Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (m/w/d)

Job Description

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation, headquartered in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the adoption and continuous use of all forms of renewable energy sources 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.

IRENA is mandated by Governments to promote the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. It facilitates and catalyses sharing of best practices and lessons learned regarding policy frameworks, capacity-building, finance mechanisms and other relevant measures for accelerating and expanding the demonstration and deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. Based on this work, KPFC gives input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its Members and at regional levels.

Under the direct supervision of the Director-General and within delegated authority, Director, KPFC oversees a range of analytical and advisory activities aimed at providing accurate information, sound advice and a broader knowledge base to assist countries in making informed decisions on how to accelerate the energy transition and achieve just and inclusive outcomes for all. These include:

• renewable energy policy and market design
• analysis and advice on scaling up finance for the energy transition
• socioeconomic policies and impacts of renewable energy and the broader energy transition
• energy access and economic development
• renewable energy resource assessment
• renewable energy data and statistics

The Director, KPFC will be responsible for:

• The overall guidance and management of the division in close collaboration with the deputy director and the unit heads. Developing and supervising the implementation of the substantive work programme for KPFC, including determining priorities and allocating resources for the completion of activities and their timely delivery.
• Overseeing the management of activities undertaken by KPFC, ensuring that programmed activities are coordinated in the different areas both within KPFC and with other IRENA divisions, as well as other entities, as appropriate.
• Ensuring that the outputs produced by KPFC maintain high-quality standards; that reports are credible, objective, based on comprehensive data and include actionable recommendations.
• Undertaking management and overseeing administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the division, including preparation and effective management of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance, recruitment for job openings, and preparation of inputs for Agency-wide activities.
• Managing, guiding and developing staff under his/her supervision, and fostering teamwork, collaboration and communication among staff in KPFC, and across organizational boundaries.
• Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with IRENA Members and a broad network of stakeholders in the field of renewable energy.
• Representing KPFC in IRENA Governing Body meetings to present aspects of the division’s work programme and related budgetary expenditures, during the planning and implementation phases.
• Representing IRENA in external meetings, events and other fora to provide programmatic/substantive expertise and actively seek opportunities to strengthen collaboration/alliances/partnerships with wide ranging constituencies.

Competencies

Professionalism: Extensive background in and knowledge of the field of energy, including renewable energy policy and finance and socio-economic aspects of the energy transition, as well as other areas of the work being supervised. Experience in producing reports, papers and publications on technical issues, and the ability to review and edit the work of others. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Ability to manage staff and apply administrative rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; demonstrate political astuteness, technical expertise, ability and capacity to represent the Agency effectively at high levels in different fora. Ability to establish and build broad strategic networks and international partnerships.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; develops risk preparedness and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary. Has solid understanding of best management practices; aligns management policies and practices to support achievement of organizational goals; uses time efficiently; has the ability to implement and supervise programme activities that are consistent with agreed strategies.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.

Leadership: Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and tasks; 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; shows the courage to take unpopular stands.

Communication: Creates and promotes enabling environment for open communication; speaks and writes clearly and effectively, and tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in promoting a culture of information and knowledge sharing and learning.

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.

Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, energy policy, sustainable development, or other related area. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree. PhD is desirable.

Experience: At least 15 years of extensive experience that combines intellectual, strategic, technical and managerial leadership in renewable energy or related fields, including at the international level. Experience in programme planning, management, policy analysis and advice. Experience in energy transition related work at the international and a country level, is required.

Language: Excellent command in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Note: 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 further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.