Associate Programme Officer - Clean Energy Transition Scenarios, P-2

 Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date\:                    05 May 2021

Deadline for Application\:       04 June 2021

Title and Grade\:                      Associate Programme Officer – Clean Energy Transition Scenarios, P-2

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

Duration of Appointment\:     One year, with possibility of extension 

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 has163 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 work on energy transformation aims to empower effective policy and decision making by providing authoritative knowledge and analysis on renewables-based energy transformation. To achieve this goal, IRENA's Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) has provided a range of insights on possible paths for such a transformation, spanning multiple geographic areas, sectors and topics. Models and scenarios play a key role in the development of transition paths. 

Against this background, IRENA has led since 2018 the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) Campaign "Long-term Energy Scenarios for the Clean Energy Transition" as the operating agent. The Initiative aims to promote the wider adoption and improved use of long-term model-based energy scenarios by\: (1) sharing country experience in the use and benefits of energy scenario modelling for national and regional policy planning; (2) showcasing innovative tools and methods for energy scenario modelling that address the integration challenges of variable renewable energy (VRE); and (3) identifying channels to build capacity for clean energy transition planning in countries with limited experience. In March 2021, recognising the campaign's success and the continued relevance of its scope of work, the CEM Secretariat upgraded the time-bound LTES campaign into a more permanent LTES initiative.  

To engage with a wider range of countries beyond CEM, IRENA launched in 2019 the Long-term Energy Scenarios (LTES) Network. The network provides a global platform to exchange knowledge and good practices in the use and development of model-based long-term energy scenarios (LTES) to guide the clean energy transition. It aims to promote broader and more effective use of LTES in government for energy and climate policy-making.

Key stakeholders involved in the LTES Initiative and Network are scenario users within government planning teams, policy-making institutions, and scenario developers within government modelling teams or technical institutions supporting the government.

Assignment

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 behind IRENA's LTES Network and CEM LTES Initiative, including\: 

• Lead internal and external stakeholder engagement and communication at a variety of organisational levels and in a variety of contexts;
• 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;
• Conduct end-to-end development of inputs as well as outputs, including but not limited to\: technical and non-technical reports, workshop and event organisation and outcome documents, and a wide range of communication materials;
• Ensure close links with relevant programmatic work across the Agency to identify synergies in line with scenario work priorities;
• Proactively search for and identify new links and opportunities – both internal and external – to achieve more significant impact; 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Competencies

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.

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 the 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 shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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.

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree in energy system analysis, economics, policy, or related fields. An MSc or PhD degree in energy systems modelling, energy planning, energy economics, energy policy is an advantage. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in place of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of two years of solid working experience in a relevant energy and/or climate-related field, with experience at the international level desirable. The following experiences are advantages - Experience in international cooperation, and prior responsibility for dealing with multilateral agencies, managing networks and communication with diverse stakeholders; Experience in leading and organising high-level events both in in-person and virtual formats; Experience related to the development of National Energy Master Plans or Integrated Resource Plans; Experience working in the energy and climate nexus, with LTES for Long-term Low Emission Development Strategies or net-zero emission targets. 

Skills\: Excellent drafting skills both in technical and non-technical outputs in English; Solid knowledge on energy modelling and scenarios, demonstrated by proven track record of publications of academic or technical reports; Knowledge of the LTES network and initiative target material and a proven track record of work relevant to that material will be a significant advantage. 

Languages\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is a must. Proficiency in French is an advantage. 

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.