Chief, Information Communications Technology (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 a view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

The Division of Administration and Management Services is responsible for providing the Secretariat with efficient support in managing its human and financial resources and ensures effective and timely delivery of Human Resources, Information and Communications Technology, Procurement, Budget, Financial, Travel and other General Services.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Section provides a broad range of solutions and services to IRENA offices by enhancing technology to achieve the work programme targets. ICT works on strengthening service delivery operations aimed at enabling staff members, Members and other stakeholders to connect and share knowledge continuously. ICT targets to improve work efficiency with the newest tools, technologies and applications to increase transparency and accountability in the organisation.

Under the supervision of the Director, Administration and Management Services, the Chief, Information Communications Technology will be responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the development and implementation of IRENA’s digital and ICT strategy in alignment with IRENA’s Medium-term Strategy (MTS) the biennial Work Programme and operational priorities. Ensure coherence between enterprise systems, infrastructure, and evolving business needs.
• Lead the conceptualisation, design, development and implementation of major enterprise systems and digital initiatives, including enterprise resource planning (Oracle Cloud), workflow automation, and data platforms, ensuring cross-functional integration.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional project teams to ensure timely delivery, quality assurance, and alignment of digital solutions with organisational priorities and user needs.
• Provide authoritative technical and policy advice to senior managers on technology governance, cybersecurity, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, within IRENA’s operating context.
• Identify and plan for future needs; develop and disseminate best practices in ICT.
• Develop innovative solutions to resolve intricate problems that impact critical areas of the organisation’s work.
• Ensure IRENA’s cybersecurity posture is robust, based on international best practices and standards, and that digital risk management protocols are consistently implemented across the organisation.
• Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the ICT Section, ensure that planned activities are carried out in a timely manner and coordinate work of the different areas both within the Division and with other Divisions in the organisation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of ICT governance frameworks, policies, and standards that ensure sustainable, secure, and effective systems, including appropriate controls for asset tracking and inventory management.
• Analyse and outline both infrastructure and application needs for the short, medium and long term for IRENA.
• Lead and direct a team of information systems officers; plan and allocate work assignments; coach, mentor and evaluate staff; participate in recruitment and selection of new staff and in the development of training programs.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for ICT procurement planning, including definition of technical requirements, prioritisation of needs, and coordination with the Procurement Section on vendor and contract management.
• Develop and monitor performance measures; ensure that projects meet established time and cost parameters and standards of technical quality.
• Ensure implementation of effective controls for ICT operations and oversee the delivery of responsive Helpdesk support services.
• Prepare and monitor the budget, work program, and spending plan for the Section.
• Proactively establish and represent IRENA’s presence in relevant inter-agency digital coordination fora and technical networks, facilitating alignment with international best practices and initiatives led by international and multilateral organisations.
• Perform any other duties as may be required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of systems design as well as development, management, implementation and maintenance of complex information systems, including familiarity with responsible AI use, enterprise platforms, and digital risk controls. Ability to develop and oversee large centralised or decentralised institutional systems; conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand information systems and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyse and evaluate critical matters. Ability to integrate knowledge with broader strategic, policy and operational objectives. Ability to advise senior management on complex systems development and related matters of significant importance to the Agency. Ability to improve processes and approaches; demonstrates adaptability to changing 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.

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; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 organisational 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; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; 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.

Planning and Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in computer science, information systems and technology, telecommunications or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in managing diverse information systems technology and telecommunications operations, planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer information systems or related area. At least five years of experience working in an International Organisation is required. Experience with implementing ERP systems is desirable.

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

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.