Associate Programme Officer – South Asia, P-2

                                                      Vacancy Announcement

                               Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                   Division of Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP)

Publication Date:                                21 October 2024

Deadline for Application:                   10 November 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade:                                  Associate Programme Officer – South Asia, P-2 

Indicative Annual Remuneration:     (a.) Annual Net Salary[1]: USD 50,377 to USD 58,737

                                                             (b.) Post Adjustment[2]: USD 36,976.72 to USD 43,112.96

Duration of Appointment:                 One Year, (with possible extension subject to availability of funds)                                                   

Duty Station:                                       Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates         

Entry on Duty:                                    As soon as possible

Background:

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries. At present, IRENA has 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 14 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.

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It supports them in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy, energy transitiuon and climate action strategies. It offers the main interface between the Agency and the regions and countries in the identification of priority areas for IRENA’s technical support as well as in the design, development, and implementation of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified. Its activities enable a systematic overview of the country and regional needs, experiences and to help facilitate cross-fertilisation of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future programmatic priorities. Renewables Readiness Assessments (RRAs)/Energy Transition Assessments (ETAs): IRENA has developed the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA), a country-led process, with a comprehensive tool for assessing key conditions and the actions necessary to further create an enabling framework for renewable energy technology development and deployment. This enabling framework has been further expanded to an ETA and include issues such as energy transition, climate action, critical minerals, green hydrogen, energy efficiency etc. As the custodian of the tripling pledge at CoP28, IRENA will also be supporting member states on developing a strategy and action plan to support tripling renewable energy by 2030. These assessments and products enable countries also to identify the actions that are required for energy transition through renewable energy for climate action and sustainable development. IRENA analyses help countries identify barriers around technology, policy, financial, human, financial, and institutional as well as recommendations to address these. 

Financing Platforms and Investment Forums: IRENA is organising a series of Investment Forums all sub-regions, including in South Asia, consisting of three components, namely enabling frameworks for investment, project support and capacity building. Investment Forums will contribute to the materialisation of investments in renewable energy, with impacts on the ground. IRENA’s project financing platforms such as the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform and the Climate Investment Platform (CIP) to facilitate the flow of finance to renewable energy and energy transition projects, including in Asia. 

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Long-term Low Greenhouse-gas Emission Development Strategies (LTS): IRENA is also providing support to countries in enhancing the renewable energy ambition in their NDCs and LTS and supporting the implementation of NDCs. The ongoing work on NDC enhancement and implementation is also providing an opportunity for IRENA to apply its body of work to support the achievement of the Paris Agreement. IRENA is currently engaging with over 90 countries on NDC support, including in Asia. 

To further support this progress and based on the Agency’s strong focus on energy transition, IRENA works closely with governments across Asia sub-regions to identify and implement effective policy frameworks that support renewable energy market development. IRENA has been deepening its South Asia engagement in collaboration with regional intergovernmental organizations, such as South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division and the immediate supervision of the Deputy Director, CEP the Associate Programme Officer will:

• Actively engage with governments, regional organizations, private sector, financiers and other relevant stakeholders in the execution of IRENA’s programmes;
• Support the coordination and implementation of IRENA’s regional initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment in Asia with emphasis on South Asia, including, the ongoing Empowering Lives and Livelihoods Initiative and Investment Forums;
• Assist in coordinating the implementation of ETAs/Tripling strategies in the countries of South Asia, as well as facilitate the implementation of post-assessment support activities; 
• Support the coordination and implementation of NDC and LTS support in the region, especially in South Asia;
• Assist in identifying and facilitating the development and submission of funding proposals for energy transition from South Asia, to be supported by IRENA’s project financing platforms. Provide support in ensuring the projects securing financing reach commercial operation;
• Support IRENA’s engagement in key global and regional events such as G7, G20, UNFCCC COP, Clean Energy Ministerial meetings; 
• Support in identifying regional initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment, forums and programmes, which could be effective platforms for collaboration in South Asia;
• Research trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to renewable energy development and climate change in South Asia;
• Organise and prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.;
• Support the stakeholder outreach and coordination in the context of IRENA's country engagement, collaborative framework, country framework agreements, project facilitation and regional initiatives;
• Assist in the organisation of consultative workshops, investment forums, collaborative platforms, and technical meetings, ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners;
• Support the planning and coordination of the Work Programme of the Division and contribute to its successful implementation; and
• Perform other duties, as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to work well with a team. Shows pride in work and achievements; 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 complex 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. Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful. 

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational 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. 

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 ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed. 

Accountability: Accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner. 

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in engineering, economics, energy, international relations, business or another relevant field is required. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector in South Asia, with exposure to climate change mitigation, some of which could be at the international level; experience in international cooperation and in dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums; strong knowledge of technical and policy aspects regarding renewable energy and climate change and knowledge of global development issues is an added value.

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Working knowledge of additional UN or other languages spoken in South Asia is desirable.

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

2  Post adjustment multiplier for Abu Dhabi is currently 73.4% 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.