Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency

The Director-General serves as the Agency’s head and chief administrative officer, responsible for strategic leadership, global representation, and the effective delivery the Agency’s mandate. The role requires a leader with strategic understanding and outlook on renewable energy, strong diplomatic acumen and public speaking and communications skills, and the ability to navigate complex geopolitical environments. The Director-General represents IRENA at the highest levels of international engagement and oversees all programmatic, operational, and administrative functions. The DirectorGeneral is responsible to the Assembly and the Council for the performance of her/his functions.

• At least 15 years of professional experience with 10 or more years of senior management experience in public sector, government, international organization, private sector, or nongovernmental organisation, with particular emphasis on managing large organizations in a complex multicultural and international environment;

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent or higher) in a field relevant to the position such as, but not limited to, energy systems, environmental sciences, economics, engineering, public policy, law, public administration, international relations or a related field;

• A comprehensive and forward-looking understanding of renewable energy in the global energy transition is highly desirable, including its critical role in sustainable development, climate f inance, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the broader global energy transition;

• Strong leadership, analytical, communication, diplomatic, and negotiating skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and build high-quality consensus;

• Keen judgment, cultural awareness, and the capacity to navigate complex political environments while fostering cooperation, resolving differences, and advancing shared objectives in support of IRENA’s mandate;

• Fluency in English required; multilingual proficiency is an asset.

The individual chosen for the post of Director-General should be available to commence duties starting April 2027. The Director-General is appointed by the IRENA Assembly for a term of four (4) years, renewable for one further term, but not thereafter.