Analyst - Hydrogen Energy (Power to X), P-3

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Deadline for Application\:                              02 April 2020 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                              Analyst - Hydrogen Energy (Power to X), P-3

Indicative Annual Remuneration\:                 USD 60,962 to USD 69,843[1]

Duty Station\:                                                   Bonn, Germany

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

The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is one of IRENA’s programmatic divisions. The IITC provides cutting-edge information on renewable energy technologies and innovation, while seeking new pathways for the global transition to a renewable energy future. Based at IRENA’s office in Bonn, Germany, the centre stays abreast of the latest developments and translates them into practical, policy-friendly tools. Researchers produce data for renewable energy technologies; provide tools for planning, project development and grid management; and offer strategies to strengthen technological innovation for renewables, among many other activities.

Within the IITC, IRENA’s PST (Power Sector Transformation) team at assists Member Countries in identifying solutions to further accelerate the transformation of the power system to one dominated by renewable energy, while at the same time electrifying end use sector to achieve deep decarbonisation. The keyword for this work is flexibility\: more flexible operations, more flexible generation, stronger grids, energy storage, demand response, hydrogen from renewable power, heat pumps and electromobility.

The PST team produces knowledge products on how to leverage flexibility across the energy sector to further accelerate deployment of renewable energy in the power sector and applies this knowledge together with Member Countries at national and regional level. The PST team also supports IRENA’s Member Countries in performing power system flexibility assessments taking into consideration all sources of flexibility.

Within this scope and under the overall guidance of the Analyst, Power Sector Transformation Strategies, the Analyst, Power-to-X will be responsible for the following duties\:

• Evaluate the production of hydrogen from renewable power, performing power system optimization (both sizing and dispatching) to minimize hydrogen production cost and track developments of OPEX and CAPEX of hydrogen production cost
• Conduct studies on electrolysis and how this key technology can contribute to competitive green hydrogen production while providing flexibility and storage for the power system
• Assess the potential of green hydrogen and derived e-fuels to decarbonize different sectors and evaluate the opportunity for member countries to trade them, including assessing the different logistic pathways
• Enabling framework for green hydrogen and e-fuels\: inclusion of hydrogen in climate policy frameworks (NDCs etc), certification of green hydrogen supply, facilitate the development of bankable project proposals for green hydrogen production, regulations for hydrogen use, greening the gas system.
• Conduct sectoral, national and regional analysis to support the integration of solar and wind in member countries by assessing power system flexibility with the use of energy system models
• Prepare written inputs, background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies
• Coordinate and assist in outreach activities and expanding the network of experts and partner organizations in the area of renewable energy integration and in particular on hydrogen and power system flexibility
• Provide substantive support to meetings and conferences, including organization of events and representing IRENA in international meetings
• Assist with general programme administration and operation
• Cooperate closely with other teams at IRENA, in particular in the end-use of hydrogen and e-fuels, on project facilitation and NDCs, to develop transition strategies and partnerships to implement findings.

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy-related discipline, in particular engineering, physics or related fields of study. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of five years of work experience in the energy field, including significant experience in the area of hydrogen and renewable energy, some of which should be at the international level; experience in international co-operation and in dealing with multilateral agencies and forums; understanding of renewable energy technologies and grid integration enabling technologies; assessment of potentials, costs and benefits of energy technologies, practical or academic knowledge of energy planning methodologies, power system operations modeling and electricity markets; knowledge of hydrogen production technologies and hydrogen supply chain.

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.

Other skills\: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of energy modelling tools and methodologies is an advantage.

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.

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 honours 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.

Qualified candidates must apply for the vacancy on-line by uploading the completed IRENA application form 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.