Head- Innovation and End Use Applications, P-5

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date:                          13 November 2024

Deadline for Application:             12 December 2024 

Title and Grade:  Head- Innovation and End Use Applications, 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:         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 inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. 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. 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 of sustainable development, increased 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 innovation work builds on a systemic innovation approach and aims to assist Member States in building innovative solutions for the energy transition and integrating higher shares of renewable in power systems and in the end-use sectors. The end-use work aims at expanding techno-economic work on decarbonizing end-use sectors, notably hard-to-decarbonize sectors while looking at the implications in terms of critical materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of IITC, Head, Innovation and End Use Applications, P-5 will:

• Lead IRENA’s work in Renewable Energy Innovation, Technology Standards, and End Use Sectors –Industries, Transport and Buildings-, focusing on providing policy-relevant guidance to member countries and provide input to be incorporated into other IRENA activities regarding technology pathways, market trends, emerging innovations -in technology, market design, system operation and business models-, quality control, and standardization trends to ensure a successful global energy transition.
• 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 innovation and end-use technologies within the Agency’s Work Programme.
• Manage the development of project proposals for voluntary contributions, with an emphasis on projects related to innovation and end-use sectors.
• 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 and Innovation Week. 
• Provide expert advice to senior management and member countries on important trends and developments in renewable energy innovation and end-use technologies.
• 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.

Managing performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, engineering, environment or natural science, or other relevant field related to energy. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in renewable energy innovation, end-use sectors, and technology standards, with a portion of this experience at the international level. Proven track record in developing and leading multi-stakeholder projects related to energy innovation, standards, and end-use sectors, including experience in international cooperation, negotiations, and engagement with multilateral agencies, networks, and forums. Strong experience in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high-quality outputs in fast-paced environments. Solid understanding of energy policy frameworks, innovation ecosystems, and the global renewable energy landscape. 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.