Junior Professional Associate - Policy

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 149 Members (148 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 27 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 purpose of the Junior Professional Associates 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. On occasion, there are also opportunities in support areas such as administration, finance, human resources and public information. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

The IEA/IRENA Policies & Measures Database provides a country-validated up-to-date overview of global renewable energy policy developments, as well as country-specific policy profiles, helping to address increasing demand from policy-makers, researchers and the general public for accurate, timely, easily accessible information on renewable energy policies and measures. At present, it contains around 2,000 entries from 120 countries. IRENA updates the Database biannually by contacting IRENA countries that are not IEA members to review existing policy entries and update any relevant new policies to the database.
To better understand the potential benefits of transitioning to a sustainable energy future and to contribute to policy design and implementation that can maximise these benefits, IRENA analyses the current and forecasted socio-economic impacts of renewable energy deployment through the collection of country and project level data and by undertaking a quantitative assessment of broader socio-economic benefits. Moreover, IRENA continues to explore the opportunities to leverage existing industries to maximise local value creation.

In order to support the successful implementation of abovementioned activities, a Junior Professional Associate is required to provide technical and operational support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of the Policy Unit, the Junior Professional Associate will:
  

• Assist in updating the IRENA/IEA Policies and Measures Database through desk research and inputs from IRENA focal points from various countries, with a focus on Latin America and South-East Asia;
• Support the Policy Unit in collecting and analyzing data on employment in the renewable energy sector;
• Assist in the finalization of the publication on Renewable Energy Benefits: Leveraging Local Industries;
• Contribute to the development of the study on policies to maximise socio-economic benefits of off-grid renewable energy applications; and
• Assist in the daily activities and general tasks in the Policy Unit of IRENA.

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.

Qualification

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

Experience/Skills: Sound knowledge of renewable energy policy frameworks and experience in research and analysis related to renewable energy benefits. Previous experience related to fields highlighted in the job description.

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English and Spanish. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line by uploading a completed application form and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references

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