Chief - Operations, Management and Liaison (m/w/d)

Job Description

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 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.

The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC), hosted in Bonn, Germany, is one of the Agency's four programmatic divisions. IITC serves as a hub of expertise for renewable energy technology and innovation, supporting IRENA Members in navigating the global energy transformation. Working in close collaboration with other IRENA divisions, IITC covers a broad spectrum of areas, including renewable energy roadmaps, power system transformation, project development, innovation, standards and quality assurance, as well as the costing and competitiveness of renewable energy technologies.

IITC provides cutting-edge insights into emerging renewable energy technologies and innovation pathways, translating technical knowledge into practical, policy-relevant tools for governments, industry, and other stakeholders. The Centre produces continually updated cost and performance data for renewable energy technologies, assists with energy technology planning and project development, and develops strategies to accelerate innovation and improve the effectiveness of renewable energy deployment.

Through its work, IITC strengthens IRENA's engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring that the latest technological developments are effectively harnessed to advance the global transition to a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.

The Chief Operations of IITC plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and efficient management of the Centre's administrative and operational functions. This position provides strategic and operational leadership across areas including finance, human resources, procurement, IT, facilities, events, and data management, while managing protocol and administrative matters with the host country. The Chief Operations guides the Division in planning, monitoring, and implementing activities, supports senior management in decision-making, and drives initiatives to enhance internal processes, organizational culture, and cross-functional collaboration. By leading the administration team and coordinating with IRENA Headquarters and other divisions, this role ensures that IITC operates smoothly, delivers on its strategic objectives, and maintains a high-performing, motivated workforce.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of IITC, the Chief Operations, Management and Liaison will fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:

• Centralise and lead on IITC administrative and operational matters within delegated authority (including budget, finance, HR, procurement, travel, IT, audits, facility management, data management, events and publications) and serve as the main focal point for the Division's administration and management functions;
• Contributing to strategic planning in the Division, including leading the preparation of the budget for IITC; providing guidance on priorities, objectives and strategies to achieve objectives; tracking progress during implementation phase and recommending corrective actions, when necessary;
• Monitor the work of the IITC programmatic teams in implementing planned activities based on the work program and budgets;
• Manage and coordinate the reporting on voluntary contributions and agreements for the Division in cooperation with the Planning and Programme Support unit;
• Act as main focal point with the IITC host country Germany on matters pertaining to the operations of IITC and its facilities;
• Contribute to the maintenance of effective internal communication structures, organizational culture and facilitate the collaboration of IITC with other IRENA divisions
• Render advice to the Director and Deputy Director on administrative and operational matters;
• Implement internal processes to improve the operations of the Division; and lead on change management initiatives;
• In consultation with the Human Resources Section/AMS, guide and support the senior managers on human resources matters, including the promotion and establishment of initiatives to improve the work environment of the Division;
• Motivate and encourage employees at all levels to learn, adopt, and execute IRENA practices, rules, regulations; and enable cross-functional collaboration and efficiencies to meet organizational goals;
• Manage relations with external partners relating to programmatic events taking place in IITC; and increasing the visibility of IITC through the use of its facilities;
• Supervise, manage and coordinate the work of the administration team of the Division;
• Act as liaison with the Division of Administration in Headquarters; provide feedback on administrative related topics and policies;
• Support the Deputy Director and Director of IITC on preparation of the Work Programme of the division;
• Perform any other related duties, as requested by the Director IITC.

Competencies

Professionalism: Good knowledge of administrative processes, in-depth understanding of UN administrative processes is an advantage. Understanding of energy technologies and their fields of application is an advantage. Good knowledge of various governmental and NGO policies, processes and procedures; political astuteness and sound judgment to handle sensitive issues and cultivate productive relationships.

Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills. Encourage risk taking, supports creativity and promote a learning environment through leadership and personal example. Serves as a role model that other people want to follow and empowers others to translate visions into results. Proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives, establish and maintain relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise and learns from others.

Planning and organizing: Strong ability to plan, monitor and implement programs in liaison and collaboration with various stakeholders with different views and interests. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priority activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as required, allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work, foresees risks and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.

Communication: Ability to create and deliver compelling oral and written communications and presentations; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Has an established broad network in the energy field.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Business Management, Law, Engineering or any other related and relevant area.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme management and performance reporting or related field, including demonstrated work experience at international level. Proven affinity with environmental and/or engineering issues is an advantage.
• Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages, notably German, is desirable.

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 are highly encouraged.

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.