Programme Officer, Office of the Directors IITC, P4

By coordinating the work of a multidisciplinary team and contributing to the development of high-impact analytical and knowledge products, the Programme Officer ensures coherence across IITC workstreams and helps translate emerging crosscutting themes, digital and geopolitical trends into strategic policy guidance and high-impact knowledge products for Member Countries. Knowledge of AI, computing infrastructure and digital solutions for the energy transition is considered an asset.

The Programme Officer, Office of Directors P4 will:

Strategic coordination and institutional support

• Support the IITC Director and Deputy Director in the overall management, strategic planning, and provide support in the coordination of IITC activities and institutional priorities;
  • Provide authoritative policy advice to senior management.
  • Under the lead of deputy director oversee cross-divisional workstreams across IITC units on emerging and strategic issues related to the energy transition, including the “Geopolitics of the Global Energy Transition” and “AI and Digitalisation for the Energy Transition”, as well as emerging themes such as electrification, power system transformation, grids and flexibility.
  • Facilitate coordination and collaboration across IITC units to ensure coherence and integration of transversal themes and institutional priorities
  • Prepare draft speeches, talking points, and strategic communication materials for the IITC Director and Deputy Director

Policy and analytical support

• Drive the preparation of high-level institutional documents, including strategic briefs, reports, concept notes, Council and Assembly documentation, and management reports
  • Contribute to the development of analytical papers, policy briefs, presentations, and background materials for senior management on emerging issues related to the global energy transition and related geopolitical and digitalisation trends
  • Support the strategic analysis of technical and policy matters related to IITC’s mandate and emerging cross-sectoral challenges 

Programme and project management

• Drive the planning, implementation and monitoring of cross-cutting projects and

 strategic initiatives, including work planning, resource mobilisation, donor reporting, budget monitoring and results-based management.

• Ensure the quality of programme documentation, editorial outputs, and knowledge products produced within the Office of Directors
  • Coordinate inputs from internal teams and external experts, ensuring consistency, quality and timely completion of deliverables.

Partnerships, outreach and events

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and outreach activities with governments, international organizations, research institutions, and other stakeholders relevant to IITC priorities.
  • Coordinate and contribute to the organization of high-level/flagship events, expert dialogues, workshops, and stakeholder consultations related to IITC programme areas and cross-cutting themes;
  • Contribute to institutional communication and visibility efforts, including external communication products and strategic messaging
  • Represent IITC, as required, in internal and external meetings, technical exchanges and stakeholder consultations.
  • Perform other related duties as required in support of the IITC Office of the Director and institutional priorities.

Competencies

Professionalism: Excellent understanding of energy transition, digitalization, and emerging technologies. Demonstrates project management skills, knowledge of AI applications, digital solutions and data driven approaches. Shows understanding of geopolitical, policy of energy transition . 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.

Planning & 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 contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.

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 honour 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; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

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.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, (computer) engineering, environment, social or natural science, or other relevant field related to energy. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme management, strategic policy development, international cooperation, energy transition, climate and energy policy, geopolitics, AI and digitalisation, or related fields is required. Experience supporting senior leadership and coordinating cross-cutting institutional initiatives in an international environment is highly desirable. 

Proven experience in drafting high-level strategic documents, policy briefs, speeches, and stakeholder engagement processes is an asset. Strong understanding of energy policy frameworks, innovation ecosystems, and technology development pathways within the global renewable energy landscape. Experience in resource mobilization and project management, including developing funding proposals and managing voluntary contributions, is an advantage.

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

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC, 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.