Head Partnerships (m/w/d)

Job Description

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transitions, and provides state of the art data and analyses on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. IRENA drives 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, and energy security, for economic and social resilience and prosperity and a climate-proof future. Today, the Agency’s membership base stands at 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) with an additional 14 States in the process of accession.

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It offers the main interface between the Agency and the regions and countries in the identification of priority areas for IRENA’s technical support as well as in design, development and implementation of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified. This requires a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, which also helps shape IRENA’s future programmatic priorities.

One of the important functions of the Division is to pursue strategic, result-oriented partnerships with various regional and local organisations and development partners active in the renewables area to achieve long-term impact in its work on the ground through leveraging efforts and resources, maximizing synergies and complementarities, and avoiding possible duplication. Among others, the Division coordinates and facilitates the implementation of a number of multi-stakeholder partnership platforms, including, the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) as well as various industry driven partnership platforms such as the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization (AFID) and the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance (UNEZA).

Under the supervision of the Director, CEP, the Head of Partnerships Unit will be responsible for the following duties:

• Support engagement with governments and other stakeholders for an enhanced understanding of renewable energy landscape across regions and countries and identification of areas of possible technical support, where IRENA can develop partnerships and multi-stakeholder partnerships to provide highest value addition in creating an investment environment more conducive to renewable energy deployment.
• Identify and establish strategic, result-oriented bilateral and multilateral partnerships with international, regional, national and local institutions along with the industry sharing a common vision of promoting an accelerated deployment of renewable energy to catalyse implementation of actions prioritized by national governments and regional organizations.
• Coordinate the implementation of the multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives supported and/or facilitated by IRENA, such as, GGA, SIDS LHI, etc.;
• Coordinate the implementation of IRENA’s industry driven partnerships, including the AFID and UNEZA;
• Take the lead in the implementation of the work of the IRENA’s Collaborative Framework for High Shares of Renewables in Energy Systems;
• Support the processes within the Division for effective implementation of the Work Programme and ensure close links with the other IRENA Divisions to identify synergies and interventions in line with the priorities identified.
• Supervise preparation of various written outputs-background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications.
• Perform other duties, as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good understanding of renewable energy technology, markets, policy and/or financial frameworks as well as off-grid energy access solutions based on renewable energy; Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialised fields. Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; 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. Good knowledge of socioeconomic aspects of energy; ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with the renewable energy policies; good analytical skills, ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues.

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: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in the field of engineering, energy, environment, economics and/or any other relevant field. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in establishing and coordinating partnerships, some of which should be at the international level. Good understanding of analysing data and conducting policy research. Experience in programme design and implementation at the field level and at policy level. Good understanding of global energy dynamics; decent knowledge of renewable energy technologies and policies; experience in energy / renewable energy project financing and in dealing with multilateral agencies and forums, including international financial institutions as well as working experience in multiple regions across the globe is desirable.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish or other languages is desirable.

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 an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.