Programme Officer – Energy Access and Productive Use (m/w/d)

Job Description

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organization 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’s Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) provides targeted institutional and technical assistance and advisory support to Member Countries. The Energy Access unit at CEP oversees result oriented bilateral and multilateral partnerships in the energy access and off-grid renewables space to enhance the agency’s support to Member Countries towards their achievement of sustainable development and climate goals. It coordinates and facilitates the implementation of several initiatives for advancing partnerships in the energy access and productive use space, including, the Global Initiative for Transitioning Remote Communities to Renewable Energy, the Empowering Lives and Livelihoods: Renewables for Climate Action, and Beyond Food Clean Cooking Initiative. It also leads the organization of the International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC), the sixth edition held in Gaborone, Botswana in February 2025. All initiatives are gaining momentum with a wide range of stakeholders closely associated with IRENA’s energy access work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Director, Country Engagement and Partnerships, and immediate supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, Energy Access, the Programme Officer will, inter alia:

• Provide support in engagements with governments, regional organizations, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders on ways in which energy access initiatives can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technology options for the underserved.
• Lead the Agency’s activities in relation to the coordination and facilitation of the Global Initiative for Transitioning Remote Communities to Renewable Energy. Expand reach in member states and grow partnership base to build the Platform.
• Lead in engagement with specific countries in the Empowering Lives and Livelihood initiative including development of country programmes and proposals and building new partnerships that would lead to implementation and results.
• Lead the implementation of the International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC), IRENA’s flagship energy access event.
• Increase IRENA’s visibility of its energy access and cross-sectoral work through new partnerships, high profile events, knowledge sharing platform and web-presence.
• Conduct research on trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to energy access and cross-sectoral developments and prepare relevant knowledge products to inform IRENA's member countries and other stakeholders about the potential for renewable energy to improve access to energy as well as to contribute the other Sustainable Development Goals.
• Contribute to provide technical advisory services and capacity building including outreach to member states.
• Liaise with other Divisions regarding work related to energy access and cross-sectoral, communications and knowledge production, and technology innovation.
• Assist in the organization of consultative workshops and technical meetings ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners.
• Prepare inputs, presentations, and draft correspondence for Director, lead and upper management.
• Support and where needed lead the development of fundraising proposals under the guidance of the Director and management.
• Support the processes within the Directorate for effective planning for the forthcoming Biennium Work Programme 2026-2027 and its implementation for results-based outcomes. Coordinate the monitoring data for the energy access and cross-sectoral team.
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of the multiple components that contribute to energy access and cross sectoral transformation. Strong knowledge of renewable energy technologies, including mini-grids and stand-alone renewable energy systems. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.

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.

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 and 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 honors 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.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in the field of engineering, energy, environment, social sciences and/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: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of renewable energy, energy access, environment 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.

IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned 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, especially from nationals of developing countries, 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.