Programme Officer – Global Geothermal Alliance P-3

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP)

Publication/Transmission Date:            28 July 2022

Deadline For Application:                      17 August 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade:                                      Programme Officer – Global Geothermal Alliance P-3

Indicative Annual Salary:                       USD 62,692 to USD 71,825[1]

Duration of Appointment:                       One year, with possible extension

Duty Station:                                             Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Expected Date for Entry on Duty:          As soon as possible

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 168 Members (167 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 16 additional States in the process of accession. 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 the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It offers the main interface between the Agency and the regions and countries in the identification of priority areas for IRENA’s technical support as well as in design, development and implementation of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified. This requires a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, which also helps shape IRENA’s future programmatic priorities.

The Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) initiative serves as a global platform for improved dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action between geothermal industry, policy makers and geothermal stakeholders, where IRENA acts as the coordinator and facilitator of the initiative. GGA aims at increasing the share of geothermal energy in the global energy mix through both geothermal power generation and direct use of geothermal heat. The GGA constituency has expanded to include 49 member countries and 51 partner institutions across the globe. In an effort to unlock geothermal investments on a global scale, the Alliance aims to provide customised support to regions and countries with geothermal market potential, facilitate the exchange of insights and experience among key stakeholders in the geothermal energy value chain, and provide technical assistance, advisory and capacity building to foster an enabling environment for geothermal energy development. 

Through coordinated outreach and in close collaboration with key geothermal stakeholders in respective regions, the Agency has developed a portfolio of regional and thematic capacity building activities to support geothermal deployment, including, in the Eastern Africa and Latin America. These initiatives aim at raising awareness with the key stakeholders in countries on geothermal energy; strengthening the enabling policy and regulatory frameworks; and enhancing institutional and human capacities to promote more accelerated deployment of geothermal energy in the power generation and its direct use.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of the Country Engagement and Partnerships Division and immediate supervision of the Head of Partnerships. The Programme Officer will:

• Lead the Agency’s activities in relation to the coordination and facilitation of the GGA, including, but not limited to, expansion and management of the GGA constituency, conduct of consultative processes and coordination meetings as well as development and management of practitioner group(s) and the knowledge sharing platform;
• Lead the efforts and processes towards identification of better defined areas of GGA focus and improved operational structure and help adjust GGA priorities and corresponding work scope;
• Lead or support, as appropriate, the development of guidebooks and other similar products relevant to different dimensions of geothermal sector development in the context of both geothermal power generation and direct use of geothermal heat;
• Support the implementation of the Agency’s technical support and capacity building activities at country, regional and thematic levels (including, on agri-food applications, strategic heating and cooling plans, etc);
• Conduct research on trends, key topics, emerging issues and national initiatives related to geothermal energy development;
• Support the stakeholder outreach to feature geothermal energy prominently at major events of relevance;
• Assist in the organization of consultative workshops, technical and high-level meetings   ensuring effective participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners;
• Prepare inputs, presentations, and draft correspondence for the management;
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Competencies

Qualifications 

Education: Advanced University degree (Master degree or equivalent) in the field of engineering, energy, environment, social sciences and/or any other related field. A first university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience: At minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of geothermal energy or a related area.

Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo 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.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.

[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual leave, health insurance, provident fund, etc.