Associate Programme Officer, Renewable Energy Grid Integration for Islands – P2

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 143 Members (142 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 29 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 Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and 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.

Within its mandate IRENA has developed the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Lighthouses initiative to support the strategic deployment of renewable energy in SIDS. The initiative focuses on the power sector. It aims to enable targeted actions towards a renewable energy based electricity supply. Technical assessments of the grid integration process and innovative capacity building engagements to support IRENA’s member in SIDS in identifying, understanding and overcoming the technical challenges belong to this holistic approach, and are associated with the reliable and efficient operation of their electricity grids with high shares of variable renewable energy resources. Moreover, grids studies are also needed for non-island grids.

Duties and Responsibilities

As part of the initiative, a project to extend and position IRENA’s engagement supporting SIDS with the technical aspects of grid integration will be conducted. Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer - Renewable Energy Markets and Technology Dialogue, the Associate Programme Officer will:

• Contribute to the extension and dissemination of the methodological guidelines developed by IRENA to support the building of capacities in planning the mid and long term operation and expansion of power grids, hosting high shares of variable renewables;
• Support the coordination and execution of electrical studies to plan the integration of variable renewable energy resources into power grids, notably for islands;
• Acquire and analyse operational data to assess the technical performance of power grids with high shares of variable renewables;
• Prepare written outputs of conducted analyses;
• Provide substantive support to the organisation of meetings, workshops and conferences aiming to promote good practices and lessons learned from IRENA’s study cases;
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders who are working on technical issues around maintaining reliable and efficient electricity supply on systems with high shares of renewable generation, including electric utilities, transmission companies, power pools, governments, international organisations, regional initiatives, and civil society;
• Perform other tasks 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.

Accountability: Stands accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors on going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in power systems engineering. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. PhD in relevant field would be an advantage.

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in power network analysis and planning. Specific expertise in integration of variable renewable energy resources into the operation of power networks. Knowledge of renewable energy deployment in islands networks and design of hybrid power systems is of advantage. Ability to develop and sustain a constructive dialogue with stakeholders and engage new stakeholders. Ability to deliver under pressure in a rapidly changing policy environment.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

****

IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line by uploading the completed application form and a letter of interest, including details of two 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 final outcome of the selection process.