Vacancy Announcement
Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division
Publication/Transmission Date:ย ย 23 April 2025
Deadline for Application:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 22 May 2025 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)ย
Title and Grade: ย Associate Professional โ SIDS Lighthouses
Indicative Annual Salary: ย ย USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits[1]
Duration of Appointment: ย One year, with possible of extensionย
Duty Station:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emiratesย ย
Expected Date for Entry on Duty:ย ย As soon as possible ย ย
Backgroundย
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. At present, IRENA membership comprises 169 countries and the European Union that acceded to its Statute, and 14 additional States in the process of accession.ย
The Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division facilitates IRENAโs support to its member countries in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy programmes through the regional and partnership initiatives and tailored country support. The Associate Professional โ SIDS Lighthousesย will be part of the Partnerships Unit which oversees the coordination and implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative. The selected candidate will support IRENA activities in relation to the coordination and implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative work programme and the twelve priority areas[2]ย in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea (AIS), Caribbean and Pacific Regions. as well as provide support in other activities supporting the energy transition of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), thus achieving the transformation from a predominantly fossil-based to a renewables-based and resilient energy system.
The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and postgraduates to gain first-had experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The Programme offers valuable exposure to IRENAโs main activities and programmatic areas. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the guidance of Head, Partnerships and direct supervision of the Programme Officer, SIDS Lighthouses,ย the Associate Professional - SIDS Lighthouses, will be responsible for the following duties:
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Minimum Requirements
Education: A first-level university degree with at least two years of relevant work experience or a Mastersโ degree (or equivalent) in energy, climate change, engineering, policy, sustainable development, environment, natural science, or related field.ย Experience:ย Experience at a regional or international level in energy, technical or policy related issues and an understanding of the issues and opportunities relevant to energy transition in Small Island Developing States is required.ย Experience in working with multi-disciplinary teams across regions and geographies is required. Experience in drafting, preparing and reviewing various documents; planning and organizing events as well as data analysis and management is required.ย A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.ย Experience with social media platforms and website management as well as data analysis and visualization tools are desirable. Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of partnerships, energy transition and climate action principles and practices. Ability to conduct research and analysis with minimal guidance. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence in subject matter and pays attention to detail; 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.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing othersโ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, 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.
Eligibility
Applicants should be no more than 32 years of age at the time of submitting their applications.
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ย Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy on-line, through IRENAโs 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.
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[1]ย Amount of monthly lump-sum depends on qualifications and years of relevant work experience. In addition: a monthly accommodation allowance (USD 1,600); relocation grant upon arrival/separation if relocation involved (USD 1,200); installation grant if relocation involved (USD 1,300); health insurance; other entitlements as applicable.
[2] SIDS LHI 12 Priorities include the provision of technical and regulatory advisory services; enhancement and implementation of SIDS NDCs; enhancing data and statistics, promoting all renewables sources; supporting private sector engagement and access to finance; strengthening the energy food health water climate nexus; reinforcing links ย between RE and energy efficiency; climate resilience and disaster recovery; transportation and other end use sectors; ย as well as the socio economic benefits of RE. Integral to this support is reinforcing and expanding partner engagement with existing SIDS initiatives and other IRENA coordinated platforms.