Assistant Director General

Organization Overview

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an international organisation, co-founded by France and India. The ISA is a 118-member-state organisation, headquartered in Gurgaon, National Capital Region of India. At ISA, we strive to transition and transform the energy sector from a fossil-based to a zero-carbon solar energy source. We are establishing a dedicated cooperation platform among solar-rich countries where the global community, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporations, industries, and other stakeholders, can positively contribute to the transition to solar energy. We are helping our Member States meet their energy needs in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable, and sustainable manner. 

Primary Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Director-General (DG) or a designated officer, this role will define and drive the delivery of programs and projects through a team of professionals - both International and National Officers. and support (General Service level) staff members. The role will also oversee the origination and management of ISAs portfolio of high-impact projects, ensuring that the program cluster generates the intended impact. This includes (but is not limited to (leading the conceptualization, planning, designing, and implementation of ISAs program & projects across the ISA member countries.). The role will oversee professional staff and include regional and sector specialist(s) who support implementing Programmes and projects and the National Solar Unit Personnel. The incumbent will be expected to engage with a broad range of senior stakeholders (including Secretaries/Ministers/ Cabinet(s) and Parliamentarians. S/he will also ensure the programmatic relevance and strategic positioning of ISA through timely implementation of all programs, technical advisory and advocacy efforts, implementation of country partnership framework(s), and strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, including private sector players, for successful planning and implementation of Programmes and projects. S/he will also coordinate capacity-building training and solar skills agenda for various ISA programs and projects.

Key Accountabilities

Leading the Program Cluster, directing the human, financial, and physical resources and assets made available to the role, implementing the clusters program goals - as per agreed milestones, embed timely Program development and execution.

Conducting a global review of the current ISA Programmes, project activities, Task Force, and Support Group Committees, and developing/implementing an annual work plan for the programs.

Driving innovative Program development, exploring/adopting ways and means of international best practice standards in Project implementation matching member country (on-the-ground) needs and energy transition aspirations.

Strategically leading and directing the Knowledge Management/Capacity Building cluster (analytics/research, identified tools, reports, dashboards, and databases). Further, develop and progress ISAs flagship program the STAR-C (Centres) Overseeing and directing the Resource Mobilisation (RM) operations, including strategically managing the relationships with Financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and fund management agencies with a view to achieving RM targets set by ISA.

Leading the development, review, and analysis of Country Partnership Strategies and Framework(s), giving due consideration to a wide range of stakeholder views and reflecting member state policy directions

Steward policy/regulatory/legislative changes that facilitate effective transition environment(s) positively guiding and influencing member state ministerial and executive staff to facilitate timely implementation of the country's projects.

Ensuring an ears on the ground approach, through representing ISA at key industry and all relevant forums convened to discuss Program-related matters and take a lead role in developing program content based on the country needs.

Forging strategic long-term partnerships with key internal and external stakeholder groups to engage and securing their support, influence decision making and ensure all facets of perspectives are considered, Managing the performance and development of direct reports, providing clear and focussed strategic direction and functional oversight, mentoring and building program/project implementation skill sets to meet agreed organisational outcomes.

Promoting quality standards, cross-functional harmonization, and synergy with the other clusters across ISA (for example, disseminating recommended practices).

Any other specific or strategic tasks and responsibilities assigned by the Assistant Director- General and Director-General of ISA

Key Challenges

Developing strategies and processes to foster program and strategic change across the cluster and program-relevant (external)relationships

Ensuring rigor in program development, implementation, and review processes

Advancing the RM agenda globally with a view to rapidly upscaling innovative investments towards solar energy transition

Supporting the Director General while managing matters with high levels of political interests (multiple jurisdictions) and public visibility, including highly sensitive matters impacting the rapid energy transition processes, industry groups, member state economies, and existing global political will