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 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.

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 Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is IRENA’s central knowledge repository and a centre of excellence for renewables policy and finance issues. KPFC collects and analyses data and assesses policies, with a focus on finance and socio-economic and environmental aspects, to enable IRENA to be the advisory resource for its members, and to disseminate information to the public. It is a central repository of IRENA’s internal knowledge to support the work of all divisions and provide critical knowledge products to IRENA’s Members. Among others, KPFC implements projects associated with the following themes:

IOREC platform: The International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference (IOREC) platform promotes dialogue between stakeholders across the rural energy value chain. Through the platform, IRENA systematically engages public institutions responsible for rural electrification and practitioners, to identify key deployment barriers faced by off-grid (both stand-alone and mini-grids) renewable energy technologies and to collectively devise solutions to address them. A central element of the platform is the organization of the International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference. IRENA has so far organised two editions – first in 2012 in Accra, Ghana and the second in 2014 in Manila, Philippines. The outcomes from the conference are reported in outcome papers (available on the IRENA website and on the IOREC website: www.iorec.org). The discussions from the conference and stakeholder consultations have highlighted specific themes and deployment barriers that require further analysis. KPFC is currently building on the outcomes from IOREC and is carrying out analytical work on policy and regulatory aspects to promote renewable energy-based off-grid systems. IRENA is also developing the concept and preliminary analysis for the third edition IOREC, scheduled to be held in 2016.

Mini-Grids: Mini-grids are central to achieving universal energy access by 2030. To meet this goal, it is estimated that mini-grids will have to provide over 40% of the additional generation necessary. To develop a compelling business case for a wide-spread mini-grid deployment, IRENA’s activities are focused on policy, regulatory, technology, finance and business model aspects. KPFC is currently developing a report that analyses the different policy and regulatory measures that are necessary to scale-up the renewable energy-based mini-grid deployment through the involvement of the private sector. In 2016, this analyse will continue to cover additional case studies and regions to derive best practices and lessons learnt in scaling up mini-grid development.

Renewable energy in cities and the Nexus: Cities are fast emerging as a test bed for new solutions that can allow sustained development in an increasingly resource constrained environment. As cities expand, the pressures on natural infrastructure around cities related to energy, water, food and waste, increases substantially. In this context, renewable energy technologies have an important role to play. Analysis of city-level case studies has shown that measures to support renewable energy are often developed in association with national policies and in accordance with supportive energy efficiency measures. In follow-up to IRENA’s earlier work on cities and on the role of renewable energy in the water, energy and food nexus, KPFC will analyse select city-level case studies that showcase various policy and financing approaches to deploying renewable energy in consonance with efficiency measures. This will be in addition to developing policy analysis on sustainably scaling-up specific renewable energy applications that positively impact the nexus.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Deputy Director (Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre), the Junior Professional Associate will perform the following duties:
  

• Assists the development of the reports on policy and regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy-based mini-grid development;
• Assists the activities related to the preparation of the third edition of the International Off-grid Renewable Energy Conference as well as in the Conference follow-up activities.
• Assists the implementation of KPFC’s work on renewable energy and energy efficiency in cities, and the water, energy and food nexus;
• Supports in organizing and convening of experts meetings and regional workshops;
• Supports development of work plans, carry out ad hoc work and analysis, preparation of contracts and agreements with other institutions, organizations, and individuals;
• Supports day-to-day operations of the work programme activities;

Performs any 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; 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.

Qualifications

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 technologies and of off-grid (stand-alone and mini-grids) systems for energy access, preferably with past experience related to fields highlighted in the job description. Understanding of the major issues to be addressed for sustainable operation of renewable energy systems.

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

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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 highy 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.

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.