Vacancy announcement

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Publication/Transmission Date:                14 April 2023

Deadline For Application:                         13 May 2023 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade:                                         Associate Professional, Alliance for Industry Decarbonization   

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, U.A.E. 

Expected Date for Entry on Duty:           As soon as possible

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. 

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 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’s Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division assists countries and regions in accelerating the development and deployment of renewable energy. 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.

CEP works in coordination with other divisions to identify and establish strategic, result-oriented bilateral and multilateral partnerships with international, regional, national and local institutions sharing a common vision of promoting an accelerated deployment of renewable energy to catalyse implementation of actions prioritized by national governments and regional organizations.

International cooperation and enduring partnerships with all stakeholders are essential to accelerate the transition towards renewable energy. Within multilateral partnership initiatives supported by IRENA, the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization aims to decarbonize industrial value chains and accelerate net-zero ambitions in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Country Engagement and Partnerships and the immediate supervision of Head, Partnerships, the Junior Professional Officer will be responsible for the following main duties:   

• Supports the implementation of IRENA’s multistakeholder partnership initiatives, with particular emphasis on the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization;
• Supports development, implementation and monitoring of result-oriented bilateral partnerships with a wide range of public, private, governmental, non-governmental stakeholders;
• Develop and maintain a partnership database to track progress on active partnership agreements;
• Facilitate cross divisional and intra-divisional cooperation and coordination. Work in close coordination with other IRENA teams to ensure synergies are exploited;
• Contributes to the implementation of the IRENA’s work plan and related activities in the context of COP28 and beyond;
• Assists to establish dialogues with donors and develop project proposals that can mobilize voluntary contributions to fund the programme; 
• Initiate and coordinate outreach activities; and expand the peer-to peer and network of partner organizations;
• Upon request, represent the Agency, at international fora, meetings and conferences;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

The selected candidate is expected to work in close coordination with Programme Officer - Partnerships.

Key Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of the international relations and external communication, global strategic partnerships, understanding of technology, policy and socioeconomic aspects of energy and multiple components that contribute to energy system transformation; ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with renewable energy policies; excellent analytical skills; proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues; ability to perform research and identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues and problems; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. 

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.

Key Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree in the field of international relations, energy industry or 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 1-2 years of relevant experience in international relations related to the energy sector, experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, the private sector, networks and forums; experience in work related to decarbonization initiatives and renewable energies, technical assistance, advisory and capacity building would have an added value.

Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in other UN languages is desirable.

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 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.