Vacancy Announcement
Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division
Publication/Transmission Date: 25 Jul 2022
Deadline for Application: 24 Aug 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)
Title and Grade: Associate Professional – South East Europe
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
Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
Background
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.
Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the engagement with countries and partners at national, regional and sub-regional level. Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, contextualize the knowledge being developed in the rest of IRENA’s divisions and shape the Agency’s future programmatic priorities. As part of country level support to the regions, CEP has developed the RRA, a country led process, with a comprehensive tool for assessing key conditions for renewable energy technology development and the actions necessary to further create an enabling framework for accelerated renewable energy deployment. IRENA is also providing support to countries in enhancing the renewable energy ambition in their NDCs and supporting the implementation of NDCs. The ongoing work on NDC enhancement and implementation is also providing an opportunity for IRENA to apply its body of work to support the achievement of the Paris Agreement.
IRENA works closely with governments across Europe to identify and implement effective policy frameworks that support the Green Deal implementation through accelerated renewable energy deployment. IRENA has been progressively deepening its South East Europe engagement in collaboration with intergovernmental organizations, such as the Energy Community Secretariat and the European Commission.
The Agency has been serving as a permanent source of knowledge and expertise in the field of renewables for the Central and South-Eastern Europe energy connectivity (CESEC) member countries. The Abu Dhabi Communique on Accelerating the Uptake of Renewables in South East Europe of January 2017 identified the priority areas of collaboration between IRENA and the countries of the region towards more accelerated deployment of renewable energy in the region.
The purpose of the Associate Professional (AP) Programme is to enable 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 also benefits from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.
Under the overall guidance of the Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Director and the immediate supervision of the Programme Officer for South East Europe, the Associate Professional will:
Support the design and implementation of IRENA’s activities and initiatives in South East Europe; Support the coordination and implementation of Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRA), Regional Energy Transition Outlooks (RETO) and Remap analysis; Support the coordination and implementation of NDC, NECP and LTS support in the South East Europe region; Identify and support result-oriented partnerships with relevant stakeholders at national and regional level in South East Europe (including, government institutions, think tanks, financing institutions, international and regional organizations, private sector, etc.) to catalyse implementation of IRENA activities Research trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to renewable energy development and climate change in South East Europe; Support the stakeholder outreach and coordination in the context of IRENA's country engagement, Collaborative Frameworks, Practitioners’ Network, project facilitation and regional initiatives; Assist in the organisation of consultative workshops, Investment Forums, collaborative platforms, Practitioners’ Network and technical meetings ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners; Support the planning and coordination of the Work Programme activities of the Division and contribute to their successful implementation; Support the Division in a number of matters such as: Draft correspondence including letters, invitations, notes; Prepare for meetings, speaking engagements including research, compilation and background material, presentations, talking points, concept notes, agendas and other relevant inputs as required. Perform other related duties, as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to work well with a team. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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. Excellent drafting and analytical skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.
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.
Eligibility:
Applicants should be no more than 32 years of age at the time of submitting their applications.
Qualifications
Education: A first-level university degree or an advanced University degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in engineering, economics, energy, international relations or another relevant field.
Experience: Experience in the energy sector in South East Europe, with exposure to EU Green Deal, climate change mitigation; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums; strong knowledge of technical and policy aspects regarding renewable energy and climate change and knowledge of European and international developments in this field is an added value; experience of work in regional organizations of South East Europe and demonstrated ability to implement projects/programmes are additional assets.
Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages spoken in South East Europe desirable.
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Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy online, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo by submitting a complete and comprehensive application, 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
[1] Amount of monthly lump-sum depends on qualifications and years of relevant work experience. In addition: a monthly accommodation allowance (USD 1,600); relocation grant upon arrival/separation if relocation involved (USD 1,200); installation grant if relocation involved (USD 1,300); health insurance; other entitlements as applicable.
This vacancy is archived.