Chief of IRENA Office (m/w/d)

Job Description

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries. 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director-General and the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Chief of IRENA Office in New York and Permanent Observer to the UN is responsible for the following:

• Maintain regular communication and provide detailed briefings and reports to the Director-General and all relevant IRENA staff to inform on significant developments within the UN that impact IRENA’s mission and interests and obtain guidance on the activities of the Permanent Observer Office;
• Represent IRENA and participate in meetings of relevant UN bodies and committees, and at other meetings held under the auspices of the UN such as the High-Level Dialogue on Energy;
• Lead and manage the administration of IRENA Permanent Observer Office by providing clear direction to its staff;
• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programme of work and budget for the Permanent Observer Office.
• Establish communication channels and strengthen engagement with Permanent Missions of UN Member States, the UN Secretariat and other relevant UN organizations;
• Closely coordinate with IRENA programmatic divisions to identify and act on opportunities for substantive participation in UN bodies and committees;
• Promote implementation of IRENA’s work programme and strategic directions to ensure that IRENA’s contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is part of relevant processes and resolutions;
• Assist in the development and execution of IRENA’s overall strategy for engagement and collaboration with UN New York based agencies and related entities or initiatives.;
• Follow up and closely monitor international developments related to energy and climate change and identify strategic areas for IRENA’s engagement, partnership, and/or value-added;
• Promote active engagement with US-based private sector and financial institutions to promote IRENA work and focus areas;
• Follow on all IRENA’s active involvement with US-based organizations and entities;
• Develop and implement an outreach strategy for UN Member States that are not IRENA Members to ratify or accede to the Statute;
• Provide support to the Director-General and IRENA staff during missions to New York and the USA;
• Organize outreach events, in particular during the opening week of the UN General Assembly and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), and on other relevant occasions;
• Proactively disseminate information about key IRENA activities and publications among Permanent Missions, the UN Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders;
• Develop and implement a strategy for engagement with UN entities and other regional and relevant entities, showcasing IRENA’s work and products with relevant partners in New York;
• Develop a network of journalists covering sustainable development and energy.

1 IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual and sick leave, health insurance, Provident Fund participation, etc. as would be applicable.

Competencies

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; ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with outside collaborators and other contacts, including representatives of Member States and the public.

Professionalism: Knowledge in the area of organising and preparing for substantive meetings to discuss technical, programmatic and institutional matters, in line with the necessary policies, procedures and practices; ability to research and systematically organise background material, select, organise and summarise information required for the preparation of meetings and conferences; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Accountability: Fair and transparent decision-making and calculated risk-taking; take ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitment; 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; take personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational 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.

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 on-going 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.

Qualifications

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, Communication or a related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience at national and international levels in advisory and managerial positions. Knowledge of sustainable development, climate change and renewable energy issues at the international level as well as extensive work in an intergovernmental setting is required. Diplomatic experience and a proven knowledge of the United Nations system, including processes and working methods, are an asset.

Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in other languages an asset. Good drafting skills are an asset.

Other: Working knowledge of MS Office with emphasis on Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and on the application of data base systems.

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.