Junior Professional Associate - IRENA

Junior Professional Associate - Sub-Saharan Africa, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Closing date: Monday, 7 December 2015

Vacancy Announcement No: HR/VA/2015/O/10154

Publication/Transmission Date: 28 June 2015

Deadline for Application: 12 July 2015 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade: Junior Professional Associate – Sub-Saharan Africa

Indicative Annual Remuneration: USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits1

Duration of Appointment: One year, with possible extension

Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

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 141 Members (140 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 31 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.

The purpose of the Junior Professional Associates Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and post graduates to gain first-hand experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The programme offers valuable exposure to IRENA's main activities and programmatic areas. On occasion, there are also opportunities in support areas such as administration, finance, human resources and public information. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

A Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA) is a rapid assessment of how a country can increase readiness and overcome the main barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. It covers all applications (transport, heat, electricity and motive power), and sources of renewable energy, but countries select those of relevance. The RRA comprises a process and a methodology that includes implementing a set of templates and a final report. The RRA methodology is designed to be globally applicable, but it is expected that it will be of particular relevance to developing countries looking to increase their deployment of renewable energy sources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer - Regions, the Junior Professional Associate – Sub-Saharan Africa will perform the following duties: Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA)

• Supports the implementation of the RRA process in Sub Saharan African countries;
• Supports the development of RRA reports and their dissemination to relevant development partners;
• Supports knowledge management activities emerging from the RRA and other related divisional work through the implementation, operation and continuous improvement of the RRA website;
• Assists in the review of renewable energy resource assessment in Eastern and Southern Africa;
• Drafts country profiles that include renewable energy sources and potentials as well as potential gaps in resource assessment.

Capacity Building

• Supports the design, development and implementation of tailored made capacity building initiatives for policy makers, financiers and entrepreneurs;
• Assists in organizing workshops and technical meetings ensuring effective participation by experts and practitioners;
• Assists in communication and outreach activities related to capacity building projects;
• Analyses and documents the capacity needs emerging from the RRA.

Renewable Energy Mini-Grids

• Supports the implementation of country mini-grids study in Africa to set up the enabling environment and business models for the upscale of renewable energy mini-grids;
• Assits in disseminating policy and regulatory tools to decision makers to allow the upscale of renewable energy mini-grids;
• Supports regional knowledge exchange between countries which have seen a large deployment of renewable energy based mini-grids;
• Supports the investigation of the economic and financial viability of hybridising existing isolated diesel grids with renewable energy.
• Performs any other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism

• Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• 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;
• is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• remains calm in stressful situations.
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensures the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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.
• Ability to disseminate information through online platforms, social media and traditional methods.

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 & Organising

• Identifies priority activities and assignments;
• adjusts priorities as required;
• allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• 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, accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner;
• 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 on going 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.

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in the field of energy, environment, social sciences or other relevant field, or a first-level university degree with at least two years of relevant work experience acquired after completion of the required degree.

Experience/Skills

• Sound knowledge of renewable energy technologies and systems, and knowledge of the deployment in the Sub Saharan African region.
• Understanding of the major issues to be addressed for sustainable operation of renewable energy systems.

Language

• Excellent command of both written and spoken English and French.
• Knowledge of other languages would be of additional benefit.

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 two professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women are highy encouraged.

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.

1 Amount of monthly lump-sum depends on qualifications and years of relevant work experience. In addition: a monthly accommodation allowance (USD 1,600); relocation grant upon arrival/separation if relocation involved (USD 1,200); installation grant if relocation involved (USD 1,300); health insurance; other entitlements as applicable.

Job Description

Posted Date

28/06/2015

Expiry Date

12/07/2015