Associate Programme Officer – Coalition for Action, P-1

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 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 16 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

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. Within KPFC, the Coalition for Action Unit promotes global dialogue amongst non-governmental and governmental stakeholders to discuss industry trends, share knowledge and exchange best practices to transform the global energy landscape to a sustainable one. The Unit builds common ground amongst key renewable energy stakeholders and provides forward-looking analysis on renewable energy trends and developments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Unit lead of the Coalition for Action and overall guidance of the Director of Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Assist with the planning and coordination of Coalition Steering Group and Working Group activities, including preparing relevant meeting documents, talking points and presentations.
• Prepare written analytical outputs relevant to the Coalition and its Working Groups, including drafting technical papers, joint statements and position papers.
• Support the organisation of outreach and engagement activities under the Coalition, including high-level international meetings, public-private dialogues and workshops.
• Support additional work streams such as on citizen participation by collecting data, conducting initial analysis and drafting written outputs.
• Help draft background papers and other substantial sections of reports.
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has good knowledge of policy and market trends across a range of renewable energy technologies and issues of renewable energy deployment. Has a sound understanding of policy processes in the energy sector at the national and international level. Has a proven ability to undertake high quality research on related topics, determines suitability, validity and accuracy of data and knowledge provided by different sources. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, paying attention to detail; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Excellent drafting skills in English is an essential requirement for this position. 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 organisational 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: 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; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Planning and Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities to ensure successful completion of work assigned.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors on going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), related to International Relations, Political Science, Sustainable Development, Energy or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in policy research, statistical analysis and report writing, preferably related to the energy sector or the links between energy and development policy more broadly; experience with producing publications or other papers cross-institutionally and good understanding of the renewable energy sector; knowledge in international co-operation and in dealing with a multi-stakeholder environment or in/with the private sector desirable.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages would be an important benefit.

*********

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.