Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date:                          12 November 2024

Deadline for Application:             11 December 2024 

Title and Grade:  Head-Energy Planning and Modelling, P-5

Indicative Annual Salary: (a) Annual Net Salary: USD 92,731.00 to USD 103,193.00[1]

                                                   (b) Post Adjustment: USD 40,430.72 to USD 44,992.15[2]

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

Duty Station:                              Bonn, Germany 

Entry on Duty:                           As soon as possible

Introduction

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. 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 serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, 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.

In close cooperation with the other IRENA divisions, IITC’s work on energy transformation covers, among others, the areas of renewable energy roadmaps, energy planning and modelling, power system transformation, flexibility studies, project development and facilitation, innovation, standards, patents and quality assurance, as well as costing and competitiveness of renewables.

IRENA’s work on energy modelling and scenarios aims to support member countries with planning a long-term transformation of energy systems, focusing on the integration of renewable energy in the power sector. It delivers various knowledge products on best practices in energy planning, building on the facilitation of dialogue on the use and development of long-term energy scenarios for the clean energy transition.

The work on power sector investment planning supports the member states through capacity building programmes and training workshops.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of IITC, the Head, Energy Planning and Modelling will:

• Lead IRENA’s work in the areas of energy planning and the power sector transformation;
• Direct development and implementation of capacity building programmes with partner countries and regional entities
• Supervise and direct the development and enhancement of IRENA energy modelling and power sector modelling tools and coordinate the model development and application efforts across the agency
•  Liaise with relevant internal stakeholders and support other IRENA activities with projects. Co-ordinate any joint projects and lead the process when required;
• Lead and manage a team of professionals and consultants, ensuring the team produces high-quality outputs, fosters collaboration, and achieves project goals efficiently.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality completion of deliverables related to energy modelling, planning and power sector transformation within the Agency’s Work Programme.
• Manage the development of project proposals for voluntary contributions, with an emphasis on projects related to energy planning and power sector transformation.
• Oversee activities related to administration, budget, and funding, including project preparation, submissions, progress reports, and financial statements, ensuring proper documentation and reporting.
• Supervise the preparation of cutting-edge knowledge products, including reports, briefs, background papers, and presentations, in support of the Work Programme and other commitments.
• Manage outreach activities, including presentations at high-level political events such as Ministerial discussions during IRENA’s Assembly meetings
• Provide expert advice to senior management and member countries on important trends and developments in energy modelling, planning and power sector transformation.
• Liaise with other international organizations and agencies to maintain cooperation and advance global efforts in renewable energy innovation.
• Assist in mobilizing and managing financial resources for IRENA’s initiatives.
• Supervise a team of professionals and consultants, ensuring quality output, collaboration, and alignment with project goals.
• Perform other duties as required by the IITC Director.

Competencies

Professionalism: Excellent understanding of renewable energy technology, markets or technology policy frameworks. 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.

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: Stands accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

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 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.

Accountability: Stands accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

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 development of energy roadmaps and modelling. 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 deployment, and understanding of technology and policy issues related to energy transitions in both power and end-use sectors. PhD in relevant field would be an advantage.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in energy analysis, renewable energy systems, and power sector transformation. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing long-term energy scenarios, power sector planning, and energy transition roadmaps at both national and regional levels. Strong network of stakeholders across national, regional, and global energy communities. Deep understanding of global renewable energy trends, power sector dynamics, and climate change policy frameworks, with the ability to engage in constructive dialogue with diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to manage and lead cross-functional teams in a multi-culture environment. Extensive experience producing high-quality publications, reports, and knowledge products related to energy systems and renewable energy. Experience in managing project funding, including drafting proposals and securing voluntary contributions is an advantage.

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 abovementioned 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 further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements