Associate Professional - Central Asia

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Support and Partnerships (CSP) Division

Publication/Transmission Date\:           02 January 2020

Deadline for Application\:                       16 January 2020 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                      Associate Professional – Central Asia

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

Duration of Appointment\:                      One year, 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 160 Members (159 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 23 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

The Country Support and Partnerships (CSP) Division, helps countries and regions accelerate the introduction of renewable energy. The division works with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders on developing and implementing strategies to increase renewable energy use in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America as well as in small island developing states.

IRENA's Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) is a comprehensive tool for assessing the suitability of conditions in different countries for the development and deployment of renewable energy, along with the actions required to improve those conditions. Designed and refined by IRENA since 2011, the RRA is a country-initiated process that identifies short- and medium-term actions for the rapid up-scaling of renewables. The assessment process encompasses five main themes\: national energy policy and strategy; institutions and markets; resources and technologies; the establishment of a business model; and the capacity needed to scale-up renewables.

Working from the outset to promote regional cooperation, IRENA offers tailored regional activities worldwide. With valuable lessons acquired over the last seven years, the Agency has been able to refine its regional approaches, understand where it can add the most value, and concentrate on the optimal use and dissemination of its expertise and knowledge. IRENA has already helped to develop, through iterative processes and wide consultation, several regional action agendas and plans for the deployment of renewables. These agendas and plans will continue to guide the Agency’s regional work in successive programmatic cycles, maintaining a longer-term perspective while working step-by-step to transform the energy system.

As part of IRENA’s efforts to support Central Asia in its energy transition, the Agency initiated a regional consultative process in 2016 to discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing the region’s renewable energy resources and to identify the areas of priority action.  The first round of consultations took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, in October 2016, where participating experts from governments and key regional stakeholders highlighted the main barriers for deployment of renewables. The Agency organized a second round of consultations in Abu Dhabi, at the IRENA Headquarters, in April 2017, to identify priority areas of actions, as well as exchange views on IRENA’s potential role in supporting the uptake of renewables in the region.

Following these extensive consultations, in June 2017, the Astana Communiqué on Accelerating the Uptake of Renewables in Central Asia was adopted at the Ministerial Session on Renewable Energy in Central Asia on the sidelines of the Energy Ministerial Conference\: Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Energy, in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Communique outlined the key action areas for collaboration with IRENA. A regional action plan was also developed in consultation with governments of the region, which includes a set of priorities for implementation through partnerships with a wide range of national, regional and international partners.

The purpose of the Associate Professional (AP) Programme is to enable talented and promising university graduates and post graduates to gain first-hand experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The programme offers valuable exposure to IRENA’s main activities and programmatic areas. The Agency also benefits from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

Under the overall guidance of the Director - Country Support and Partnerships (CSP) and the immediate supervision of the Head of Regions, the Associate Professional will undertake the following tasks\:

• Assist with the identification of member state needs and priorities, and assess renewable energy policies and strategies, technologies, partnerships and other measures to effectively respond to the needs of member states;
• Provide substantive support in the implementation of the Central Asia Regional Action Plan;
• Support in the design and development of regional activities, and engagement with development partners and other stakeholders in the region; 
• Assist in the conduct of the Renewables Readiness Assessments in Central Asia Region;
• Research, analyse and present information in an effective manner to facilitate IRENA's interventions in Central Asia;
• Assist in the preparation of various workshops, forums, and other high-level events related to the project areas described above;
• Support the processes within the Division for effective implementation of IRENA Work Programmes;

• Draft correspondence including letters, invitations, notes;

• Prepare for meetings, speaking engagements including research, compilation and background material, presentations, talking points, concept notes, agendas and other relevant inputs as required;
• Assist in communication and outreach activities related to IRENA’s interventions in Central Asia;
• Perform any other duties as required.

Professionalism\: Sound knowledge of renewable energy technologies and experience in their deployment in the Central Asia region. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

Teamwork\: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; prioritizes team agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organising\: Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

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

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) is required. A degree related to Political Science, Law, Public Administration, International Affairs, Economics, Management, Engineering or a related field would be desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: At least one year of relevant professional experience, such as renewable energy and development cooperation. Experience with public sector or an intergovernmental institution is preferred. Good understanding of the energy/renewable energy sector in Central Asia region is required.

Language\: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in Russian and any other languages spoken in the Central Asia region would be an additional asset.

IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

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, 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.