Vacancy Announcement

                           Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                           Director, Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication Date:                             14/01/2026

Deadline For Application:               13/02/2026 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local Time)

Title and Grade:                               Team Lead, Policy and Finance, P4 (CP0078)

Indicative Annual Salary:                (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 86,027 to USD 97,259[1]

                                                           (b.) Post Adjustment: USD 50,239.77 to USD 56,799.26[2]

Duration of Appointment:               One year, with possible extension

Duty Station:                                    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates                            

Entry on Duty:                                 As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency is an inter-governmental organisation headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries.  At present, IRENA has 161 Members (160 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 22 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, building a gateway to knowledge, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society. Within KPFC, the Policy Unit provides policy-relevant and forward-looking analysis on renewable energy trends and developments to strengthen the business case for renewable energy, highlighting the contribution of renewables to broader policy objectives. The Unit focuses on specific analytical gaps and develops new knowledge that can support informed decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, KPFC and overall guidance of the Director of Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, the Team Lead, Policy and Finance will be responsible for the following duties:

• Identify and lead on new topics and concepts of analysis in the areas of energy transition policy and finance, ensuring that IRENA continues to contribute cutting-edge knowledge products.
• Design and conduct analysis on policy and finance for the energy transition in general and renewable energy deployment in particular, taking into account different starting points and socio-economic priorities and conditions of countries.
• Develop and draft high-quality analytical reports and documents and contribute to Agency-wide reports such as the World Energy Transitions Outlook and Regional Energy Transition Outlooks, covering emerging trends in renewable energy policy and finance.
• Provide policy insights and recommendations for countries, regions and the international community to accelerate the deployment of renewables. Design and deliver capacity building tools and events.
• Organise expert group meetings such as the IRENA Policy Day, side events at the General Assembly or Council meetings to gather insights from practitioners and experts. 
• Attend international, regional and national meetings, workshops and conferences to give presentations or participate in panel discussions to disseminate IRENA’s work on policy and finance.
• Establish key relationships with representatives of Member States, partner organisations and other stakeholders. 
• Manage and supervise a multidisciplinary team, setting priorities, reviewing outputs, and ensuring alignment with the Agency work programme.
• Contribute to administrative tasks of the Division such as work programme development and reporting, proposal development for voluntary contributions, projects and budget management. 
• Perform other duties as required.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Excellent knowledge of policy and market trends across a range of renewable energy technologies and issues of renewable energy deployment and finance. Sound understanding of policy processes in the energy sector and more widely for socio-economic development (including SDG processes) at the national and international level. Proven ability to undertake independent research and produce high-quality reports and other publications. 

Communication: Excellent drafting skills in English is an essential requirement for this position. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability: Takes ownership for all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes ownership of delegated responsibilities and authorities; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors on going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed.

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in energy policy, energy or environmental economics, sustainable finance or engineering. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in policy research, policy programme development, statistical analysis and interpretation and report writing , preferably related to the energy sector or the links between energy and development policy more broadly; a proven track record of producing peer-reviewed publications and evidence of profound understanding of the renewable energy sector would be an asset; experience in international co-operation and in dealing with multilateral agencies and forums.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

                                                                                ***

Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.