Vacancy Announcement
Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)
Publication Date: 29 September 2022
Deadline for Application: 19 October 2022
Title and Grade: Team Lead, Technology and Infrastructure, P-4
Indicative Annual Salary: USD 75,602 to USD 85,473 and other benefits [1]
Duration of Appointment: Two years, with possible extension
Duty Station: Bonn, Germany
Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
Introduction
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.
The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means to accelerate renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, as well as social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include: analysis of renewable energy technology policies; promotion of innovation; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technology overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer; joint research, development and demonstration; and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.
IRENA aims to facilitate transformative improvement towards a resilient, sustainable, and low-emission energy transition in support of the Paris Agreement objectives.
Duties and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Center (IITC), the Team Lead, Technology and Infrastructure will:
Lead the Agency’s activities in the field of renewable energy technology and infrastructure for climate mitigation and adaptation, primarily in LDCs and SIDS. Enhance and facilitate implementation of national energy and climate plans and strategies, with regard to renewable and electrification technologies and innovation pathways, primarily in LDCs and SIDS. Develop and manage the implementation of renewable energy activities in selected countries, including the development of terms of reference, the planning, implementation, and monitoring of technical activities (including NDC implementation activities), and the quality control of deliverables. Assist IRENA member countries with the improvement of power system resilience and increasing energy security. Performs consulting assignments, surveys like SIDS Quickscan in collaboration with the member countries and with the utilities in the country, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the country may use to manage the energy sector transformation. Leads and participates in analytical work and assessments on how to develop and operate modern energy grids capable of dealing with the variability of renewable energy resources while maintaining reliability and optimising performance quality and stability. Liaises with international financial institutions (IFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs), and other partners to identify and resolve technical challenges in IRENA member countries' energy transitions that must be addressed for renewable energy integration, as well as opportunities to disseminate best practises to a broader public and develop guidance documents as needed. Lead the gathering of energy supply and demand data in effort to expand the availability of essential information needed for SIDS and LDCs to transition to renewable energy-based energy systems. Prepares related documents/reports to support the programmatic work on Technology and Infrastructure (work programme, programme budget, etc.). Manage and supervise a team of professionals and consultants delivering analytical work and technical assistance on renewable energy technology as well as supporting the institutional set-up. Ensure effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; guide, evaluate and mentor staff. Perform administrative tasks related to team management, publications, procurement, and work programme and budget reporting, among other aspects. Perform other duties as 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; 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; tailor language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in a field connected to renewable energy (e.g. engineering). A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience/Skills:
At least 7 years of professional experience in the energy sector is required. Experience in intergovernmental and private sector in renewable energy infrastructure development, in integration of variable renewables with technical assistance experience in developing countries in the field of renewable energy generation, transmission, and distribution is desirable. Experience in leading technical assistance and capacity building activities for renewable energy technologies, projects and plans acquired in an international and/or intergovernmental setting is desirable. Knowledge and experience in energy systems analysis supporting national climate action plans, as evidenced by the preparation of technical analyses utilised in national climate action plans, is desirable. Experience in collecting and analysing data needed for the energy transition and grids resilience support is desirable Working experience in LDCs and SIDS is desirable.
Languages: Excellent written and spoken English command is required. Other languages, especially Spanish and/or French, are desired.
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Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo 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.
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.
[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual leave, health insurance, provident fund, etc.
This vacancy is archived.