Programme Officer-Offshore Wind and Climate Action, P-3

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date:                     18 November 2024

Deadline for Application:        8 December 2024

Title and Grade:                       Programme Officer-Offshore Wind and Climate Action, P-3

Indicative Annual Salary:        (a) Annual Net Salary: USD 64,121.00 to USD 73,463.00[1]

                                                  (b) Post Adjustment: USD 27,956.76 to USD 32,029.87 [2]

Duration of Appointment:              One year (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 (168 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.

The Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) was founded by Denmark, IRENA, and Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) with the ambition to create a global driving force for the uptake of offshore wind through political mobilisation and the creation of a global community of practice. IRENA serves a permanent Co-Chair of GOWA. The aim of GOWA is to contribute to achieving a total global offshore wind capacity of a minimum of 380 GW by 2030 and a minimum of 70 GW each year from 2030. GOWA’s vision is a world in which offshore wind makes a significant contribution to the energy transition and the achievement of the Paris Agreement and the sustainable development goals through large-scale renewable power generation, benefiting countries, regions, and local communities. GOWA has a particular focus on contributing to the roll-out of offshore wind in developing countries and emerging economies. To support countries in their development of offshore wind, GOWA addresses the major building blocks for offshore wind, such as framework conditions, financial de-risking, system integration, and economic benefits. These are all important drivers to reduce costs, ensure competitive market prices, and create project pipelines at national or regional level. This will further be a substantial driver for poverty eradication as price-projections suggest that offshore wind in most countries, including developing countries, will be more affordable than the fossil alternatives. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Programme Officer will be embedded within IRENA's Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC), operating under the direct supervision of IRENA and supporting the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA) Secretariat. 

The Programme Officer will assume a role in leading a portfolio of activities specifically designed to accelerate the deployment of offshore wind energy within developing countries and emerging economies. Central to this role will be the coordination and facilitation of strategic and day-to-day engagement among the GOWA Secretariat, Co-Chairs, and Steering Committee members, as well as with relevant IRENA teams, GOWA members, partner organizations, and other relevant actors. This collaborative approach will foster a comprehensive mutual understanding among GOWA members and other stakeholders of the challenges and opportunities inherent in scaling up offshore wind capacity in these regions, thereby informing the development of effective strategies for GOWA's engagement in support of a just and equitable global energy transition. 

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, Technology and Infrastructure, the Programme Officer will fulfil the following duties and responsibilities and collaborate closely with the Head of the GOWA Secretariat for technical guidance and direction on all GOWA-related activities, while ensuring alignment between GOWA objectives and IRENA’s framework:

• Lead the design and implementation of activities and projects in support of GOWA's work programme with a focus on activities targeting developing countries and emerging economies.
• Support GOWA’s Head of Secretariat in maintaining and developing relationships with members and stakeholders in developing countries and emerging economies This will include actively engaging with national governments, international organizations, financial institutions, private sector companies, and civil society groups.
• The Head of the GOWA Secretariat will maintain a collaborative relationship with the Programme Officer, providing technical guidance, specialized input, and expert advice on GOWA-specific activities. Regular communication channels will be established to facilitate seamless information exchange and ensure alignment between GOWA programmatic needs and IRENA's overall objectives.
• Draft concept notes, project proposals, internal briefings and implementation plans for activities that advance offshore wind deployment in developing countries and emerging economies, leveraging the collective expertise and resources of GOWA members.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products for GOWA, including background papers, reports, publications, and other materials for dissemination.
• Ensure alignment of IRENA's broader work on offshore wind and related infrastructure as well as the work of the Collaborative Framework for Offshore Renewables (CFOR) and identifying synergies. Maintain close collaboration with relevant programmatic stakeholders within IRENA to identify synergies and leverage opportunities for joint action on offshore wind development, with a particular focus on developing countries and emerging economies.
• Plan, organize, and execute a range of outreach events to advance GOWA's objectives and convene the GOWA membership. This will include workshops, conferences, and high-level meetings tailored to specific audiences, such as government representatives, investors, project developers, technology providers, and civil society actors.
• Provide substantive support to GOWA Steering Group meetings, as well as to broader consultations and stakeholder meetings, including those convened alongside the annual IRENA Assembly, UNFCCC COPs, and the UN General Assembly. This will include preparing agendas, drafting briefing materials, and developing presentations.
• Monitor progress on GOWA's engagement with partner countries and track membership growth, providing regular updates to the Steering Group and identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
• Represent GOWA and IRENA at relevant meetings, events and international conferences, actively engaging with stakeholders and promoting the work on offshore wind deployment, with a particular focus on developing countries and emerging economies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 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.

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; tailor 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.

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 organisational 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.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy, engineering, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advancd university degree. 

Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in the energy sector is required, with a significant portion focused on renewable energy technologies, particularly offshore wind.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects, ideally within an international or multi-stakeholder context. This should include experience in developing project proposals, managing budgets, and overseeing implementation.
• Proven track record of successful stakeholder engagement and partnership building, including experience in building consensus among diverse actors such as government agencies, industry associations, and international organizations.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops, conferences, or other high-level events related to energy and/or climate change issues is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the policy landscape for renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, at national, regional, and international levels is highly desirable.
• Experience working with or within UN agencies or other intergovernmental organizations 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 online, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo 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 an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.