Chief of IRENA Office in New York and Permanent Observer to the UN, P-5

                         Vacancy Announcement

                     Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                Office of the Direct- General (ODG)

Publication Date:                          18 July 2024

Deadline For Application:            17 August 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade:                            Chief of IRENA Office in New York and Permanent  Observer to the UN, P-5                      

Indicative Annual Salary:             (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 92,731 to USD 103,193[1]

                                                        (b.) Post Adjustment: USD 68,064.55 to USD 73,743.66[2]            

Duration of Appointment:            Two Years, with possible extension

Duty Station:                                  New York, Unites States of America

Entry on Duty:                               As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries. 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 and actively engaged.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director-General and the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Chief of IRENA Office in New York and Permanent Observer to the UN is responsible for the following:

• Maintain regular communication and provide detailed briefings and reports to the Director-General and all relevant IRENA staff to inform on significant developments within the UN that impact IRENA’s mission and interests and obtain guidance on the activities of the Permanent Observer Office;
• Represent IRENA and participate in meetings of relevant UN bodies and committees, and at other meetings held under the auspices of the UN such as the High-Level Dialogue on Energy;
• Lead and manage the administration of IRENA Permanent Observer Office by providing clear direction to its staff;
• Lead the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the programme of work and budget for the Permanent Observer Office.
• Establish communication channels and strengthen engagement with Permanent Missions of UN Member States, the UN Secretariat and other relevant UN organizations;
• Closely coordinate with IRENA programmatic divisions to identify and act on opportunities for substantive participation in UN bodies and committees;
• Promote implementation of IRENA’s work programme and strategic directions to ensure that IRENA’s contributions to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is part of relevant processes and resolutions;
• Assist in the development and execution of IRENA’s overall strategy for engagement and collaboration with UN New York based agencies and related entities or initiatives.;
• Follow up and closely monitor international developments related to energy and climate change and identify strategic areas for IRENA’s engagement, partnership, and/or value-added;
• Promote active engagement with US-based private sector and financial institutions to promote IRENA work and focus areas;
• Follow on all IRENA’s active involvement with US-based organizations and entities;
• Reach-out strategy for UN Member States that are not IRENA Members to ratify or accede to the Statute;
• Provide support to the Director-General and IRENA staff during missions to New York and the USA;
• Organize outreach events, in particular during the opening week of the UN General Assembly and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), and on other relevant occasions;
• Proactively disseminate information about key IRENA activities and publications among Permanent Missions, the UN Secretariat and other relevant stakeholders;
• Develop a strategy for engagement with UN entities and other regional and relevant entities, showcasing IRENA’s work and products with relevant partners in New York;
• Develop a network of journalists covering sustainable development and energy.

1 IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including dependency allowances, rental subsidy, education grant (for school aged children), annual and sick leave, health insurance, Provident Fund participation, etc. as would be applicable.

Competencies

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; ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with outside collaborators and other contacts, including representatives of Member States and the public.

Professionalism: Knowledge in the area of organising and preparing for substantive meetings to discuss technical, programmatic and institutional matters, in line with the necessary policies, procedures and practices; ability to research and systematically organise background material, select, organise and summarise information required for the preparation of meetings and conferences; conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Accountability: Fair and transparent decision-making and calculated risk-taking; take ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitment; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; take personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.