Advisor to the Director-General, P-4

Advisor to the Director-General, P-4

IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Duties and Responsibilities:

Within delegated authority and under the guidance of the Director-General, the Advisor will support the efficient functioning of the Direct Support Unit and contribute to the coordination and preparation of inputs, communications, and outreach. Responsibilities include:

• Manages the day-to-day coordination and operational oversight of the Direct Support Unit;
• Coordinates the planning and organization of the Director-General day-to-day activities;
• Manages the team in the Direct Support Unit to ensure efficient service is provided to the Director-General;
• Supports liaison with senior officials of Members and ensure a response to requests for advice and/or assistance within the area of responsibility;
• Provides inputs to departments and divisions in drafting materials for the Director-General, such as speeches and talking points;
• Reviews and ensures quality control and high-quality standards of outputs and communications that emanate from the Direct Support Unit in terms of quality, political impact, substance or presentation;
• Ensures that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with relevant mandates;
• Supervises the planning, organization and coordination of the Director-General’s activities and schedules; oversee the substantive, logistical and administrative preparations of the Director-general’s travel and missions;
• Ensures active and open communication to and from the Direct Support Unit and keep the Director-General informed of critical issues requiring attention, and intervention;
• Liaises with representatives of Members, partner organizations, and international institutions, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on matters of strategic interest;
• Responds to relevant correspondence; ensure timely follow-up of directives and dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders; receive official communications addressed to the Director-General, review and follow up as appropriate; ensure prompt and efficient communication and coordination with divisions/offices on requests received by the Direct Support Unit;
• Manages and mentor staff under his/her supervision, in order to foster teamwork and communication among staff in the division, and across the Agency;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Professionalism: Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, making conclusions and recommendations and performing extensive advisory function; good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to develop policies and work plans, and to monitor and coordinate progress of their implementation; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• 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 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;
• 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; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment; Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Demonstrates ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs;
• Planning & Organizing: 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; demonstrates planning and organization skills, especially ability to organize own work and handle multiple concurrent issues; uses time efficiently.

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, public administration, communications, economics 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience at national and international level, including in executive support, policy coordination, or strategic communication. Experience in intergovernmental or multilateral setting is desirable;
• Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.

Apply NowDeadline 18 August