and dissemination of state-of-the-art renewable energy technologies;
• Oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Office, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews and evaluation of candidates for job openings,  among other;
• Ensures development, preparation, coordination and monitoring of overall work plans, strategies and programs for the Division and takes the lead in securing the required human and financial resources;
• Contribute to the development of voluntary contributions which will diversify the division’s funding, with a particular emphasis on projects which relate Innovation and Technology;
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Office and across organizational boundaries, including other Divisions;
• Collaborates with other Divisions to develop strategies, content and identify possible synergies to support  the mandate of the Agency; 
• Chair meetings, seminars, moderate panels on substantive related issues; represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conference; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on a issue, and holds programmatic/substantive and organization discussions with representatives of other institutions.
• Represents the Division at international, regional or national meetings;
• Liaises with other international organizations and agencies to maintain cooperation;
• Coaches staff members under his or her responsibility, supports them in development of their career objectives and empowers them by providing them with autonomy to undertake their responsibility under clear accountability frameworks;
• Performs related duties as may be required by the Director-General.

Competencies 

Professionalism\: Knowledge of renewable energy, power systems, innovation, electrification, end use sectors; as well as knowledge in  administrative procedures; ability to provide specialized advice on technology and innovation; 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; 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning & Organising\:  Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities where necessary; 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. 

Leadership\: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow\: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Empowering Others\: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them. 

Managerial Competencies

Vision\: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Judgement/Decision-making\: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.         

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree in Engineering, Energy Economics or any other related and relevant area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience\: A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in programme management and performance reporting or related field, including demonstrated work experience at international level, of which over 10 years leading teams, is required. Strong analytical skills is required; knowledge in energy technologies is required; experience in leading multi-cultural/multi-disciplined teams is required; experience in data analysis for the production of evidence-based knowledge products/content is required; experience assessing and evaluating implementation of programmes and policies is desirable. 

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages, notably German, 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 an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.