Director, Technology and Innovation

The Director, Technology and Innovation will report directly to the Director-General and lead a team of four (4) professional and several administrative staff members. The Director with be responsible for providing expert advice, developing policies, and conceptualizing, planning, designing, use of global best practices and their implementation with adaption of Latest Technologies across the ISA member countries under Article 11(3)(4). S/He will work closely with Director of Programmes and Director of Resource Mobilization.

The Director will be responsible for the following areas

His/her main task will be the knowledge and content creation by:

 collecting information on technology and innovation and how it is being implemented

 setting up and coordinating ad-hoc expert groups to develop and release guidelines and recommended practices on most aspects of project implementation

 preparing master documents (templates) for the setting up of project proposals

 enabling the performance assessment of existing projects and programmes

Beyond these core activities, he or she will also be responsible for the following areas:

 

1. Leading outreach with member countries (through National Focal Points and other officials) as well as with non-member countries, including through regular video- and/or tele­ conferencing

2. Lead in formulation of R&D policies, ISA certificates and compile demand aggregation.

3. Will come up with innovative ideas to cut down cost of capital and technology

4. Contribute to a portfolio of ISA Guidelines and Standards for solar goods and services in an inclusive and participative manner.

5. Establish a Global Task Force on R&D to address technological needs of Member Countries with respect to the allocated programmes.

6. Cross-cutting strategic advice:

a. Work closely with NFPs/CPs to establish and maintain a network of engaged stakeholders in Member States and technical institutions, to clearly identify needs for support and achieve ISA mandates.

b. Prepare a Member Country-wise R&D, STAR-C Centers and Lab infrastructure plan for next five years.

c. Designing, organizing, coordinating training programs for different target groups of ISA countries, for program implementation, Master solar technicians. development of quality infrastructure standards, test centers, factory and field inspectors, etc.

d. Any other task including some country program allocated by the Director General from time to time.

7. Provide advice, make presentations to, and respond to requests from Member States.

8. Supervise and manage the staff of the Service. Provide training, guidance and manage the performance of the team.

 

Competencies

Professionalism: 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.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; able to interact with senior government and private sector leadership; 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; ability to disseminate information through online platforms, social media and traditional methods.

Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams of diverse staff; training and develop staff; successful counsel and conduct performance management; provide vision and direction to a team and lead the team to undertake innovative work.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational 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.

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; uses time efficiently.

 

Qualifications

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in Economics,Engineering, Management including Energy Management, Solar/Renewable Energy Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 12 years of professional work experience for P4 level or 15 years for P5 level in energy related field in either public sector, national government, multilateral organizations, educational institutions/universities, private sector organizations, energy industries and SMEs; and with increasing responsibility in the design and development of policies and programmes; and analysis of data and production of reports, preferably related to the renewable energy and solar sector; track record of management and leadership experience in the UN System is an advantage. Experience in resource mobilization, project formulation and direct project implementation will be valued. Preference will be given to candidates who have between five and seven years of international experience. Prior supervisory and laboratory experience is desired.

Language and IT skills: The role demands substantial writing and verbal communications skills.As English is the official and working language of the Organization, excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages (e.g. French, Spanish and Arabic) would be an advantage. Satisfactory skills in Outlook, MS Office products, highly desirable.