Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, D1

                                                          Vacancy Announcement

                             Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                  Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC), D1

Publication Date:                             11 May 2023

Deadline For Application:               10 June 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade:                               Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, D1

Indicative Annual Salary:                (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 106,023 to USD 118,321[1]

                                                          (b.) Post Adjustment: USD 77,078.72 to USD 86,019.37[2]

Duration of Appointment:              Two Years, with possible extension

Duty Station:                                    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates     

Entry on Duty:                                  As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation, headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the adoption and continuous use of all forms of renewable energy sources 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 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 16 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

IRENA is mandated by Governments to promote the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. It facilitates and catalyses sharing of best practices and lessons learned regarding policy frameworks, capacity-building, finance mechanisms and other relevant measures for accelerating and expanding the demonstration and deployment of renewable energy technologies.

The Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is IRENA’s central knowledge repository and a centre of excellence for renewables policy and finance issues. KPFC’s information collection and analysis enables IRENA to inform and advise its Members and to disseminate information to the public. It is also a central repository of IRENA’s internal knowledge to inform and support the work of all divisions, as well as to provide critical knowledge products to IRENA’s Members. KPFC implements its programmatic activities in close cooperation with other programmatic divisions. KPFC is also a platform for engagement for the private sector and civil society.

Under the direct supervision of the Director-General and within delegated authority, Director, KPFC undertakes a range of analytical and advisory activities aimed at providing accurate information, sound advice and a broader knowledge base to assist countries in making informed renewable energy policy decisions.

The Director, KPFC, will provide guidance and manage the different units within the division, which include knowledge, policy, finance, and statistics.  He/she will be  responsible for:

1. Leading, supervising and carrying out the KPFC work programme.
2. Formulating and implementing the substantive work programme for KPFC, including determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of activities and their timely delivery. 
3. Overseeing the management of activities undertaken by KPFC, ensuring that programmed activities are coordinated in the different areas both within KPFC and with other IRENA divisions, as well as other entities, as appropriate. 
4. Ensuring that the outputs produced by KPFC maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. 
5. Undertaking the management and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates, and preparation of inputs for Agency-wide activities.
6. Managing, guiding and developing staff under his/her supervision, and fostering teamwork and communication among staff in KPFC, and across organizational boundaries. 
7. Managing relevant sections of the division and provide strategic directions to accomplish the mandated functions and approved objectives 
8. Harnessing knowledge and expertise from within and outside the organisation, developing and promoting a knowledge-based culture; encouraging systems and collaborations to develop, shape, share knowledge insights that will strengthen the quality of IRENA’s advice and increase credibility and influence and that of its partners.
9. Establishing a broad network with stakeholders in the field of renewable energy. Playing a key role in collaborating on RE policy and financial topics; monitoring and following results; gathering information and lessons learned. 
10. Representing KPFC in IRENA Governing Body meetings to present aspects of the division’s Work Programme and related budgetary expenditures, during the planning and implementation phases.
11. Representing IRENA in meetings, events and other fora to provide programmatic/substantive expertise and actively seek opportunities to strengthen collaboration/alliances/partnerships with wide ranging constituencies. 

Competencies

Professionalism: Extensive experience and knowledge of the field of energy, including renewable energy policy and finance, as well as other areas of the work being supervised. Ability to produce reports, papers and publications on technical issues, and to review and edit the work of others. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Ability to manage staff and apply administrative rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; demonstrate political astuteness, technical expertise, ability and capacity to represent the Agency effectively at high levels in different fora. Ability to establish and build broad strategic networks and international partnerships.

Planning&Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; develops risk preparedness and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary. Has solid understanding of best management practices; aligns management policies and practices to support achievement of organizational goals; uses time efficiently; has the ability to implement and supervise programme activities that are consistent with agreed strategies..

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 organizational 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.

Leadership: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and tasks; Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 

Communication: Creates and promotes enabling environment for open communication; speaks and writes clearly and effectively, and tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in promoting a culture of information and knowledge sharing and learning. 

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly. 

                                                                                                    Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, energy policy, sustainable development, or other related area. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. PhD is desirable.

Experience: At least 15 years of extensive experience that combines intellectual, strategic, technical and managerial leadership in renewable energy or related field, including at the international level. Experience in programme planning, management and analyses. Experience in energy policy and finance-related work at the international and a country level, is required.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

                                                                                               ***

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.