Information Systems Officer- Applications, P-3

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Administration and Management Services (AMS) Division

Publication Date:                             30 October 2024

Deadline For Application:               29 November 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade:                               Information Systems Officer- Applications, P-3

Indicative Annual Salary:                (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 64,121 to USD 73,463.00

                                                          (b.) Post Adjustment: USD 47,064.81 to USD 53,921.84

Duration of Appointment:               Two Years (with possible extension subject to availability of funds)

Duty Station:                                    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates     

Entry on Duty:                                 As soon as possible

(This is a re-advertisement of the vacancy announcement that closed on 18 November 2023. Candidates who have previously applied need to re-apply.)

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 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 a view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

The Division of Administration and Management Services is responsible for providing the Secretariat with efficient support in managing its human and financial resources and ensures effective and timely delivery of Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology, Procurement, Financial, Travel and other General Services. 

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Section provides a broad range of solutions and services to IRENA offices by enhancing technology to achieve the work programme targets.  ICT works on strengthening service delivery operations aimed at enabling staff members, Members and other stakeholders to connect and share knowledge continuously. ICT targets to improve work efficiency with the newest tools, technologies and applications to increase transparency and accountability in the organisation.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief ICT, ICT Section, Administration and Management Service Division, the Application Officer shall perform the following duties: (These duties are not all inclusive nor are all duties carried out by all Application officers.)

• Manages projects involving feasibility studies, systems analysis, design, development and implementation of new, moderately complex systems, and/or, participates as a member of a development team with responsibility for major components of the more complex systems.
• Develops detailed system and other functional specifications and user documentation for major systems.
• Provides specialized advice to users, analyzing users’ requirements and translating these into new applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Provides specialized advice to the information architecture team on technical requirements and the implications of translating design specifications into database-driven web applications; determines application systems integration and linkage issues.
• Maintains, upgrades or enhances existing user systems; troubleshoots and provides continuing user support, to include resolving difficult problems, advising on the use of new techniques, monitoring transactions to measure performance and continued effectiveness of assigned systems, etc. 
• Develops and maintains information systems that require integration of many interrelated systems and program elements; ensures appropriate data security and access controls considering both local and wide area issues.
• Ensure that IRENA's website and other web applications are fully secured, reliable and functional as per SLA.
• Ensure that all the necessary security requirements and tests are well defined, recorded and executed on all the applications.
• Ensure that IRENA's applications are optimized design wise, database wise and code wise
• Analyze website traffic, statistics and trends for future enhancements.
• Propose and implement new features for the provision of a user friendly, interactive and efficient on all the applications.
• Organizes and performs unit and integrated testing, designing and utilizing test bases; assists users in acceptance testing.
• Develops training materials, operating and user manuals; trains staff in assigned systems.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for their deployment.
• Participates in writing reports and papers on systems-related topics, system requirements, information strategy, security framework, data governance, policies, terms of reference, etc.
• Researches, analyzes and evaluates new technologies and makes recommendations for the development of applications projects; coordinates with other information management officers and ensures that the recommendations are aligned with the development policies.
• Handles different aspects of procurement contract administration including establishment of service level agreements with vendors and chargeback policy for users.
• To stay up to date with new ICT technologies and best practice 
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff, consultants, etc.
• Maintains register of ICT application, software, and intangible assets.
• Other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Information Systems Officers and other IT specialists throughout the Agency.
• Business and technical staff and managers in different IRENA’s divisions.
• Sales and technical personnel of hardware/software vendors, and IT consultants.

Results Expected:

Develops effective recommendations on systems design and applications to meet business requirements, and implements projects in a timely and efficient manner. Develops creative approaches to problem resolution.  Develops partnerships and interacts effectively with colleagues and users internally and externally, to include demonstrated ability to persuade others to accept systems recommendation, modifications, etc.

Competencies: 

• Professionalism: Knowledge of information technology/information management, particularly in systems analysis, database design and programming. Knowledge of several high level programming languages and significant exposure to and demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of programming and analysis.
• 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 & 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.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
• 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 of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of new technological developments to ensure IRENA's ICT applications are in line with advancements in technology

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems, mathematics, or related field. 

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems, web applications or related area. Documented experience and excellent track record with implementing and maintaining information systems, especially in cloud environment is required. Training and Certification in project management, such as Prince II, PMP or other, is required. Experience with Microsoft technologies Power Platform / O365 / Sharepoint / SQL DB / AZURE is required. Certifications in TOGAF, ITIL, MCS, etc. and Knowledge of Sitecore, Oracle ERP Cloud Fusion, Google Analytics is highly desirable. Experience in data migration and knowledge of business process management, process re-engineering, work-flows and systems configuration is highly desirable. Good understanding of the working of Inter-Governmental Agencies or UN family of organizations is required. 

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. 

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted. 

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 outcome of the selection process.

[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual leave, health insurance, provident fund, etc. as would be applicable.

[2] The post adjustment is a variable component that is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living in a duty station. Post adjustment multiplier for Abu Dhabi duty station is currently 73.4%, determined by the International Civil Service Commission and subject to change without prior notice.