Associate Programme Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean, P-2

  Vacancy Announcement

 Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Division of Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP)

Publication/Transmission Date:     19 January 2022

Deadline for Application:                 8 February 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Job Title and Grade:                          Associate Programme Officer – Latin America and the Caribbean, P-2 

Indicative Annual Salary:                  USD  49,254 to USD 57,428 plus 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 (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. 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 strategies, by contextualizing the knowledge being developed in the other three divisions of IRENA, to the national requirements. Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future programmatic priorities.

IRENA has developed the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA), a country led process, with a comprehensive tool for assessing key conditions for renewable energy technology development and deployment and the actions necessary to further create an enabling framework for renewable energy deployment. IRENA’s initiatives for promoting greater penetration of renewable electricity in power systems of the region complement the national engagement through the RRAs. These enable countries to also identify the actions that are required for optimal utilisation of renewable resources from a regional power planning perspective, keeping in view declining cost trends, the capacity to operate transmission grids with a greater share of renewable power, and human, financial, and institutional barriers to the expansion of renewable power options in the market.

The Abu Dhabi Communique on Accelerating Renewable Energy Uptake in Latin America adopted by the countries of the region during IRENA’s 5th Assembly (January 2015) provides a broad framework of cooperation between the countries of Latin America and the Agency in the region’s transition to renewable energy. The Regional Action Plan: Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment in Latin America, released at the IRENA’s 9th Assembly (January 2019) outlines key areas for cooperation and concrete action that serves as the operational framework for the Agency’s engagement with Latin America.

One of the regional initiatives developed within this framework is the Clean Energy Corridor of Central America (CECCA) that calls for accelerated development and cross-border trade of renewable power in Central America. The implementation of set of activities under the CECCA initiative supports the integration of larger sums of renewables into the national and regional power systems. Through CECCA, IRENA facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills to assist power pools, utilities and regulators in planning, developing, administering, and operating the electricity system with increasing shares of renewable power.

 Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Support the coordination and implementation of the IRENA’s Latin America Regional Action Plan, Investment Forums as well as the Central America Clean Energy Corridor initiative;
• Support the implementation of the Renewables Readiness Assessments in the region;
• Support the coordination and implementation of NDC support in the region;
• Support in identifying regional initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment, forums and programmes, which could be effective platforms for collaboration in Latin America including the high shares of renewable energy initiative;
• Research trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to renewable energy development and climate change in Latin America;
• Support the stakeholder outreach and coordination in the context of IRENA's country engagement, collaborative framework, practitioner network, country framework agreements, project facilitation and regional initiatives;
• Assist in the organization of consultative workshops, investment forums, collaborative platforms, practitioner network and technical meetings ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners.
• Support the planning and coordination of Work Programme of the Division and contribute to its successful implementation;
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Demonstrated ability to work well with a team. Shows pride in work and in 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 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 Excellent drafting and analytical skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.
• 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
• 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.
• 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 or another relevant field. A first-level 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, 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 international development issues is an added value.

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English and Spanish. Fluency in other languages spoken in Latin America desirable.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line by uploading the completed application form and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

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.

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