Solar Energy Specialist (three positions)

Indicative Annual Salary: USD 60,962  (base salary per annum) and other benefits[1] (See below)

Post Adjustment for Delhi: USD 20,056 (current per annum)

Duration of Appointment: One year, with possible extension up to a maximum of 9 years

 

 Setting: The International Solar Alliance is an inter-governmental organization headquartered in

 Gurgaon, India. The vision and mission of the International Solar Alliance is to provide a

dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries where the global

community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, industry, and other

stakeholders, can make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals

of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of ISA Member Countries in a

safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Renewable Energy (solar) Specialist will support the ISA through the collection, analysis,

and presentation of data on renewable energy(solar) needs and opportunities specifically in

relation to solar energy generation. The Specialist will report to either the Director,

Programme or Director, Technology and Innovation and be responsible for the identification

of strategic opportunities for ISA in this sector, the negotiation of partnerships with

Government and development partners, the preparation of funding proposals, organization

and participation in meetings and workshops, and support to the implementation of existing

projects, among other tasks.

 Role and functions:

 

Contribute to the establishment of a strategic platform facilitating policy dialogue, transfer,

and engagement for solar energy expertise in various countries/regions, including:

 Baseline/situational analysis with identification of needs and opportunities for

renewable energy technologies relating to energy in specific countries/regions,

analysis of political, institutional, regulatory, economic, and technological factors,

identification of barriers to overcome for the expansion of solar energies.

 Comprehensive stakeholder analysis and consultations with other actors in the sector

and opportunities for collaboration for ISA, including international donors with actual

or potential interest in the renewable (solar) energy sector.

 Support in the drafting of a strategy for significantly expanding its engagement in the

renewable energy sector for ISA.

Develop and contextualize ISA’s de-risking approach and methodology for small scale solar

energy (solar home kits (off-grid); mini-grids (off-grid); rooftop solar PV (on-grid)) and energy

efficiency in various locations.

 Assisting government partners to address barriers to investment via a combination of

policy and financial de-risking instruments and targeted financial incentives to

consumers and key energy market players.

 Supporting business and entrepreneurial skills development and enhancing access to

small-scale financing for renewable energy solutions

Project development and partnerships in the renewable energy sector for ISA in conjunction

with the Finance/Resource Mobilization programme

 Drafting of concept notes and full proposals

 Drafting of a resource mobilization action plan with identification of key donors and

partners for renewable energy in various countries/regions.

 Organization and participation in meetings and communication with potential partners

and donors;

Technical support to the implementation of projects and studies in the renewable energy

sector in relation to solar energy.

 Support pre-feasibility studies, site assessments, the drafting of Terms of Reference,

and other activities involved in the preparation and implementation of projects in the

solar energy sector.

 Oversee and implementation of ISA strategy on solar energy generation.

The incumbent will also perform other tasks related to renewable energy and engage in

support of ISA’s global and regional solar energy practice as required.

Competencies

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; is motivated by professional rather

than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;

remains calm in stressful situations.

 Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; able to interact with senior

 government and private sector leadership; 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; ability to

disseminate information through online platforms, social media and traditional methods.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams of diverse staff; training and develop staff;

successful counsel and conduct performance management; provide vision and direction to a

team and lead the team to undertake innovative work.

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.

Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;

identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates

appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for

contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses

time efficiently.

 Qualifications

 

Education: Master’s degree or higher in electrical engineering, engineering, power

generation/transmission, distribution, solar or renewable energy, civil engineering, or another

relevant field. A first level university degree in combination with four additional years of

qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: Minimum 8 years of demonstrable experience in the technical area of renewable

energy systems, energy access, development infrastructure, power generation, electricity

transmission and/or power distribution (on and off grid), project formulation and

implementation. Candidates with a first level degree (Bachelor or equivalent) would require

an additional four years of directly relevant experience.

Experience working with regional/international institutions/private sectors/donors in the sector

of renewable energy will be an advantage. Field level project implementation experience is

highly desirable. Preference will be given to candidates who have at least 3 years of

international experience.

Language and IT skills: The role demands substantial writing and verbal communications

skills. As English is the official and working language of the Organization, excellent command

of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages (e.g. French,

Spanish and Arabic) would be an advantage. Satisfactory skills in Outlook, MS Office

products, and various ERP systems is highly desirable.

***

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through ISA’s

portal Any applicants who have difficulties applying through the online portal should

immediately contact the International Solar Alliance at recruitment@isolaralliance.org.

 

The International Solar Alliance is striving to achieve gender parity at all levels as it proceeds

with the recruitment of both locally and internationally recruited staff. In this regard, female

candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for all positions within the organization.

ISA primarily recruits staff from its member countries. However, consideration may also be

given to qualified candidates from signatory and prospective member countries irrespective

of nationality. ISA strives to obtain a staff reflecting its geographical representation and

diversity.

Please be advised that the International Solar Alliance reserves the right to recruit individuals

at a grade one level below the advertised grade of the post. Such an arrangement would be

discussed with recommended candidate/s by the interview panel prior to offer.

ISA maintains a retirement age of 65 years.

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.

ISA retains the right to cancel the selection process if it is determined in the best interest of

the Organization.

ISA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in

connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for

the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos,

names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply

particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Remuneration:

[1] In addition to the base salary and post adjustment ISA provides: dependency allowance,

rental subsidy, education grant (for up to two school going children), annual and sick leave,

health insurance (in-patient, out-patient, and medicinal expenditure will be reimbursed by ISA

for its staff and their dependents, excluding parents until the operationalization of the Health

Insurance Policy), Pension Fund participation (lump sum payment equivalent to UN common

system rates). ISA also provides for national income tax reimbursement from Tax

Equalization Fund. Hard-ship allowance is not included at this duty station. Please refer to

ISA Rules and Regulations at website www.isolaralliance.org.