Associate Programme Officer – Renewable Potential Mapping

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 169 Members (168 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 15 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 center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource, and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with the view of sustainable development, increased energy security, and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy, and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms, and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, building a gateway to knowledge, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society.

The Global Atlas platform continues to evolve both in the scope of renewable energy resource datasets available on the platform and in the number and kind of support services available to the member states. As a platform, it currently hosts more than 2000 renewable energy resource maps and has been used so far by more than 200,000 professionals worldwide. The Global Atlas geospatial and time-series services – suitability analysis and site appraisals – have supported several countries in identifying prospective zones and in screening several potential sites for solar PV and wind projects. These services will be extended to other renewable energy resources, such as concentrated solar power, mini-hydropower, and bioenergy.

The Global Atlas geospatial service consists of assessing the cost-effective (road and transmission lines networks) and environmentally (population centers, land use, and protected areas) sustainable renewable energy areas for wind and solar PV development in the member countries. This assessment will provide a knowledge base of suitable areas and zones with high renewable energy potential in the country. The service will support key players in the power sector in countries, including – ministries and government-backed utility companies – to identify opportunities and challenges for the development of renewables and build data-driven least-cost electrification models that account for the countries’ potential for specific applications of renewable energy resources e.g. for utility-scale power plants and stand-alone systems. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director of KPFC, and in close cooperation with the lead of the Renewable Energy Resource Assessment team, the Associate Programme Officer will perform the following duties:

• Undertake geospatial assessment of renewable energy potential for member countries;
• Liaise with member countries and carry out in in-depth literature review for gathering all the necessary technical and financial data for performing spatial analysis;
• Participate in the development of the geospatial assessment services to cover new technologies and end-use applications; 
• Contribute to writing technical reports related to renewable energy resource assessment;
• Support the activities of the Global Atlas for Renewable Energy platform, and ensure coordination with other teams and divisions within IRENA on topics such as renewable energy resources;
• Support the coordination of projects and provide guidance to consultants and contractors as required;
• Participate and assist in the design and implementation of outreach and communication activities, including the development of training materials, presentations, talking points, and other relevant inputs for the head of the unit and upper management, and delivery of workshops;
• Perform other duties as required. 

Competencies

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates growing 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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 the final group decision.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Science, or Renewable Energy-related fields. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of proven work experience in the field of renewable energy resource assessment, advanced knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and good knowledge of programming languages. Demonstrated ability to implement projects with good analytical skills and to produce reports and papers on renewable energy resource assessment. 

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. Fluency in other languages would be of additional benefit.

Skills: Strong quantitative and data analytical skills and Excel/IT skills are required.

                                       *********

Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy online 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, especially from nationals of developing countries, 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.