Chief Communications Officer, P-5

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Publication/Transmission Date\:                 16 February 2020

Deadline for Application\:                             15 March 2020

Title and Grade\:                                            Chief Communications Officer, P-5

Indicative Annual Remuneration\:   USD 88,162 to USD 98,109

Duration of Appointment\:                            Two years, 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 161 Members (160 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 22 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director General, the Senior/Chief Communications Officer will\:

• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies and execute according to the deliverables of the Agency’s Work Programme.
• Oversee the development of materials and digital assets, including news releases, opinion pieces, social media campaigns, infographics, presentations and web content.
• Conduct outreach to and field inquiries from journalists worldwide to promote IRENA’s work and activities. Proactively build relationships with journalists.
• In collaboration with Programme Directors, provides communication assistance to IRENAs partners.
• Represent the Agency at meetings with journalist, representatives of partner organisations and international organisations, conferences and other gatherings as appropriate.
• Directly responsible for supervising a team of communications and digital specialists. Develop and implement the communications strategy for IRENA
• Establish and maintain strong relations with press, media and relevant stakeholders.
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• Take the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns, global promotion initiatives, member information programmes, broad reaching subject specific issues and work to develop ways to implement campaigns systemwide to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
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• Define target groups/audiences for IRENA’s communication.
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• Establish IRENA’s communication infrastructure (mailing lists, media contacts, picture databases, renewable energy event calendar, etc).
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• Write and/or review texts (articles, editorials, speeches, welcome addresses, statements, press releases etc.) for the Director-General, Deputy Director-General and IRENA Directors and staff who represent the organization at meetings/functions, etc.
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• Draft, produce and publish, in cooperation with IRENA staff members, the IRENA outreach and info material (flyer, brochures, newsletter, press kits, studies, other publications).
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• Manage IRENAs communications budget in accordance with internal procedures and financial regulations.
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• Identify, if necessary and subsequently liaise with communications agencies
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• Oversee the IRENA website together with the web administrator.
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• Ensure consistency and coherence across all IRENA communications as well as ensure that all communication material adheres to editorial policies in line with IRENA’s brand identity.
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• Supervise, train, develop and manage the staff of the Communications team.

Competencies

• Professionalism\: A proven knowledge of specialized media; good knowledge of all aspects of public information and communication and understanding of the needs of the press and media and the way this sector functions; sound political judgment to diplomatically handle sensitive issues and cultivate productive relationships; ability to deliver oral presentations/statements to diverse audiences. Knowledge of renewable energy issues and the global network of the renewable energy community is an advantage.
• Technological awareness\: Knowledge of the different technical and software tools, including a broad range of social media options.

• Leadership\: Ability to lead a team of communications specialists working on various aspects of information and communications.   Ability to work with the team under pressure and to set goals, make plans, define deadlines and deliver on time.

• Teamwork\: Possession of team spirit to build-up, manage and lead a team in a multi-cultural environment; proven supervisory and decision-making skills and ability to delegate responsibility; responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Also, ability to work with counterparts across the organization at all levels to provide expert advice and to ensure programme work accomplishments are communicated to the public and to the other stakeholders.

• Accountability\: To ensure that all responsibilities and commitments are completed to the best of his/her ability in line with both operational objectives and organizational rules and regulations.

• Creativity\: Ability to come up with new and creative ways of how to address the different audiences of IRENA effectively and how to distribute the Agency’s message in the best possible way.

• Client Orientation\: Ability to maintain excellent relations with the global media, IRENA’s member states and stakeholders.

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications, public relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, communications or public relations is required, with at least two years’ experience in an international setting.   Proven supervisory experience required. Strong connections to and an expert knowledge of the media and their aims and priorities is required. Prior knowledge/work in the field of energy/renewable energy is desirable.

Language\: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential.   Fluency in French and/or Arabic 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.