Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication/Transmission Date:         21 December 2022

Deadline for Application:                     20 January 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)

Title and Grade:                                   Associate Professional – Energy Access and Renewable Energy Policy

Indicative Annual Salary:                    USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits[1]

Duration of Appointment:                    One year, 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 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 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.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge tools, and conducting analyses to support the creation of enabling environments for investment in and growth of renewables. This entails analytical work, capacity building and tailored advice on policy and finance, as well as socio-economic benefits.

Within KPFC, the Renewable Energy Markets Unit has a work programme on energy access, particularly on policies and regulations to scale-up renewables-based solutions for expanding electricity access and clean cooking. It carries out state-of-the-art policy analysis which can be leveraged to deliver country- and regional-level capacity building. The Unit also leads work on tracking investment flows in decentralised renewable energy solutions for access and how financing can be best structured to accelerate progress towards SDG 7 goal of universal access by 2030.

The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and postgraduates to gain first-hand 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 supervision of Programme Officer – Energy Access and overall guidance of the Deputy Director – KPFC, the Associate Professional will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Undertake country- and regional-level analysis on policies and regulations for renewables-based electricity access solutions, including mini-grids and stand-alone systems; 
• Assist analysing policies to accelerate the adoption of renewables-based clean cooking solutions, including biodigesters, bioethanol and electric cooking; 
• Support the work on the water-energy-food nexus, including engagement with partners on building the ecosystem needed to support productive end uses;  
• Contribute energy access-related insights to the Agency’s institutional products and activities, including the World Energy Transitions Outlook and Regional Energy Transition Outlooks;
• Help organise capacity building, outreach and dissemination events;  
• Assist in the daily activities and general tasks in the RE Markets Unit as well as in requests from other divisions in the Agency when required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates knowledge and experience in the fields of renewable energy policy and markets, as well as ability to draft reports and actionable recommendations for policy-makers. Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 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; 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 organisational 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.

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: A first-level university degree or advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in energy or environmental policy, financing, economics, sustainable development, energy engineering or other relevant energy-related disciplines. Solid understanding of energy access issues is a key requisite, in particular on the policy and regulatory aspects of decentralised renewable energy solutions.  

Experience: Work experience on energy access in developing countries is preferable.  Experience in research, data collection and analysis is required. 

Language and IT skills:  Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Eligibility

Applicants should be no more than 32 years of age at the time of submitting their applications.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned 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, especially from nationals of developing countries, are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.