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Regional Programme Officer – Middle East and North Africa, P-4

Abu Dhabi

  • Organization: IRENA - International Renewable Energy Agency
  • Location: Abu Dhabi
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

 

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP)

 

Publication/Transmission Date:         04 January 2023

Deadline For Application:                   03 February 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Time)

Title and Grade:                                   Regional Programme Officer – Middle East and North   Africa, P-4

Indicative Annual Salary:                   (a) Annual Net Salary[1]:        USD 75,602 to USD 85,473

                                                              (b)  Post Adjustment[2]:       USD 54,887 to USD 61,967.93

Duration of Appointment:                  Two years, with possible extension

Duty Station:                                       Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Date for Entry on Duty:     As soon as possible

 

 

 

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. 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.Today, the Agency supports 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) in their transition to a sustainable energy future. An additional 16 States are in the process of accession.

IRENA’s Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) engages and works with IRENA member countries.  CEP supports them in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy strategies, by contextualizing the knowledge being developed in the other three technical divisions of IRENA, to the national and regional requirements. CEP enables a systematic assessment and definition of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future strategic and programmatic priorities.

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a regionl currently in energy transition with accelerated update of renewable energy, electrification of end-uses and planned investments in green hydrogen. A number of countries have announced commitments for net-zero transition and have developed plans to transition the region. Regional cooperation between countries in the region including cross-border infrastructure will help in accelerating the energy transition. The proximity of the region to major energy demand centres such as Europe and Asia also offers an opportunity to support energy transition in these regions through export of renewable electricity and green hydrogen.

To further support this progress, and based on the Agency’s strong focus on developing country members, IRENA works closely with governments across MENA to identify and implement effective policy frameworks that support market development, supports enhanced climate action through energy transition and identifies and develops a pipeline of projects for IRENA’s project finance facilitationm function. CEP serves as the main interface between the Agency in the regions and countries in the identification of priority areas for IRENA’s support as well as in the design, development and implementation of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified.

IRENA’s Investment forums, Regional Energy Transition Outlooks (RETOs), Regional Renewable Energy Initiatives such as the  Pan-Arab Clean Energy Initiative (PACE) forms the a key component of the Agency’s sub-regional engagement providing a concrete regional action plan to support region’s efforts in scaling up renewables in power generation and electrification and decarbonisation of end-use sectors across the region.

Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRA) constitute the backbone of IRENA’s country level engagement and are central to the Agency’s efforts to promote greater penetration of renewable energy in regional power systems and electrification and decarbonization of end use sectors. Through a country-led, multi-stakeholder process facilitated by IRENA, the RRAs assesses the suitability of existing conditions for sustained deployment of renewable energy and identifies the key technical, regulatory, policy and financing actions necessary to accelerate deployment. To date, the Agency has partnered with more than 40 countries in the development of RRAs.

Under the guidance of the Director, Country Support and Partnerships, and the immediate supervision of the Head of Regions, the Regional Programme Officer:

  • Supports the Agency’s engagement with governments and other stakeholders for an enhanced understanding of renewable energy landscape in the MENA region, and identification of areas of possible support, where IRENA can provide highest value addition, with a view to creating an investment environment more conducive to accelerated energy transition.
  • Coordinates the development and implementation of IRENA’s regional / sub-regional engagement on the ground such as the Pan Arab Clean Energy Initiative and Investment Forums as well as the regional capacity building programmes, including, conceptualization of the program, identification of priority areas of action, and development of the modalities of implementation;
  • Coordinates the Agency’s country engagement in the region, including, through country assessments, such as, Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRA), combined RRA-Renewable Energy Roadmap (REmap) studies, Energy Transition Outlooks (ETOs), support for  Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Long-Term low-greenhouse gas emission development Strategies (LTS) etc.
  • Coordinates the design and development of the framework for setting up and maintaining cooperation networks with governments, regional entities, industry, private sector, banks and financial institutions and civil society in the region. The foundation for maintaining existing and for establishing new networks to galvanise action towards increasing the role of energy transition and climate action would be prepared as a part of IRENA’s Work Programme;
  • Identifies and collaborates with relevant partners that can engage with countries at the national and regional levels to support implementation of the priorities identified in the RRAs and regional action agendas;
  • Ensures close links with the IRENA technical divisions to identify synergies in line with priorities identified by countries and provide IRENA support ensuring impacts;
  • Keeps abreast of trends, key topics and initiatives in renewable energy policy, finance and technology to contribute to the preparation of RRAs/REOs/ETOS and other reports and knowledge products and  reports for the MENA region;
  • Lead the efforts for IRENA’s project finance facilitation in the region including leading the organisation of investment forums, assist and support the identification and screening of projects from MENA member states to ensure readiness for finance facilitation by IRENA’s finance platforms;
  • Supports the planning and coordination of Work Programme of the Directorate and contribute to its successful implementation;
  • Organises and prepares written outputs, e.g., draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
  • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative meetings, conferences, collaborative frameworks, investment forums etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.;
  • Performs other duties, as required.

 

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialised field. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.  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; 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. Good knowledge of various aspects of energy, climate action; ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with the renewable energy and energy transition issues including , technologies, policies and financing ; good analytical skills, ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues. 

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. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

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 ongoing 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.

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.

Planning & Organising: 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 the field of energy, environment, economics, engineering or any other relevant 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector, some of which should be at the international level; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums; experience of work in regional organizations of the region and demonstrated ability to implement projects/programmes are additional assets.

Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of other languages of the MENA region would be an advantage.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC 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 further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.

 

 

[1] For more information on the Net Salary please visit the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) website http://icsc.un.org/.

[2] The post adjustment is a variable component that is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living in a duty station. Post adjustment multiplier for Abu Dhabi duty station is currently 72.6%, determined by the International Civil Service Commission and subject to change without prior notice. Other benefits include 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, health insurance scheme and rental subsidy. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and relocation expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, settling-in grant and other entitlements as applicable.

This vacancy is now closed.
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