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Vacancy Announcement – Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is seeking an exceptional international leader to serve as its next Director-General. As the world’s leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to renewable energy, with 171 Members, IRENA plays a central role in accelerating the global energy transition through policy advice, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and international cooperation. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Director-General will serve as the Agency’s head and chief administrative officer, providing strategic leadership, representing IRENA at the highest international levels, and overseeing all programmatic, administrative, financial, and operational functions. Further information on IRENA is available here.

This appointment calls for a visionary and politically astute leader with strong global leadership credentials, a forward-looking understanding of renewable energy and emerging technologies, and exceptional diplomatic, communication, and stakeholder-management skills. The successful candidate will guide IRENA through an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, strengthen the Agency’s global visibility and influence, deepen relationships with Members and partners, and ensure IRENA remains agile, credible, and impactful in delivering its mandate.

Candidates should have at least 15 years of professional experience, including substantial senior leadership experience in government, international organizations, the private sector, or related fields, as well as the ability to lead large, multicultural institutions in complex international settings. The position is for a four-year term, renewable once for one further term only.

Full details, including the vacancy announcement, required application documents, and submission process, are available here.

The deadline for applications is 12th July 2026. 

 

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Vacancy announcements

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Recruitment step-by-step

  • Step 1

    Search for job openings

    Vacancies are advertised on IRENA’s website, normally for two to four weeks. Subscribe to our job alerts online to receive real-time updates.

  • Step 2

    Submit application

    Submit your application online via www.irena.org/about/Work-With-IRENA/Employment Application must include a completed IRENA Online Application Form and a cover letter.

  • Step 3

    Assessment

    Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include written tests and/or interviews.

  • Step 4

    Notification

    Interviewed candidates will be notified of the outcomes of their applications.

How to prepare for an Interview at IRENA?

Before the interview, take some time to learn more about the Agency’s mission, vision and values. IRENA publications can provide deeper insights into renewable energy issues and the Agency’s work programme. The interview usually consists of competency-based questions and /or technical questions relevant to the position. Competency-based questions require candidates to give specific examples of situations where they have demonstrated skills, attribute or behaviours.

Core competencies include:

  • Communication
  • Client orientation
  • Accountability
  • Teamwork

Interview questions may be on other competencies such as planning and organising skills, creativity and technological awareness as well as on job specific competencies or managerial competencies depending on the requirements of the position.