Job Description
Job description
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. 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. 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, with its unique mandate and near-universal membership, is aiming to become a centre of excellence for global renewable energy information with an integrated approach to data and information management.
The Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division facilitates IRENA’s support to its member countries in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy programmes through the regional and partnership initiatives and tailored country support. The Partnerships Unit oversees the coordination and implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative, the Global Geothermal Alliance, decentralized renewable energy solutions addressing food, water security, and health, Alliance for Industry Carbonization, Clean Cooking Alliance, and other multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives. These initiatives support member countries, in particular small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) in achieving their commitments to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals through energy transformation and climate action.
The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and postgraduates to gain first-had experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The programme offers valuable exposure to IRENA’s main activities and programmatic areas. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Officer (P4), SIDS Lighthouses, the Associate Professional (SIDS Lighthouses) will be responsible for the following duties:
- Support the implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative work programme
- Support the implementation of the Global Geothermal Alliance work programme in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
- Support the implementation of the work programme related to decentralized renewable energy solutions addressing food, water security, and health and other energy access issues in SIDS
- Support the implementation of other multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives in SIDS that are supported and/or facilitated by IRENA
- Any other assigned tasks as and when required
Competencies
- Professionalism: Knowledge of partnerships, energy transition and climate action principles and practices. Ability to conduct research and analysis with minimal guidance. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence in subject matter and pays attention to detail; 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Qualification
- Education: A first-level university degree or a Masters’ degree (or equivalent) in engineering, policy, economics, environment, natural science, or related field. A first-level university degree or a Masters’ degree in other subjects may also be acceptable in combination with qualifying experience.
- Experience: Experience at an international level in energy, technical or policy related issues and an understanding of the issues relevant to energy transition in developing countries is required. A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required. Experience in independent research into partnerships and energy transition and climate action is desirable. Experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams across regions and geographies is desirable.
- Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
DEADLINE: 12 Nov 2022
