Associate Programme Officer - Modelling the Global Energy Transition, P-2

 Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date\:                       08 March 2021 

Deadline for Application\:          28 March 2021  (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                         Associate Programme Officer

                                                     – Modelling the Global Energy Transition, P-2

Indicative Annual Salary\:          USD 48,805 to USD 56,904[1]

Duration of Appointment\:        Two years (with possibility of extension subject to availability of funds)

Duty Station\:                              Bonn, Germany 

Entry on Duty\:                           As soon as possible

Introduction

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 163 Members (162 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.

Under the Work Programme 2020-2021, IRENA’s goals include being a source of advice and support country-level decision making to accelerate the energy transition, while acting as a global voice of renewables to shape the global discourse on the energy transformation. To achieve these aims, IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) seeks to assist countries in building their planning capacities in using long-term planning models and tools. The Centre also works towards providing technology insights through a long-term energy planning toolbox, in conjunction to developing analysis on the prospects of energy systems for various geographical regions.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, Power Sector Investment Planning of IITC, the selected candidate will be responsible for leading the day-to-day work under the thematic area\: Planning for the global energy transition, primarily on the activities related to (1) developing and disseminating insights from modelling analysis that can inform Africa power infrastructure debates (2) provide capacity building and support for countries in developing their energy masterplans and (3) enhancing the toolbox for planning the integration of VRE in power systems. More specifically, the selected candidate will contribute to the following tasks\: 

• Expand and enhance the team’s existing repository of tools and widgets for long-term energy modelling, data management, analysis and visualisation, by using advanced technologies. 
• Perform extensive analysis on Africa through the use of models, including with IRENA’s long-term planning SPLAT model and others, to identify RE technology potentials and advice on the prospects of the future energy systems in Africa.
• Lead the development and maintenance of IRENA’s African power sector modelling database;
• Expand IRENA’s capacity building activities in Africa
• Ensure close links with relevant programmatic work across the Agency and externally with other organisations to identify synergies in line with the team’s priorities;
• Proactively search for and identify new links and opportunities – both internal and external – to achieve greater impact and outreach of IRENA’s planning analysis; 
• Perform other duties 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; 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; tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Accountability\: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; 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.

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.

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree in energy system analysis, economics, engineering, or related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience/Skills\: At minimum of two years of progressively responsible working experience in a relevant energy and/or climate-related field at national or international level. Analytical skills and expertise in energy data analysis, application and development of energy and power system modelling tools. Prior responsibility in dealing with national and international stakeholders. Established track record of programming and scripting for large quantities of data. Working knowledge of GIS tools and software is an advantage. 

Languages\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of French and other languages would be of additional benefit. Good drafting skills both in technical and non-technical outputs in English

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 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.