Programme Officer - Clean Energy Transition Scenarios, P-3

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Title and Grade\:                    Programme Officer – Clean Energy Transition Scenarios, P-3

Duration of Appointment\:    Two years, with possible extension

Duty Station\:                          Bonn, Germany

Entry on Duty\:                       As soon as possible

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 162 Members (161 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 21 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. 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 to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

IRENA supports countries in enhancing their energy planning capacities to make optimal use of renewable energy in the context of the energy transformation, using various toolsets, including long-term planning models and scenarios. The Centre also works towards providing technology insights through a long-term energy planning toolbox, in conjunction with developing analysis on the prospects of energy systems for various geographical regions. 

Against this background, IRENA Innovation and Technology Center carries out activities linked with scenario-based planning, such as modelling national and regional scenarios using the in-house System Planning Test (SPLAT) model for long-term energy planning, using scenarios to inform the design of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and the AVRIL (Addressing Variable Renewable energy in Long-term planning) project, which seeks to identify the best practices in long-term planning and modelling to represent high shares of variable renewable energy (VRE).

The Center also facilitates the exchange of experiences and best practices with the use and development of long-term energy scenarios to guide the clean energy transition. This exchange is managed through IRENA’s engagement with Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) as well as IRENA’s “Long-term Energy Scenarios for the Clean Energy Transition” Network (LTES network)

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer – Power Sector investment Planning of IITC, the selected candidate will be responsible for leading IRENA’s day-to-day work on scenario-based long-term planning, including\:

• Undertakes analytical work and drafting on the topic of power sector investment planning, using results from energy modelling tools;
• Leads the engagement and management of power and energy system modelling consultants, including defining the main objectives of the work, designing the main scenarios and sensitivities, collecting and preparing data inputs, assessing the model results, and extracting key policy messages and identifying needs for further analysis;
• Leads related outreach activities, which includes the assessment of national and regional energy planning practices to achieve higher shares of VRE, and stock-taking of the use of power/energy modelling tools;
• Organizes capacity building activities for power sector investment planning, which include various country-specific and regional engagements to empower country experts to plan better for high VRE shares and more ambitious renewable energy policy targets;
• Conduct end-to-end development of LTES network inputs as well as outputs, including but not limited to technical and non-technical reports, workshop presentations and outcome documents, and a wide range of communication materials;
• Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement and communication at a variety of organisational levels, and in a variety of contexts to identify new opportunities and achieve more significant impact;
• Perform extensive research on the use of energy scenario modelling for national and regional policy planning, as well as the role of VRE within that process;
• Supports the IITC and ensures coordination with other teams and Divisions within IRENA, on related topics such as long-term scenarios, energy system modelling, energy planning and NDC;
• Assists in the planning and coordination of the Work Programme of the Division and contributes to its successful implementation;
• Perform other duties as required.

Professionalism\: Shows pride in work and 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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; tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; ability to disseminate information through online platforms, social media and traditional methods.

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.

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 ongoing 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.

Accountability\: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy system analysis, economics, policy, or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Solid understanding of energy system modelling and long-term energy scenario planning is also an essential requisite.

Experience\: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in energy system modelling, energy scenarios and energy planning. Experience (including publications) on long-term energy scenario analysis, using methodologies such as energy system simulation and optimisation models, is essential. Working experience in relevant energy and/or climate-related field, with experience at the international level desirable; good drafting skills both in technical and non-technical outputs in English, ideally for a high-level audience; experience in international cooperation and prior responsibility for dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums. A demonstrated ability to implement projects/programmes with good analytical skills and to produce reports and papers on long-term energy scenarios, policy and energy issues is critical.

Languages and IT skills\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of other languages is a plus. Excellent IT skills, including advanced hands-on energy modelling experience, is essential.

Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy online, 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 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.