Communications Officer, P-4

 

                                                                   Vacancy Announcement

                              Secretariat of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                                        Office of the Director-General

Publication/Transmission Date:             05 July 2024

Deadline for Application:                         04 August 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)

Title and Grade:                                        Communications Officer, P-4

Indicative Annual Remuneration::      (a.) Annual Net Salary[1]: USD 77,326 to USD 87,422

                                                               (b.) Post Adjustment[2]: USD 56,757.28 to USD 64,167.75

Duration of Appointment:                     One year, with possible extension

 

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organization 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 centre 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.

The IRENA Communications team establishes flexible communications strategy that will refine, expand and strengthen the Agency’s strategic messaging as well as leveraging its activities and publications providing the impetus and groundwork for its outreach initiatives. 

The Communications Officer assists in the development and implementation of IRENA’s external communications strategy and activities. The ideal candidate will have broad international experience with communications campaigns; digital communications; stakeholder engagement; community outreach and public relations.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief Communications Officer, and in close coordination with other IRENA units and divisions, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Manages the design, implementation and measurement of the overall communications strategy for IRENA to effectively promote key products in line with the Agency goals.
• Develops, plans and leads the coordination of communications work in support of divisional activities; maintains regular contact across divisions, coordinates content from specific divisions in line with the Agency’s overall priorities.
• Prepares and implements a communications strategy for Agency priorities as well as flagship and regional publications of IRENA and for IRENA’s participation in high-level meetings and events. Manages projects and develops products targeted to different audiences.
• Develops and oversees development of high-profile, online, digital and multi-media communications campaigns; set quality and production standards for information and dissemination ensuring consistency and coherence across all IRENA Communications.
• Drafts communication content for website, video scripts, human interest stories and other information materials for digital, social and cross-multi-media outreach.
• Overseas digital communications and leads on the delivery of the global web platform.
• Supports the management of, and guidance to, the communications unit.
• Proposes and leads projects/initiatives to improve the quality and quantity of communication materials/tools/services for use across communication activities.
• Proposes and manages communication partnerships with international stakeholders across the public and private sectors including opinion leaders, influencers and amplifiers.
• Works closely with other staff to ensure coordination and coherence of communication work both within the unit and agency-wide.
• Organises special events as needed in consultation with key stakeholders, government counterparts, community and partners to support IRENA programme delivery.
• Leads on the development and management of IRENA’s social and digital media channels to include effective, timely and engaging communications via all IRENA.org web properties.
• Monitors the public perception of IRENA and recommend appropriate actions to maintain a positive image for the organisation.
• Monitors website and social media analytics and analyses performances to advise on appropriate action/responses.
• In collaboration with the Chief of Communications, manages the development of the unit’s workplan and communications budget as relevant.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, digital and social media communications. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to produce a variety of written and digital, cross-media communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to perform a broad range of administrative and support functions. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Interest in, and enthusiasm for, renewable energy and the global energy transition.

Communication: Professional experience in strategic communications and cross-media campaigning with knowledge in the conceptualisation, management, budgeting, and implementation of communication activities. Proven experience as an all-round communicator, knowledgeable in programming and planning. Prior experience working in digital communications working on the production, management and dissemination of digital, website and social media communications products.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organisational 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 final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; support subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organisational regulations and rules.

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.

                                                                                              Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations 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 international experience in public relations, communications, journalism, international relations or related area. Experience in running communication campaigns, marketing and digital communications that deliver measurable, positive results. Experience managing teams and projects.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of additional languages is an asset. 

Skills: Good knowledge of MS Office as well as web content management systems and social media platforms are necessary.

                                                                                                     ***

Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line, 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.