Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency
- Organization
- IRENA
- Location
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Job Type
- Full-time
- Deadline for Applications
- 07/05/2026
- How to Apply
- Follow the link
- Where to Apply
- chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://assets-prod.russellreynolds.com/api/public/content/rra-irena-position-specification-director-general.pdf?v=b8ee322f&utm_source=probablygood_board
- Tags
- Full-time
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) invites applicants for the position of Director-General of IRENA. Potential candidates must be visionary and politically astute to lead the Agency in accelerating the global transition to renewable energy. The Director-General will provide strategic leadership, represent IRENA at the highest international levels, strengthen IRENA’s global influence, and lead all programmatic, administrative and operational functions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Candidates must demonstrate strong global leadership, strategic outlook of renewable energy and emerging technologies, and exceptional political and diplomatic skills. Senior-level experience in international organizations, government ministerial position or global energy and industry companies is highly desirable. Fluency in English is required.
ABOUT IRENA
Over the past decades IRENA has grown into a mature, globally recognised institution at the centre of the energy transition. With 171 Members (170 States and the European Union) and a strong track record of delivering authoritative analysis, policy advice and stakeholder convening, IRENA is today firmly established as the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation on renewable energy. The incoming Director-General will lead the Agency through an increasingly complex international environment – marked by geopolitical volatility, evolving multilateral dynamics, and intensifying competition for resources and influence – while ensuring IRENA continues to deliver impact for its Membership and the broader global community. IRENA’s work is led by its five-year Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and the biennial work programme, the current MTS running 2023-27, and the next MTS covering the period 2028-32.
ROLE SUMMARY
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.
