General Director

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director-General provides strategic leadership and global representation while ensuring effective implementation of IRENA’s mandate. The role requires:

• Strong understanding of renewable energy and energy transition.
• Exceptional diplomatic and political skills.
• High‑level communication and public speaking ability.
• Experience navigating complex geopolitical environments.
• Capacity to lead international and multicultural organizations.

The Director-General represents IRENA internationally and oversees all programmatic, operational, administrative, financial, and organizational functions.

The Director-General shall:

• Implement IRENA’s mandate, objectives, and activities.
• Deliver the Medium-Term Strategy and work programmes.
• Provide a clear vision and strategic direction for the Agency.
• Strengthen IRENA’s visibility, influence, and global standing.
• Position IRENA as a leading authority on renewable energy.
• Communicate effectively with media, partners, and stakeholders.
• Advance digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Strengthen institutional resilience and crisis management.
• Ensure innovation and organizational agility.
• Represent IRENA at high‑level international forums and negotiations.
• Build relationships with member states, regional organisations, development partners, and the private sector.
• Promote international cooperation and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop organisational capacity and attract top talent.
• Provide guidance on technologies, policies, financing, and partnerships.
• Oversee transparent management of finances and human resources.
• Improve organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead and inspire a diverse and multicultural workforce.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and inclusion.

Candidates must demonstrate:

• Intellectual leadership and strategic vision.
• Ability to drive change and innovation.
• Capacity to build trust and consensus.
• Success in multicultural environments.
• Proven achievement in international settings.
• Strong diplomatic judgment.

Candidates should possess:

• Exceptional diplomatic skills.
• Experience engaging ministers and heads of state.
• Understanding of geopolitical developments.
• Ability to anticipate political dynamics.
• Skill in managing sensitive international issues.
• Cultural intelligence and neutrality.

Required abilities include:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong public speaking abilities.
• Media engagement experience.
• Capacity to shape global agendas.
• Ability to develop compelling energy‑transition narratives.

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Experience managing large organisations and budgets.
• Commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Experience with organisational reforms.
• Ability to support staff development.
• Sound financial and risk management practices.
• Delivery of measurable organisational improvements.

The Director-General must demonstrate:

• Strong ethical leadership.
• Commitment to organisational integrity.
• Accountability for compliance.
• Protection of whistleblowing processes.
• Fair handling of ethical issues.
• Management of conflicts of interest.
• Confidentiality and discretion.
• Inclusive leadership.

Applicants should possess:

• At least 15 years of professional experience.
• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience.
• Experience in government, international organisations, the private sector, or NGOs.
• Experience managing large organisations in multicultural environments.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in:

• Energy systems
• Environmental sciences
• Economics
• Engineering
• Public policy
• Law
• Public administration
• International relations
• Related disciplines

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of renewable energy and global energy transition.
• Understanding of sustainable development.
• Knowledge of climate finance.
• Experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Strong analytical, leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to build consensus and manage political complexity.
• Cultural awareness and diplomatic judgment.
• Multilingual proficiency (considered an advantage).

Shortlisted candidates must complete a declaration of interests to identify any actual or potential conflicts involving:

• Personal interests
• Financial interests
• Professional relationships

The purpose is to ensure transparency, integrity, and public trust.