IRENA seeking director for key division

The deadline to apply is 15 July 2016 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time).

The duration of the appointment, which is based in Abu Dhabi, is two years with the possibility of extension.

Qualified candidates must apply for the vacancy online by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of two professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

IRENA is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting the widespread adoption of all forms of renewable energy.

At present, IRENA has 147 Members (146 States and the European Union) that acceded to its statute, and 29 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.

Given this focus, IRENA has a strong focus on developing member states, working with them to assess the existing policy structures and institutional context within which renewable energy policy is placed.

These help identify the elements that could be built upon to have an effective and efficient policy framework to support market development.

IRENA has adopted a regional approach for initiating discussions with countries, since due to geographical contiguity, countries in a region often share renewable energy resources across their boundaries as well as facing similar policy and institutional challenges.

The Country Support and Partnerships division supports countries in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy strategies.

Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-pollination of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA’s future programmatic priorities.

The division is also responsible for conducting the Renewables Readiness Assessments, a country-led process, which provides a holistic assessment of conditions for renewable energy deployment in a country by identifying the actions necessary to increase readiness and overcome the main barriers to the deployment of renewable energy technologies.

The division has also led on regional initiatives, like the African Clean Energy Corridor as part of the capacity-building efforts of the agency.

Under the supervision of IRENA's Director-General, and within delegated authority, the director of the division undertakes a range of analytical and advisory activities aimed at providing accurate information, sound advice and a broader knowledge base to support countries in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy strategies.

The director provides guidance, managing the different units within the division, which includes capacity building, regions and technology cooperation.

In addition, the candidate eventually hired will be responsible for:

• Leading and supervising the implementation the CSP work programme;
• Identifying strategic areas of intervention, in order to develop and implement the substantive work programme for CSP, taking into account the emerging needs of the member countries, including determining priorities, and allocating resources to ensure successful completion of activities;
• Contributing to discussions at the senior management level in the Agency to ensure that the work being undertaken across the Agency is reflected and contextualised in the interface with member states. Providing feedback from the engagement with members to the various divisions in IRENA;
• Coordinating with other IRENA divisions, to ensure that outputs produced by CSP, are consistent with the knowledge being developed at the agency and are of high quality.
• Developing with staff in the division, strategies and approaches for engagement with member countries on national and regional strategies for renewable energy deployment, capacity building and technology cooperation. Establishing a broad network with stakeholders in the field of renewable energy, to assist in the implementation of the same;
• Undertaking the management and administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, interview and evaluation of candidates, and preparation of inputs for Agency-wide activities;
• Managing and mentoring of staff under his/her supervision, in order to foster teamwork and communication among staff in the division, and across the agency;
• Managing the units within the division and providing strategic directions to accomplish tasks and activities, to ensure outcomes that contribute to the Agency's overall mandate and vision;
• Harnessing knowledge and expertise from within and outside the organisation, developing and promoting a knowledge-based culture; encouraging systems and collaborations to develop, shape, share knowledge and insights that will strengthen the quality of IRENA’s advice and increase the credibility and the influence and that of its partners;
• Representing CSP in IRENA Governing Body meetings to present aspects of the division’s Work Programme and related budgetary expenditures, during planning and implementation phases;
• Representing IRENA in meetings, events and other fora to provide programmatic/substantive expertise and actively seeking opportunities to strengthen collaboration/alliances/partnerships with wide ranging constituencies.

IRENA is looking for candidates who have extensive experience and knowledge of the field of energy, including renewable energy with focus on developing policy frameworks and building capacities, as well as other areas of the work being supervised.

A comprehensive understanding of drivers for renewable energy across national boundaries in order to develop large regional initiatives is also desired.

Qualified candidates will have an advanced university degree  -- a PhD is desirable -- and at least 15 years of extensive experience that combines intellectual, strategic, technical and managerial leadership in the renewable energy or related field, including at the international level.

Fluency in oral and written English is essential.

For additional information:

International Renewable Energy Agency