IRENA SECRETARIAT

TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultant – Asia
Start: 7 June 2022
End: 31 December 2022

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency

(IRENA) Country Engagement and Partnership (CEP)

Remote Position

Introduction

IRENA is an inter-governmental organization, mandated by Governments worldwide to promote the

widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. At present,
IRENA has 167 Members (166 States and the European Union), and 17 additional States in the process of
accession and actively engaged. IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy
future, and serves as the principle 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 to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic
growth and prosperity.

The Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) leads the work with countries. It supports them
in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy strategies, by
contextualizing the knowledge being developed in the other three divisions of IRENA, to the national
requirements. Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and
trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape
IRENA's future programmatic priorities.

On country level engagement, IRENA has developed the Renewables Readiness Assessment (RRA), a
country led process, with a comprehensive tool for assessing key conditions for renewable energy
technology development and deployment and the actions necessary to further create an enabling
framework for renewable energy deployment. IRENA’s initiatives for promoting greater penetration of
renewable electricity in power systems of the region complement the national engagement through the
RRAs. These enable countries to also identify the actions that are required for optimal utilisation of
renewable resources from a regional power planning perspective, keeping in view declining cost trends,
the capacity to operate transmission grids with a greater share of renewable power, and human, financial,

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and institutional barriers to the expansion of renewable power options in the market.

IRENA is organising a series of Investment Forums in 14 clusters and sub-regions, including in Asia,
consisting of three components of enabling frameworks for investment, project support and capacity
building. Investment Forums will contribute to the materialisation of investments in renewable energy,
with impacts on the ground.

IRENA is also providing support to countries in enhancing the renewable energy ambition in their NDCs
and supporting the implementation of NDCs. The ongoing work on NDC enhancement and
implementation is also providing an opportunity for IRENA to apply its body of work to support the
achievement of the Paris Agreement. IRENA is currently engaging with 80+ countries on NDC support
including in Asia. IRENA is also currently in discussions with several countries in supporting Long-term Low
Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LTS). IRENA is also establishing a Practitioners’
Network to support its work on NDCs and other requests from Members. In addition, IRENA is also
supporting a number of Collaborative Frameworks including on Enhancing Dialogue on High Shares of
Renewables in Energy Systems.

Asia-Pacific represents a key region of renewable energy growth. Today, it is one of the most dynamic
renewable energy marketplaces in the world and home to more than two-thirds of globally installed
renewable energy capacity, placing Asia at the heart of the global energy transformation. This rapid
growth also brings its socioeconomic benefits. Sixty per cent of the world’s renewable energy jobs are
now in Asia, and renewables deployment underpins sustainable economic growth whilst increasing
energy access to remote communities across the continent.

To further support this progress and based on the Agency’s strong focus on energy transition, IRENA works
closely with governments across Asia-Pacific to identify and implement effective policy frameworks that
support renewable energy market development. Country Engagement and Partnerships Division of the
Agency serves as the main interface between the Agency and the region and countries in the identification
of priority areas for IRENA’s technical support as well as in the design, development and implementation
of activities tailored to specific needs and priorities identified.

Assignment

Under the overall guidance of the Regional Programme Officer, Asia Pacific, and immediate supervision
of Programme Officer, Southeast Asia, the consultant will be responsible for the following duties:
• Assist in the organisation of consultative workshops, Investment Forums, report launch events,
collaborative platforms, Practitioners’ Network and technical meetings ensuring effective
participation of key stakeholders, experts and partners;

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• Provide substantive backstopping support to IRENA events, such as proposing agenda topics,
identifying participants, preparation of session documents and presentations, coordinating speaker
participation, etc.
• Organize and prepare written outputs, e.g., briefing notes, talking points, speeches/interventions,
concept notes, background papers, conference agenda, presentations, meeting reports, etc.;
• Assist in maintaining cooperation networks with all stakeholders from governments, regional entities,
industry, national civil society, etc.;
• Identify and assist IRENA in engaging other regional partners and initiatives, inter-governmental
forums and other programmes, which could be effective platforms for energy transition collaboration
in Asia region;
• Support IRENA NDC and LTS engagements in the region;
• Support the stakeholder outreach and coordination in the context of IRENA's country engagement,
Collaborative Frameworks, Practitioners’ Network, country framework agreements, project
facilitation and regional initiatives;
• Keep abreast of trends, key topics and initiatives in renewable energy policy, finance and technology
to contribute to the preparation of IRENA’s studies conducted in the region;
• Support the planning and coordination of IRENA priority in Asia and contribute its successful
implementation;
• Performs other duties as required.

Timeline

The work commences on in June 2022 and will last for a projected period of ~7 months (December 2022).
IRENA and the consultant reserve the right to terminate the contract with a month notice period.

Payment

The consultant will be paid monthly by IRENA. IRENA will cover travel expenses for the consultant if
approved via the normal travel request procedure according to IRENA’s rules and regulations. All other
expenses, including but not limited to taxes, health insurance, living expenses, etc, will be borne by the
consultant.

Work eligibility /visa

IRENA will not assist in securing a visa to work, and it is desirable that the consultant already have the
right to work in the country or can secure one by the time the contract starts in June 2022.

Miscellaneous matters

• All material, data, write-ups or other materials used for the activities under this consultancy will

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have to be submitted to IRENA

• Copyrights for all text and related outputs and analysis will reside with IRENA
• IRENA will conduct necessary tests and interview as selection process for proposed candidates to
account for fulfilment of requirements/qualifications.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to implement projects/programmes; familiarity with the renewable energy

policies. Good analytical skills. Proven ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues.
Ability to identify issues, analyse and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to apply
judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Shows pride in work and in achievements. Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments,
observing deadlines and achieving results. Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
Persistent when faced with difficult problems or challenges.

• 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. Excellent drafting skills
and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

• 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.

• Planning and Organising: 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; uses time efficiently.

Requirements

The consultant must meet the following requirements:

Education: Advanced University degree in the field of energy, environment, social sciences or any other
relevant field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted

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in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in the energy sector, some
of which should be at the regional/international level; experience in international cooperation and in
dealing with multilateral agencies, networks and forums; experience of work in an industry association or
civil society organisation would have an added value.
Languages: Excellent command of both written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages that
are used in the Southeast region, is desirable.

Please send your CV and cover letter to BYosiyana@irena.org by 3 1 M a y 2 0 2 2 at the latest,

with email subject: Asia Consultant

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