Vacancy Announcement

                         Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                 Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) 

Publication/Transmission Date:                      15 January 2024

Deadline for Application:                                  14 February 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade:                                                 Associate Professional – 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

Background

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 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 169 Members (168 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 15 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 platforms and conducting analysis to support investment and growth in renewables including the creation of enabling environments for private investments. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, developing renewable energy statistics, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, developing and operating knowledge tools and analysis services for project facilitation and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society.

The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and post graduates 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 

The post will be based in Abu Dhabi, at the Knowledge Finance and Policy Division. Under the supervision of the Programme Officer, the Associate Professional will:

• Conduct in-depth analyses and prepare comprehensive reports on various aspects of energy transition policies, including market trends, financial mechanisms, and socioeconomic implications for the power sector, as well as end uses like heating, cooling, and transport;
• Support the development of various reports and publications under KPFC’s workstreams by gathering data from diverse sources, conducting thorough desk research, and soliciting inputs from stakeholders, including IRENA focal points and partners;
• Collaborate with the team to enhance contributions to IRENA cross-divisional reports, including but not limited to the World Energy Transitions Outlook, Regional Energy Transitions Outlooks, and initiatives focused on youth. This involves skilfully gathering pertinent data and facilitating seamless coordination with other divisions. Additionally, play a key role in supporting the organization and effectiveness of working groups associated with KPFC’s targeted workstreams;
• Assist in the finalisation process of the publications undertaken under the Knowledge Policy and Finance Division;
• Assist in the preparation and execution of meetings, conferences, side events, and plenary discussions at international venues, including major events like the IRENA General Assembly and Council meetings;
• Generate written outputs and actively participate in outreach and communication activities to promote the findings and insights from KPFC’s workstreams;
• Assist in the daily activities and general tasks within the Division, as well as in requests from other divisions in the Agency when required. 

Competencies

Professionalism: 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: Ability to communicate effectively with various types of individuals and institutions. 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.

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 applicab

Eligibility

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

Qualification

Education: A first-level university degree with at least two years of relevant work experience acquired after completion of the required degree, or advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of energy, renewable energy, public policy, economics, sustainable finance or other fields related to the job description. 

Experience/Skills: Sound knowledge of key issues related to renewable energy and the energy transition and experience in research, data collection and analysis are required. 

Language: Excellent command of English is required, and fluency in French would be an asset. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

***

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.

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.