Programme Officer - South East Asia,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Closing date: Wednesday, 21 June 2017
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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 150 Members (149 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 30 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 has a strong focus on developing country members and work with them to assess the existing policy structures and institutional context within which renewable energy policy is placed. These will help identify the elements that could be built upon to have an effective and efficient policy framework to support market development. IRENA has adopted a regional approach for initiating discussions with countries, since due to geographical contiguity; countries in a region often share renewable energy resources across their boundaries as well as face similar policy and institutional challenges.
IRENA assists countries and regions to implement a comprehensive set of actions towards enabling higher shares of renewables on regional grids. IRENA has developed the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA), a country led process, with a comprehensive tool for assessing key conditions for renewable energy technology development and deployment and the actions necessary to further create an enabling framework for renewable energy deployment.
IRENA’s initiatives for promoting greater penetration of renewable electricity in power systems of the region complement the national engagement through the RRAs. These enable countries to also identify the actions that are required for optimal utilisation of renewable resources from a regional power planning perspective, keeping in view declining cost trends, the capacity to operate transmission grids with a greater share of renewable power, and human, financial, and institutional barriers to the expansion of renewable power options in the market.
Under the overall guidance of the Director, Country Support and Partnerships, and immediate supervision of the Senior Programme Officer – Regions, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Coordinates the design and development of the framework for setting up and maintaining cooperation networks with all stakeholders from governments, regional entities, industry, civil society, etc to galvanise action towards increasing the penetration of renewable energy with particular focus on Southeast Asia;
- Supports the implementation of the RRAs and post-RRA activities in the countries, upon request;
- Contributes to the implementation of the IRENA’s clean energy corridor initiative in ASEAN;
- Identify and lead regional initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment, inter-governmental forums and other programmes, which could be effective platforms for collaboration in the region;
- Ensures close links with the other divisions to identify synergy and interventions in line with priorities identified by countries and the region;
- Keeps abreast of trends, key topics and initiatives in renewable energy policy, finance and technology to contribute to the preparation of IRENA’s studies conducted in the region;
- Supports the planning and coordination of Work Programme of the Directorate and contribute its successful implementation;
- Organises and prepares written outputs, g., draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
- Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Good knowledge of the socioeconomic aspects of energy and a strong understanding of the multiple components that contribute to energy system transformation. Ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with the renewable energy policies. Good analytical skills. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Persistent when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
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.
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 and 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 in the field of energy, environment, social sciences 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 an industry association or civil society organisation would have an added value.
Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages that are used in the region is desirable.
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IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.
Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will 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 Post adjustment multiplier for Abu Dhabi is currently 66.7% of the Annual Net Salary; determined by the ICSC and subject to change.
3 Other benefits include 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, health insurance scheme and rental subsidy (currently 45 per cent of annual rent subject to the rental ceiling of AED 160,000 p.a.). 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.