Job Description

Job Title Associate Programme Officer

Description

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Project Facilitation and Support (PFS) Division

Publication Date: 1 September 2022

Deadline for Application: 21 September 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade: Associate Programme Officer- Project Facilitation and Support, P-2

Indicative Annual Salary: USD 49,254 to USD 57,428plus other benefits[1]

Duration of Appointment: One year, with possible extension

Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

Background

The International Renewable Energy Agency 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 (RE) 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 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 16 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

The Project Facilitation and Support (PFS) division integrates all the previous initiatives of IRENA related to project facilitation. It has an ambitious goal to achieve a tangible impact by facilitating funding and investments for promising projects, co-organising regional Investment Forums with matchmaking events, and fostering cooperation between international institutions that have compatible objectives. PFS manages several project facilitation platforms and initiatives, including the Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) Platform, an inclusive, multi-stakeholder climate finance platform designed to advance the energy transition by mobilising USD 1 billion for the deployment of approximately 1.5 GW of commercially feasible clean energy projects. PFS also manages IRENA's contribution to the Climate Investment Platform (CIP), a joint initiative of IRENA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) in cooperation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The division's activities include the preparation of projects, support to the partners who can help projects to achieve financial close, and the organisation of international and regional matchmaking events where project owners, lenders, investors and donors can meet.

Additionally, other responsibilities of the division include the development and promotion of project facilitation tools, like the Risk Assessment and Mitigation Platform and the Open Solar Contracts initiative. The core objective of all the initiatives mentioned above is to attract investments in the renewable energy sector and provide support that is directly relevant to projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of PFS and the Programme Officer- Project Facilitation and Support, the Associate Programme Officer (APO) will primarily undertake portfolio management support activities and project support and capacity building on relevance to project facilitation. Specifically, the APO will undertake:

Portfolio Management Support:

• Supports project and resource management of the division in line with the Agency's biennial Work Programme and Budget and Medium-term Strategy. Undertakes regular monitoring of the programmatic portfolio regarding project progress and resourcing status.
• Coordinates key inputs by the division to Agency-wide written outputs, including annual reports, progress reports as well as proposals and reports to donors of the Agency.
• Assists with the preparation of the division's outgoing communications related to the Division's portfolio of projects.
• Supports the procurement and recruitment plans, processes and other staffing matters for the Division.
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

Project Support and Capacity Building:

• In the context of the overall project facilitation work of the Division, undertakes project support and capacity building projects, including assessing and identifying project support and capacity building needs.
• Plans, coordinates and implements capacity building initiatives including workshops and training sessions, including the preparation of training materials and the delivery of training sessions.
• Collects feedback and learning points in relation to project support and capacity building initiatives. Ensures that feedback is available in a way that facilitates measurement, reporting on impacts and further development of relevant initiatives.
• Prepares and updates written outputs including event agendas, training materials, presentations, concept notes, briefing notes, outcome documents in relation to project support and capacity building initiatives.
• Assists with other project support activities, marketing efforts and with the preparation and implementation of events focused on project facilitation, including logistics, contents, partner liaison and practical organisational aspects.
• Supports the overall implementation of the CIP with various tasks including data collection, database management, and implementation and management of project facilitation tools.
• Facilitates and coordinates inputs to technical, consultative and other meetings, calls and conferences, supports the organisation and follow-up of such meetings and conferences, including organisational and technical aspects.
• Performs other relevant duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the development and finance of renewable energy technologies, project finance and project facilitation, with a particular focus on developing countries including Small Island Developing Countries (SIDS). Ability to understand renewable energy projects and associated project support and capacity building initiatives, including identification of needs and issues, formulation of opinions and drawing of conclusions and recommendations. Understanding key principles of resource management and project management.

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 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 a 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 Organising: 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; monitors and adjusts plans as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in finance, economics, sustainable development, renewable energy or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience, including direct involvement in renewable energy projects and/or renewable energy project preparation and facilitation, project management, or project finance. Prior experience working with Least Developed Countries (LDC) or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is desirable.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Fluency in other languages, particularly French, would be an advantage.



Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy online, through IRENA's recruitment platform, Taleo by submitting a complete and comprehensive application, 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, especially from nationals of developing countries, 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.

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