United Arab Emirates: Communications Officer, P-3

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 160 Members (159 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 23 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

Within the Communication Unit in the Strategic Management and Executive Direction Division, the Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing a strategy to market IRENA products and services, expand IRENA’s stakeholder network and increase its engagement, and to support the various divisions in their implementation of the Work Programme in relation to communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Conceptualise, design and execute the overall stakeholder engagement and marketing strategy for IRENA, including;
  a) setting and working to meet ambitious targets to increase the uptake of IRENA products and services
  b) stakeholder group identification, analysis, and segmentation
  c) development and ongoing improvement of channels, tools, and products
  d) ongoing monitoring and reporting related to email communications and stakeholder engagement;

• Research, undertake interviews and write content that demonstrates the positive impact stories of renewable energy at the household, community, national and international level;

• Advise senior IRENA management on marketing of IRENA products and services;

• Develop and undertake campaigns to maximise the marketing of IRENA products and services to different stakeholder groups;

• Manage IRENA’s email communications and stakeholder engagement platforms (Mailchimp and Salesforce), develop them as appropriate to strengthen engagement and improve efficiency, and undertake regular strategic reporting to management;

• Research and draft press releases, op-eds, impact stories, and other communications materials and place them in the media;

• Manage IRENA’s participation in high-level meetings and events, including strategy development and implementation, engagement of journalists, communications support to IRENA directors, photography and video, social media and branding;

• Provide diverse materials and messages (talking points, questions and answers, keynotes/speeches and briefings) for use by the Director-General and senior management;

• Support in covering press and media for the Director-General and IRENA;

• Develop and oversee development of high-profile multi-media communications campaigns; set quality and production standards for information and dissemination, ensuring consistency and coherence across all IRENA communications;

• Participate in the preparation, in cooperation with different IRENA staff members, IRENA outreach and information materials (flyers, brochures, newsletters, press kits, studies, other publications); and

• Perform other tasks as assigned.

General Requirements:

• Strategic thinker, results-oriented able to set and work to targets;

• Adept at identifying, researching and developing written content that clearly demonstrates the positive impact of renewable energy at the household, community, national and international level;

• Advanced knowledge of mass email distribution software like Mailchimp;

• Comfortable working in sensitive and fast-moving news, communications, advocacy and/or fundraising contexts;

• Ability to produce and interpret a broad range of online communications analytics to inform strategies and work plans;

• Sophisticated understanding of multimedia content, including how it can best be produced, packaged, published and shared on websites, on social media and with news organisations;

• Proven ability to conceptualise, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills; Proven skills in communication, networking, negotiation, and ability to relate to different audiences;

Competencies

Professionalism: A proven knowledge of both renewable energy issues and the global network of the renewable energy community, including specialised media. Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication and understanding of the needs of the press and media and the way this sector functions. Ability to assess worldwide communication environments, develop communication strategies and management implementation of public information campaigns with various promotional and publicity techniques. Strong editorial judgement, including ethical and political awareness. Sound political judgement to diplomatically handle sensitive issues and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to deliver oral presentations/statements to diverse audiences.

Technological Awareness: Knowledge of the different technical and software tools currently available for communications and specialised media. Familiarity with advanced tools for stakeholder engagement, including an advanced knowledge of CRMs like Salesforce.

Leadership: Ability to work autonomously with strong project management skills; ability to work under pressure and to set goals, make plans, define deadlines and deliver on time.

Teamwork: Possession of team spirit to build-up, manage and lead a team in a multi-cultural environment; decision-making skills and ability to delegate responsibility.

Creativity: Ability to come up with new and creative ways of how to address the different audiences of IRENA effectively and how to distribute the Agency’s message in the best possible way.

Client Orientation: Ability to develop and maintain relations with global media, IRENA’s Member States and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications, 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 five years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, journalism, international relations or related area. Experience producing, editing and disseminating content for diverse audiences, including media outlets, international brands, political parties, NGOs, or other international institutions. Strong connections to and an expert knowledge of the media and their aims and priorities is required. Previous experience within the field of renewable energy is desirable. Excellent computer skills (MS Office essential; Adobe Photoshop and/or Adobe Premiere Pro an asset).

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English and highly developed writing and editing skills is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

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IRENA reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo 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.

If you are interested in this position please apply using this link:

https://employment.irena.org/careersection/1/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&portal=8205020217&job=CP0015