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Programme Officer - Renewable Energy Potentials, P3 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Vacancy Announcement No: HR/VA/2013/O/4721

Deadline For Application: 20 May 2013 (at midnight – Abu Dhabi local time)

Title and Grade: Programme Officer – Renewable Energy Potentials, P3

Indicative Net Annual Salary: USD 56,091 to 64,143 (without dependents), USD 60,091 to 68,845 (with dependents) plus post adjustment, provident fund and other benefits (1)

Duration of Temporary Appointment: Eleven months

Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

IRENA is an inter-governmental organization, mandated by Governments worldwide to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. In order to do so, IRENA will facilitate access to all relevant renewable energy. It facilitates and analyses the sharing of best practices and lessons learned regarding policy frameworks, capacity-building activities available financial mechanisms and relevant technologies on renewable energy.

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 will collect and analyse data and assess policies, with a focus on finance and socio-economic and environmental aspects, to enable IRENA to be the centre of excellence and 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. KPFC is also a platform for engagement for the private sector and civil society.

Under its Knowledge activity, IRENA is developing the Global Renewable Energy Atlas initiative. As of 2013, the initiative involves 39 countries, and more than 20 data providers. It is as contributing to a number of international initiatives, such as the Clean Energy Ministerial, GEO or GFCS. The initiative involves the development of a geographic information system (GIS) platform, which showcases concrete and homogeneous data on solar and wind potentials from a large number of providers. The initiative shall progressively be expanded to mobilise the geothermal, hydropower, bioenergy and marine energy communities, and will by 2015 provide access to a comprehensive database of resource-based information. The platform will as well include online expert modules for the evaluation of the energy potentials. The initiative will expand as well in the domain of capacity building, in partnership with the capacity building group of IRENA, and will address the issue of financing of measurement campaigns.

Under the overall guidance of the Director, Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre, and the immediate supervision of the Programme Officer, Ressource Assessment, the Programme Officer, Renewable Energy Potentials, will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support the Resource Assessment team and assist in organising working sessions with the government, government agencies, technical institute, country donors and lenders, in order to best scope the demand and develop an action plan for assessing the renewable resources for the eligible countries.
• In partnership with the Global Atlas consortium, investigate bilateral and multilateral possibilities for implementing the programme either financially, and/or technically.
• Act as the focal point in resource assessment activities within the Country Support and Partnerships Division. In particular renewable energy in islands, East African Corridor initiatives, the Capacity Building programme, and the countries eligible for IRENA’s Renewable Energy Readiness programme.
• Organize and prepare written outputs, such as drafting background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Provide substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations.
• Provide support in in outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars. Makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to resource mapping and assessment of renewable energy potentials. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.

Accountability: Take ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; support subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; take personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational 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 renewable energy science and technology. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management within the renewable energy sector, some of which should be at the international level. 

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

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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 submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of two professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Apply Online at: http://www.irena.org/Jobs/desc.aspx?JobID=44&PriMenuID=13&CatID=58&SubCatID=0&mnu=Pri.

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) The amounts for the following benefits are only indicative and subject to periodic adjustments: Post Adjustment (currently 76.2% of the Annual Net Salary), Dependency allowance (US$2,929 per dependent child p.a.), medical insurance for staff members and dependents, Rental subsidy (currently 45% of the annual rent up to a maximum ceiling of AED 160,000 p.a subject to change), Provident Fund, and other entitlements as applicable.