Job Vacancy – Associate Program Officer Geothermal Energy, Direct Use, IRENA

Video screenshot (source: YouTube/ IRENA, GGA)

Alexander Richter 24 Jul 2018

This week, the Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Country Support and Partnerships Division (CSP) has published a vacancy for an Associate Programm Officer, Geothermal Energy (Direct Use Applications).

• Publication Date:  22 July 2018
• Deadline for Application:    11 August 2018 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)
• Title and Grade:   Associate Programme Officer, Geothermal Energy (Direct Use Applications) P-2[1]
• Indicative Annual Salary: (a) Annual net salary plus (b) post adjustment, provident fund and other benefits
•      (a) Annual Net Salary¹:  USD 46,472 to USD 54,183
•      (b) Post Adjustment²:  USD 31,786.85 to USD 37,061.17
• Duration of Appointment:  One year, with possibility of extension
• Duty Station:  Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• 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 158 Members (157 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 24 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.

IRENA’s Country Support and Partnerships Division (CSP) provides targeted institutional and technical assistance and advisory support in three strategic areas, notably the renewable resource identification and assessment; the support for the implementation of enabling frameworks to investment; and capacity building.

The Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) initiative was launched during COP21 in Paris on 7 December 2015 to serve as a global platform for improved dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action between geothermal industry, policy makers and geothermal stakeholders, where IRENA acts as the coordinator and facilitator of the initiative. The GGA aims at increasing the share of geothermal energy in the global energy mix through both geothermal power generation and direct use of geothermal heat. The GGA constituency has expanded to include more than 70 member countries and partner institutions across the globe. In an effort to unlock geothermal investments on a global scale, the Alliance provides customised support to regions and countries with geothermal market potential, facilitate the exchange of insights and experience among key stakeholders in the geothermal energy value chain, and provide technical assistance, advisory and capacity building to foster an enabling environment for geothermal energy development.

The Agency has developed a portfolio of regional and thematic activities to support geothermal deployment, including in East Africa and on direct uses. Through coordinated outreach and in close collaboration with key stakeholders, these initiatives aim at raising awareness in countries on geothermal energy applications; strengthening the enabling policy and regulatory frameworks; and enhancing institutional and human capacities to promote more accelerated deployment of geothermal energy in the power generation and its direct use.

The Associate Programme Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Head, Partnerships and Technical Advisory Services and the overall guidance of the Director of the Country Support and Partnerships Division. The incumbent will be provided guidance through individual meetings with the supervisor, team meetings and through periodic performance reviews and appraisals in accordance with the established policies and procedures of IRENA. The Associate Programme Officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the Agency’s work in the area of geothermal direct use applications as well as relevant activities undertaken in the context of the Global Geothermal Alliance, including, geothermal energy for district heating and cooling in the urban setting as well as for food production and processing;
• Conduct research on trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to geothermal direct uses and geothermal power and prepare relevant written material;
• Support the Agency’s activities in relation to the coordination and facilitation of the Global Geothermal Alliance, including, but not limited to, the practitioner group(s) and the knowledge sharing platform;
• Support the implementation of the Agency’s geothermal-related technical advisory and capacity building activities at regional and country levels, including, in the context of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and SIDS Lighthouses Initiative;
• Support the Division’s inputs in and explore the practical use of the geothermal energy related cross-divisional geothermal work (Global Atlas – geothermal component, Sustainable Energy Marketplace, Project Navigator – geothermal component, geothermal energy technical brief, IRENA-ADFD Project Facility, etc.);
• Assist in the organization of consultative workshops and technical meetings ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners and prepare inputs, presentations, and other material for supervisors and upper management;
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Competencies:

Professionalism: 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.

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.

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 honours 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.

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced University degree (Master degree or equivalent) in the field of geology, engineering, or any other related field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Work experience: A minimum of two years of relevant experience in the field of geothermal energy or related area.
• Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is an advantage

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, 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.
IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

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

Source: IRENA/ Employment