Vacancy Announcement
Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Office of the Director-General (ODG)
Publication/Transmission Date: 28 July 2025
Deadline For Application: 18 August 2025 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Time)
Title and Grade: Advisor to the Director-General, P-4
Indicative Annual Salary: (a) Annual Net Salary[1]: USD 84,672 to USD 95,727
(b) Post Adjustment[2]: USD 49,448.45 to USD 55,904.57
Duration of Appointment: Two years (with possible extension subject to availability of funds)
Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transitions, and provides state of the art data and analysis on technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment. IRENA drives the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, and energy security, for economic and social resilience and prosperity and a climate-proof future. Today, the Agency’s membership base stands at 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) with an additional 14 States in the process of accession.
This position is in the Office of the Director-General, Direct Support Unit and reports directly to the Director-General.
Duties and Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and under the guidance of the Director-General, the Advisor will support the efficient functioning of the Direct Support Unit and contribute to the coordination and preparation of inputs, communications, and outreach. Responsibilities include::
- Manages the day-to-day coordination and operational oversight of the Direct Support Unit;
- Coordinates the planning and organization of the Director-General day-to-day activities;
- Manages the team in the Direct Support Unit to ensure efficient service is provided to the Director-General;
- Supports liaison with senior officials of Members and ensure a response to requests for advice and/or assistance within the area of responsibility;
- Provides inputs to departments and divisions in drafting materials for the Director-General, such as speeches and talking points;
- Reviews and ensures quality control and high-quality standards of outputs and communications that emanate from the Direct Support Unit in terms of quality, political impact, substance or presentation;
- Ensures that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data, and meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with relevant mandates.
- Supervises the planning, organization and coordination of the Director-General’s activities and schedules; oversee the substantive, logistical and administrative preparations of the Director-general's travel and missions;
- Ensures active and open communication to and from the Direct Support Unit and keep the Director-General informed of critical issues requiring attention, and intervention;
- Liaises with representatives of Members, partner organizations, and international institutions, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on matters of strategic interest;
- Responds to relevant correspondence; ensure timely follow-up of directives and dissemination of information to relevant stakeholders; receive official communications addressed to the Director-General, review and follow up as appropriate; ensure prompt and efficient communication and coordination with divisions/offices on requests received by the Direct Support Unit;
- Manages and mentor staff under his/her supervision, in order to foster teamwork and communication among staff in the division, and across the Agency.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
- Professionalism: Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, making conclusions and recommendations and performing extensive advisory function; good analytical and problem solving skills; ability to develop policies and work plans, and to monitor and coordinate progress of their implementation; familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources; ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.
- Communication: 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: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally in a multicultural and multi-ethnic environment; Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; Demonstrates ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; demonstrates planning and organization skills, especially ability to organize own work and handle multiple concurrent issues; uses time efficiently.
Qualifications:
- Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international affairs, political science, public administration, communications, economics or related field. 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 at national and international level, including in executive support, policy coordination, or strategic communication. Experience in intergovernmental or multilateral setting is desirable.
- Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
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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 an interview and will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process
[1] For more information on the Net Salary please visit the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) website http://icsc.un.org/.
[2] The post adjustment is a variable component that is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living in a duty station. Post adjustment multiplier for Abu Dhabi duty station is currently 58.4%, determined by the International Civil Service Commission and subject to change without prior notice. Other benefits include 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, health insurance scheme and rental subsidy. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and relocation expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, settling-in grant and other entitlements as applicable.
