Associate Programme Officer - Site Assessment, P-2

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication/Transmission Date\:        3 November 2020

Deadline for Application\:                    3 December 2020 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                   Associate Programme Officer – Site Assessment, P-2

Indicative Annual Salary\:                    USD 47,895 to 55,843[1]

Duration of Appointment\:                   One year, with possible extension

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. 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. 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 of sustainable development, increased energy security, and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy, and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, building a gateway to knowledge, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society.

The Global Atlas platform continues to evolve both in the scope of renewable energy resource datasets available on the platform and in the number and kind of support services available to the member states. As a platform, it currently hosts more than 2000 renewable energy resource maps and has been used so far by more than 200,000 professionals worldwide. The Global Atlas geospatial and time-series services – suitability analysis and site appraisals – have supported several countries in identifying prospective zones and in screening several potential sites for solar PV and wind projects. These services will be extended to other renewable energy resources, such as concentrated solar power, mini-hydropower, and bioenergy.

The site appraisal service consists of assessing both technical and financial viability of prospective solar PV and wind sites that can be earmarked for renewable energy development. With this service, IRENA provides both power production and financial modelling to countries all over the world. Recent works carried out in this regard include models and reports on over 100 solar and wind sites in Cape Verde, The Comoros, Namibia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Nigeria.

The prospective recruit will support the division in assisting member countries of the Agency with the existing services – site assessment and generation profiles for transmission grid extension and stability modelling. The recruit will also support the agency in extending the site assessment service to cover new technology configurations and end-use applications, such as stability simulations, power purchase agreement options modelling, and others.

• Support countries with the existing site assessment services and generation profiles calculations;
• Extend the development of the site assessment services to cover new technology configurations and end-use applications;
• Contribute in writing reports related to renewable energy resource assessment;
• Support the activities of the renewable energy resource assessment team, and ensure coordination with other teams and divisions within IRENA on topics such as renewable energy resources;
• Participate and assist in the design and implementation of outreach and communication activities, including the development of training materials, presentations, talking points, and other relevant inputs for the head of the unit and upper management, and delivery of workshops;
• Perform other duties as required.

Professionalism\: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates growing 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; 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.

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in science, or engineering, with a focus on renewables. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience\: A minimum of 2 years of proven work experience in field of renewable energy resource assessment, with an advance understanding of renewable energy systems. Knowledge of GIS, and storage technologies could be an advantage. Demonstrated ability to implement projects with good analytical skills and to produce reports and papers on renewable energy resource assessment is desirable.

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in other languages would be of additional benefit.

Skills\: Strong quantitative and data analytical skills, and Excel/IT skills are required. Good knowledge of programming with Python 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, 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.