Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date:                     18 November 2024

Deadline for Application:         8 December 2024

Title and Grade:  Associate Programme Officer-Technology and Infrastructure, P-1

Indicative Annual Salary:      a) Annual Net Salary: USD 39,401.00 to USD 46,493.00[1]

                                                   (b) Post Adjustment: USD 17,178.84 to USD 20,270.95[2]

Duration of Appointment:              One year, with possible extension subject to availability of funds

Duty Station:                              Bonn, Germany 

Entry on Duty:                           As soon as possible

Introduction

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. 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 serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes 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, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and joint RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

Assignment

Under the supervision of the Team Lead, Technology and Infrastructure, the Associate Programme Officer, Technology and Infrastructure will:

• Provide technical support to IITC projects and initiatives related to technology, grids, and infrastructure, leveraging data analytics and AI to enhance decision-making and promote innovation in the renewable energy sector.
• Collect, analyse, and visualize data related to renewable energy technologies, grid integration, and infrastructure development, with a focus on supporting climate action plans and the energy transition.
• Support in developing and applying data-driven models and AI algorithms to assess the techno-economic feasibility of renewable energy programs, optimize grid integration strategies, and support the integration of modelling outputs in technical activities.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products and tools related to data analytics and AI for renewable energy, such as interactive dashboards, online platforms, and chatbot systems, to enhance knowledge sharing and capacity building within IRENA and among its Member States.
• Conduct research and analysis on emerging technologies, such as offshore wind, and their implications for grid infrastructure and energy systems, identifying opportunities and challenges for their integration into Member States’ climate plans, such as NDCs.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to team coordination, publications, and knowledge management, as assigned.
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

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.

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.

Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field with a focus on renewable energy and/or energy systems.

Experience/Skills:

• Relevant professional or academic experience in data analysis, statistical modeling, or machine learning, preferably in the energy sector or a related field, with a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies and grid integration concepts.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and experience with data manipulation and analysis libraries.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, or similar) and the ability to communicate complex data insights effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with AI concepts, tools, and techniques, and experience in developing and deploying AI models for energy-related applications, such as forecasting, optimization, and knowledge management.
• Knowledge of renewable energy technologies, energy systems, grid integration, and the energy transition, with a specific interest in offshore wind and its implications for energy infrastructure.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role and contributions of international organizations in advancing renewable energy deployment and global climate objectives.

Languages:

• Excellent written and spoken English command is desirable. Other languages are a plus.

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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 an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.