Associate Programme Officer - Innovation and End-Use Sectors, P-2

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date\:                      06 May 2022

Deadline for Application\:         26 May 2022

Title and Grade\:                         Associate Programme Officer, Innovation and End-use Sectors P-2

                                                    (two positions to be filled)

Indicative Annual Salary\:          USD 48,805 to USD 56,904¹

Duration of Appointment\:        2 years, with the possibility of extension

Duty Station\:                              Bonn, Germany

Entry on Duty\:                           As soon as possible

  Background

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 167 Members (166 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 19 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.

While energy transformation has so far mainly focused on power sector, there is a rising attention    for energy transformation in end use sectors (buildings, industry and transport). A combination of   clean energy vectors including bioenergy, electricity from renewable sources, green gas such as hydrogen and e-fuels can play an increasing role. This offers new opportunities to accelerate the deployment of renewables. The sector coupling between the power sector and end use sectors is likely to grow further.

IRENA is seeking two highly skilled and motivated professionals to work in the Innovation and end-use sectors team of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC). Innovations in renewable energy encompass all new approaches that help to overcome barriers and result in an accelerated deployment of renewables to support the energy transition. Innovative solutions to decarbonise the global energy sector require combining various policy instruments across the whole technology lifecycle, from R&D to market scale-up, as well as the development of new smart technologies, information technology, new types of financial and market instruments, business models and the engagement of new actors across the energy systems.

IRENA is in process of expanding its techno- economic work on decarbonizing end use sectors, notably hard-to-decarbonize sectors (including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, chemicals and petrochemicals, cement, shipping, aviation and road freight), as well as critical materials for the energy transition.

The selected candidates will provide support to the programmatic work of the pillar Centre of Excellence for Energy Transformation, particularly in the implementation of the effective policy and decision-making by providing authoritative knowledge and analyses on renewables-based energy transformation at global, national and sectoral level, for selected activities taking place in 2022.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Analyst, RE Technology Standards and Markets, the Associate Programme Officer, Innovation and End use sectors will\:

• Contribute to research, analysis and reporting on innovation trends in end-use energy sectors and renewable energy, and/or critical materials for the energy transition.
• Prepare various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provide substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, including preparation of documents and presentations.
• Contribute to outreach activities, including the organization of workshops and webinars, elaboration of news articles, and other dissemination strategies in coordination with the Agency’s Communications Team.
• Carry out administrative activities, including amongst others, publications, procurement and work programme and budget reporting processes.
• Perform other related 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; 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 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 and 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\: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering, physics, environment or natural science, or another relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience/Skills\: Minimum two years of relevant experience in renewable energy technologies, with demonstrable knowledge of the energy sector and decarbonisation options for end-use sectors, including the industrial and transport sectors. Proven track record of energy sector related publications is desirable.

Languages\: Excellent command of written and spoken English is a must. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

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.