Programme Officer, Renewable Energy Cost Status and Outlook, P-3

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 155 Members (154 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 25 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 RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

The Renewable Cost Status and Outlook team is responsible for the collection and analysis of up-to-date renewable and technology energy cost and performance data. The team maintains a world-class database of renewable power generation project costs and provides data, analysis and advice to IRENA member states, research institutions, think tanks, NGOs, academics and students.

The team is looking to recruit a Programme Officer to support IRENA’s ongoing activities and expand its impact. The Programme Officer would be required to manage individual projects from conception, research and data collection, analysis, stakeholder engagement, through drafting of reports, the publications process, release and promotion (an example would be the report “Solar PV in Africa: Costs and Markets”). There is a strong focus on data and analysis and excellent quantitative and analytical skills are required. The successful candidate would be expected to manage the inputs of other costing team members on a project-by-project basis.

Under the supervision of the Senior Analyst, Renewable Energy Cost Status and Outlook, the Programme Officer, will:

• Contribute to the collection of data and analysis of renewable energy costs and performance in power generation, stationary applications and transport sectors.
• Provide analytical support to the Cost Teams’ Senior Analyst as required.
• Conceive and lead to completion projects/reports including, independently by leading the analysis of collected data, identify key uncertainties and/or new drivers, translate the data and analysis into compelling messages/questions for policy makers, draft reports/conclusions, manage the peer review and external stakeholder engagement required.
• Manage Cost team members as required for individual projects.
• Prepare summaries, information sheets, PowerPoint presentations, and interact with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the development of the costing programmes’ online presence, including creating content, identifying clean and user-friendly designs, etc.
• Conceive and organise expert meetings for data and analysis discussion, peer review or promotion; maintain and develop new links with partner organisations.
• Represent IRENA in international fora, meetings and conferences 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; 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.

Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy planning, economics, engineering, policy, environment or natural science, or other relevant field related to the economic analysis of the energy sector. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. In-depth knowledge of energy supply and demand dynamics and energy technology costs and economics, and understanding of technology and policy issues related to energy transitions in both power and end-use sectors.

Experience: At least five years of experience and proven track record of high quality publications in economic analysis of the energy sector, project development, and/or renewable energy technology deployment. Ability to develop and sustain a constructive dialogue with stakeholders, ability to deliver under high pressure in a rapidly changing policy environment. Excellent analytical skills and ability to deal with large amounts of data to extract insights.

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

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line. Applications from qualified women are highly encouraged.

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

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.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (e.g. application, interview meeting, evaluation process, or any other stage). In the event that you have any reason to suspect that any activity purporting to be made on behalf of IRENA may be fraudulent, please contact recruitment@irena.org.

[1] For more information on the Net Salary please visit the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) website https://icsc.un.org/

[2] Post adjustment multiplier for Bonn is currently 38.9% of the Annual Net Salary; determined by the ICSC and subject to change.

[3] Other benefits include 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, health insurance scheme and rental subsidy. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and relocation expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, settling-in grant and other entitlements as applicable.