Senior Policy Advisor & Lead, Renewables at The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD

The Senior Policy Advisor & Lead, Renewables, will lead on the consolidation and development of IISD Energy’s offering on the design and implementation of government support for clean energy. In particular, the successful applicant will work on developing IISD Energy’s strategy for facilitating government support for renewables and using it to leverage finance and private sector investment in renewables. They will look at increasing the role of government support to renewables in job creation, just transition, and economic diversification in economies currently dependent on fossil fuels. The Senior Policy Advisor & Lead, Renewables, will also be actively involved in building IISD Energy’s international knowledge and advocacy network on removing barriers to the clean energy transition, shifting public and private financial flows from fossil fuels to clean energy, reforming energy subsidy and taxation policies, and greening state-owned enterprises.

The position is based within the IISD Energy Program a diverse and rapidly growing team of over 40 experts based in the IISD Geneva and Ottawa offices as well as remotely in India, Indonesia, South Africa, and other countries. The Senior Policy Advisor & Lead, Renewables, will report to the Director, Sustainable Energy.

Key areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to:

• Leading in the development of strategies, partnerships, communications, and other IISD Energy activities on renewables with the aim of maximizing policy impact. This work will be shared between international activities (approximately 50%) and supporting relevant projects in IISD Energy’s key countries (approximately 50% working with teams in Canada, India, Indonesia, and South Africa).
• Managing research and advisory projects from proposal development and fundraising to implementation and reporting, working with IISD staff and contractors as required.
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative research; developing and verifying research methodologies.
• Contributing to and leading reports, policy briefs, existing products, and other outputs for the program.
• Networking, developing, and maintaining strategic relationships with a variety of partners from governments, international organizations, businesses and financial institutions, NGOs, and academia.
• Presenting and communicating IISD’s work to a variety of audiences.
• Keeping up-to-date regarding emerging issues related to renewable energy, cutting-edge developments, and the wider agenda of the Energy Program.

About the Successful Applicant

The successful applicant will be a recognized expert in the field of renewable energy, in areas such as removing barriers to the clean energy transition, reforming energy subsidy and taxation policies, providing government support to renewables, and mobilizing public and private finance for clean energy. They will be confident providing intellectual leadership for a research and policy agenda, engaging with colleagues and partners, and implementing research and advisory projects.

The successful applicant will also have:

• A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., economics, finance, sustainable energy, international and development studies, political science, engineering, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies). Candidates without a master’s degree may also be considered if they can demonstrate an equivalent amount of expertise gained through direct professional experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in one or several of the following areas: renewable energy finance issues at both the policy and project levels, including the key international vehicles and trends; enabling policies for clean energy transitions, such as reforms of energy pricing, subsidies, and taxes; evaluation of social costs and benefits of various energy technologies; aligning renewable energy development with poverty eradication and social inclusion.
• A demonstrated understanding of the policy-making and environment interface in at least several developed, developing, or emerging economies.
• Experience working in or with emerging and developing countries will be considered a strong advantage.  
• A proven record of project and staff management, ideally involving international collaborations and emerging or developing country partners, and strong demonstrated organizational and planning skills.
• A strong network of contacts with international stakeholders promoting clean energy.
• Experience in qualitative research methods in the areas of energy policy is mandatory; quantitative experience in research methods will be considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated analytical skills and the ability to think critically and learn quickly.
• Fundraising experience and skills are essential.
• Excellent oral and writing skills in English and a track record of relevant publications in English. Ability to work (read, write, speak) in other languages will be considered an advantage.
• Confident and engaging communication skills, including an understanding of different communications approaches for different audiences; experience with advocacy and campaigning approaches will be considered an advantage.
• A “can-do” work attitude and ability to work both independently and in different team roles, managing the workload and producing deliverables on time and within budget. Ability to work under pressure and meet deliverables under competing timelines.
• Resourceful and pragmatic approach to solving issues.
• Proactive, results-focused with an ability to prioritize and to work quickly and accurately and with the flexibility to take on tasks ranging from highly complex to basic in nature.
• A strong ability to work comfortably across different cultures and be inclusive and positive with different colleagues.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.
• Availability to travel internationally and across multiple time zones and different geographies.