Vacancy Announcement

                                Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                      Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division

Publication/Transmission Date:    14 July 2026

Deadline for Application:              13 August 2026 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)

Title:                                                Consultant - Pacific Focal Point 

Total Maximum Fees                      USD 30,000.00

Daily Rate:                                       USD 400.00 - 12.5 days per month 

Contract Type:                                 6 months

Duty Station:                                   Remote          

Date for Entry on Duty:                  As soon as possible

Introduction

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 171 Members (170 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 14 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. 

The Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division of IRENA facilitates the energy transition efforts in countries and regions through collaborations with public and private stakeholders. As such it also hosts the coordination role of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, a partnership enabling framework supporting the Small Island Developing States accelerated deployment of energy transition solutions through the implementation of the twelve priority areas ranging from NDC support, technical analysis, advisory services, capacity building, accessing finance, innovative solutions and knowledge hub in addition to socioeconomics benefits, energy nexus with health, water, food security and moving beyond the electricity sector to include transport and energy intensive sectors. 

To support IRENA efforts in facilitating the Pacific SIDS energy transition efforts to renewables and to reduce their dependency on fossil fuel products, a number of activities have been developed and included in the IRENA Work Programme  for 2026 - 2027, under International Collaboration and Network Hub, with the key objective to provide an inclusive platform for all stakeholders to foster action, the convergence of efforts and knowledge sharing for impact on the ground through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative.

It is essential for IRENA to engage an expert from the Pacific region with sound knowledge and experience about the economic, social, cultural and geographical features of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to function as a liaison between IRENA and the Pacific SIDS. Furthermore, it is a valuable opportunity for building relationships, networking and sustaining a prominent profile in the region that meets the expectations of the IRENA members in the region. 

Objectives and outcomes

The IRENA Pacific Focal Point shall support the implementation of regional and national activities through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, to facilitate an enabling environment for accelerated renewable energy deployment, innovative solutions and energy efficiency interventions which will facilitate the transition from systems highly dependent on fossil fuels to renewables, in the Pacific.

Assignment

Under the guidance of the Head of Partnerships and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, SIDS Lighthouses, the IRENA Pacific Focal Point shall support the implementation of IRENA’s activities through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, in the Pacific, at both the national and regional levels, which include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Support the coordination and implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative twelve priority areas and 2026-2027 Work Programme’s key pillars including but not limited to:
  • Regional Pooled Procurement
  • Electrification
  • Artificial Intelligence, Digitalisation and Grids
  • Offshore Renewables and Ocean Energy Technologies
  • And other key pillars of IRENA’ s Work Programme as required 

2. Contribute to the Electrification Workplan in Pacific SIDS by:

      a. Leading the implementation of activities under the Electrification work plan such as:

  1. Contribute to preparation of smart electrification strategy based on electrification needs of specific economic sectors.
  2. Contribute to preparation of innovative business model to monetise value added by electrification solutions in electric mobility. 
  3. Prepare Documentation for a Pilot Project on Green Shore Power to Ships.

       b. Presenting deliverables to the Working Group and coordinating input from partners.

3. Contribute to the Regional Pooled Procurement Workplan by supporting engagement with Pacific SIDS, SPC and other regional stakeholders in exploring the feasibility of implementing a pooled procurement mechanism in the Pacific.

4.Contribute to implementation of MoU work plan activities with the Pacific Community Secretariat (SPC).

5.Facilitate interaction with existing and potential SIDS LHI partners, including continued engagement with the Pacific SIDS country focal points, national and regional events.

6.Support research and development, data collection, including reviewing and drafting publications.

7.Support the development and regular updates of knowledge products and knowledge sharing platforms, including, but not limited to the SIDS LHI website, publications, country profiles, videos, digital stories, etc.

8.Support the development and updates of the SIDS LHI Annual Progress Report.

9.Support the Pacific SIDS participation in the IRENA Assembly and Council meetings as well as other similar high-level events including Pre-COP and COP.

10.Support capacity building activities undertaken by IRENA in the Pacific SIDS. 

11.Support the provision of IRENA’s technical assistance and advisory services for the Pacific SIDS.

12.Represent IRENA in national and regional events, upon request.

13.Ongoing monitoring of energy transition efforts undertaken by the Pacific SIDS and development partners.

14.Perform other related tasks as required to support the effective implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative work programme.

The IRENA Pacific Focal Point may be expected to undertake missions, each for a period of approximately five (5) days, throughout the term of the contract, although IRENA shall advise of the exact details of such travel, if any, during the contract term. Any such travel shall be undertaken in accordance with the IRENA Travel Policy. 

The IRENA Pacific Focal Point shall report via email every two (2) weeks to the Programme Officer, SIDS Lighthouses and attend weekly team meetings to report on the progress of the implementation of activities. Based on these implementation reports, the IRENA Pacific Focal Point shall also submit a more detailed implementation report every (1) month. The priorities of this assignment shall be periodically reviewed by the supervisors, and any revisions thereto shall be duly communicated to the incumbent. 

The IRENA Pacific Focal Point shall be paid a daily rate of USD 400, paid monthly based on satisfactory performance of all of its assigned responsibilities as detailed in these Terms of Reference, including but not limited to the timely submission of reports. Monthly progress reports must be submitted by the 7th day of the month following the reporting period.

Requirements

The IRENA Pacific Focal Point must meet the following requirements:

  • Master’s degree in energy systems, renewable energy technologies, energy economics, energy management, or sustainable energy systems. 
  • Sound knowledge of renewable energy technologies and expert-level technical expertise on renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency tailored for the Pacific SIDS.
  • Good understanding of energy policy development processes, renewable energy policy and regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in specific Pacific islands contexts, and energy planning concepts.
  • At least 9 years of experience in coordination and implementation of energy transition-related projects and programmes related to renewable energy and electrification at both the national and regional levels in the Pacific region.
  • Well established networks with Pacific SIDS, regional organisations, power utilities, development partners and other key stakeholders.
  • Good command of written and spoken English and excellent report writing skills.
  • Proven record on satisfactory deliverables

Note that the candidate should be capable of collaborating with people from different national and cultural backgrounds. IRENA is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, Indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. 

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.

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