Programme Officer - Knowledge and Exchange, P-4

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication/Transmission Date\:     02 June 2021

Deadline for Application\:                 02 July 2021 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                 Programme Officer – Knowledge and Exchange, P4 

Indicative Annual Salary\:                   USD 74,913 to USD 84,694[1] 

Duration of Appointment\:                Two years, with possible extension

Background

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 164 Members (163 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 21 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. 

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, building a gateway to knowledge, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society. Within KPFC, the Knowledge and Exchange Unit engages in data collection and analysis of key renewable energy trends and developments based on strategic knowledge exchange with leading players in the renewable energy sector and beyond. The Unit is further responsible for the IRENA Coalition for Action, a key multi-stakeholder network, that promotes global dialogue and creates joint analytical outputs with policy recommendations feeding into the Agency’s work and initiatives. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the overall guidance of the Director of Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties\:

• Supervise activities under the Coalition for Action, IRENA’s multi-stakeholder engagement platform.
• Lead strategic direction and substantive knowledge outputs of the Coalition for Action with a focus on policy recommendations for countries or regions as applicable and that can feed into the analytical work of KPFC as well as other initiatives such as the IRENA Collaborative Frameworks, including on the just energy transition. 
• Guide and conduct analytical work on key renewable energy trends and developments, including on the topics of environmental sustainability of renewable energy, corporate sourcing of renewables, citizen participation, etc. 
• Co-lead and facilitate substantive input and engagement with stakeholders and partners for work on Sustainable Energy Jobs. 
• In coordination with other KPFC units, develop draft policy recommendations for countries or regions as applicable to accelerate the deployment of renewables and to promote sustainable development.
• Conceptualize collaboration opportunities and promote knowledge exchange between non governmental stakeholders, including civil society and private sector, and IRENA.
• Coordinate other written inputs, background papers, policy analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies.
• Represent IRENA in topical taskforces, working groups and international meetings.
• Provide substantive and strategic input to meetings and conferences, including organization of events.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism\: Has an excellent knowledge of policy and market trends across a range of renewable energy technologies and issues of renewable energy deployment. Has a sound understanding of policy processes in the energy sector at the national and international level. Has a proven ability to undertake high quality research on related topics, determines suitability, validity and accuracy of data and knowledge provided by different sources. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, paying attention to detail; 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 

Communication\: Excellent drafting skills in English is an essential requirement for this position. 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 

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.

Accountability\: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one hasresponsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership ofdelegated responsibilities and authorities; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. 

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 on going 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.

Qualifications

Education\: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), in economics, energy, environment, international relations or another relevant field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience\: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector, some of which should be at the international level; very good knowledge of renewable energy technologies as well as related policy, regulatory, technical and institutional issues for its development; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multi-stakeholder networks and forums ideally also working with the private sector.

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages would be an important benefit.

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, especially from nationals of developing countries, 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.