Associate Programme Officer (Renewable Energy Compact for Peacekeeping)

Job Description

Job description

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy (RE) 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.

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It offers the main interface between the Agency and the regions and countries in the identification of priority areas for IRENA’s technical support as well as in design, development and implementation of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified. This requires a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, which also helps shape IRENA’s future programmatic priorities.

IRENA works with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders on developing and implementing strategies to achieve a greater share of renewables worldwide through regional, country and thematic initiatives. This includes, among others, various multistakeholder partnership initiatives developed and implemented by IRENA in collaboration with a wide range of public and private stakeholders.

IRENA collaborates with the UN and several member countries within “Energy Compact of Renewable Energy for Peacekeeping“ to promote the use of renewables in peace-keeping missions,aligned with the UN Secretariat goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 45% and source 80% of its power from renewable energy by 2030.

The focus of the energy compact is on improving the effectiveness and operational resilience, and on reducing the peacekeeping missions’ environmental footprint, while improving energy access and achievements of parts of host countries nationally determined contribution (NDCs), given the large carbon footprint of some of those missions. Accordingly, the initiative will seek opportunities to work with countries that host UN peacekeeping operations to support the host nation’s electrification plans through renewable energy projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Associate Programme Officer will work under the overall guidance of the Director of the Country Engagement and Partnerships Division and immediate supervision of the Head of Partnerships.

The Associate Programme Officer will be assigned the following duties:

• Support the Agency’s activities in relation to the coordination and facilitation of the Energy Compact of Renewable Energy for Peacekeeping;
• Support the development of country level work plans and their implementation towards renewable electrification of UN peacekeeping missions and host communies, as appropriate, in the priority countries;
• Assist in the engagement with country stakeholders, where relevant, to facilitate identification of enabling policy, regulatory, and technical conditions that would help increase renewable electricity deployment for missions and host communities;
• Maintain regular dialogue and coordination with respective governments, relevant UN institutions and other key stakeholders with regard to the implementation of identified activities;
• Assist in organization of consultative workshops, technical and high-level meetings ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners;
• Conduct research on trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to renewable energy development;
• Support IRENA’s work in the implementation of decentralized renewable energy solutions in the cross sectoral setting through partnerships;
• Prepare inputs, presentations, and reports for the management;
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Good understanding of renewable energy technologies as well as the policy, regulatory and/or finance landscape globally or in selected regions; Ability to implement projects/programmes; knowledge with implementing, monitoring and evaluating projects/programmes. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, execute assigned tasks 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.

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

• 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 honors 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 organizational regulations and rules.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master degree or equivalent) in the field of engineering, energy, environment, sustainable development, renewable energy or related field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: At minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, including direct involvement in renewable energy projects and/or multistakeholder partnership initiatives on promoting renewable energies.

Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in other languages, particularly French, would be an advantage.

DEADLINE: 18 Nov 2022