Associate Professional, Global Geothermal Alliance

                                               Vacancy Announcement

                                   Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

                                                      Country Engagement and Partnerships (CEP) Division

Publication/Transmission Date:   4 June 2026

Deadline for Application:               3 July 2026 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time) 

Title and Grade:                               Associate Professional, Global Geothermal Alliance

Indicative Annual Salary:                USD 36,000 to 54,000 and other benefits[1]

Duration of Appointment:              One year, with possible of extension 

Duty Station:                                     Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  

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Background 

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 171 Members (170 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 14 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. 

IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

IRENA’s Medium Term Strategy set out an objective to lead accelerating energy transition towards the realization of climate, economic and social goals. The Agency engages with its Member States, including least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to advance energy transition, supporting their efforts towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while staying on the 1.5-degree temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. 

IRENA’s Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) engages and works with IRENA Member Countries. CEP supports them in the development and implementation of national and regional strategies on energy transition and development, by contextualizing the knowledge being developed in the other three technical divisions of IRENA, to the national and where relevant regional requirements. CEP enables a systematic assessment and definition of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future strategic and programmatic priorities.

The Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA) initiative serves as a global platform for enhancing dialogue, cooperation and coordinated action between geothermal industry, policy makers and geothermal stakeholders, where IRENA acts as the coordinator and facilitator of the initiative. GGA aims at increasing the share of geothermal energy in the global energy mix through both geothermal electricity generation and direct use of geothermal heat. The GGA constituency has expanded to include 56 member countries and 59 partner institutions across the globe. In an effort to unlock geothermal investments on a global scale, the Alliance aims to provide customised support to regions and countries with geothermal market potential, facilitate the exchange of insights and experience among key stakeholders in the geothermal energy value chain, and provide technical assistance, advisory and capacity building to foster an enabling environment for geothermal energy development.

The purpose of the Associate Professional Programme is to enable junior talented and promising university graduates and postgraduates to gain first-had experience in the work of IRENA and a deeper insight into the role of the Agency in promoting the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. The Programme offers valuable exposure to IRENA’s main activities and programmatic areas. The Agency will also benefit from gaining new and motivated members of staff, bringing new skills and perspectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Division Director and direct supervision of the Programme Officer (P4), Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), the Associate Professional will be responsible for the following duties:

• Programme Coordination and Implementation
  • Support the coordination and implementation of the GGA work programme, including direct-use applications, heating and cooling strategies and capacity building initiatives.
  • Support the implementation of other multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives facilitated or supported by IRENA under the GGA framework. 
  • Maintain the focal point and country activities database. 
• Research, Development of Knowledge Products and Reporting
  • Support the design and delivery of geothermal technical assistance and capacity building activities at country, regional and thematic levels.
  • Support the preparation of meeting summaries, country briefs, talking points, presentations, and official correspondence. 

• Event Management
  • Support the organization and execution of workshops, technical meetings, high-level events, and other activities, including the preparation of concept notes, outreach and logistical arrangements.
• Communication and Outreach
  • Support outreach to GGA members and partners.
  • Manage the GGA website, LinkedIn, and other accounts.
  • Contribute to the development of social media and outreach materials, including tweets, press releases, op-eds, videos, social media posts.
• Additional Tasks
  • Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: A first-level university degree or a Masters’ degree (or equivalent) in engineering, geology, renewable energy, sustainable development, natural science, or related field. A first-level university degree or a Masters’ degree in other subjects may also be acceptable in combination with qualifying experience.

Experience: Up to two years of relevant professional experience in geothermal energy, renewable energy, energy policy, technical cooperation, research, project support or a related area is required. High proficiency in standard office software is required. Experience in geothermal energy, stakeholder engagement, or support to international programmes is desirable.

Language: Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of partnerships, energy transition and climate action principles and practices. Ability to conduct research and analysis with minimal guidance. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence in subject matter and pays attention to detail; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

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 decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight, and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Eligibility

Applicants should be no more than 32 years of age at the time of submitting their applications.

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 shortlisted. 

Due to the high number of applications, only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.

Applications from qualified women, especially from nationals of developing countries, are highly encouraged.