Programme Officer – REmap, P-3

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date\:                          20 November 2021

Deadline for Application\:            11 December 2021

Title and Grade\:                            Programme Officer – REmap, P-3

Indicative Annual Salary\:            USD 62,120 to USD 71,170[1]

Duration of Appointment\:           One year, with possible 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 has 166 Members (165 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 18 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.

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and joint RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy. 

IRENA’s REmap (Renewable Energy Roadmap) supports IRENA Members along three main pillars\: 1) development of detail country and regional roadmaps, building energy transition scenarios to inform and assist tailored decarbonization strategies; 2) development of global energy transition scenarios for the IRENA flagship report World Energy Transition Outlook; 3) development of thematic studies to contribute to the global energy transition forums.

Integrated energy planning approach through modelling energy systems, stakeholders engagement, policy makers consultation are key steps of the REmap process. Scaling up renewable energy, energy efficiency and other low carbon technologies and solutions are key components of the analysis. It covers end-use sectors, transport, building, industry, as well assessment of the supply of renewable electricity and renewable fuels, sustainable biomass, renewable hydrogen, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer – REmap, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties\:

• Assist the overall coordination of country and regional energy transition roadmaps.
• Assist the overall coordination of the global energy transition roadmaps.
• Research, analyze and summarize energy-related information at country level gathered from diverse sources.
• Assess established and emerging renewable energy resources, energy efficiency and low-carbon technology options in terms of potentials, costs and various and environmental impacts.
• Conduct sector, national and regional analysis to support renewable energy roadmaps development in the REmap framework.
• Assist the national and regional power sector analysis for Member States through the use of optimization models, including IRENA FlexTool and others, to analyse power system capacity expansion as well as flexibility.
• Support Member Countries Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by using the existing IRENA energy modelling tools (e.g., REmap Toolkit, IRENA FlexTool)
• Prepare written inputs, background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies.
• Coordinate and assist in outreach activities and expanding the network of national experts and partner organizations.
• Provide substantive support to meetings and conferences, including preparation of documents and presentations.

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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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

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 of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; 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.

Qualifications

Education\: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy, engineering, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience\: A minimum of five years of work experience in the energy field, including energy system analysis, some of which should be at the international level. Knowledge of energy technology, energy planning, energy balances and statistics, assessment of potentials, costs and benefits of energy technologies, renewable energy policy and related macroeconomic issues. Experience in the use of optimisation models for the power sector. Academic knowledge of operations research, machine learning and other optimization techniques would be an important asset. Experience in international co-operation and in dealing with multilateral agencies and forums. Expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of energy modelling tools and methodologies is an advantage.

Language\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. French, Arabic and Spanish are very welcome.

Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy online, 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.