Team Lead, Policy and Finance

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 315,000 - 358,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global agency for renewable energy is seeking a Director for its Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre to oversee cutting-edge analysis in renewable energy policy and finance. The ideal candidate will have an advanced university degree, over seven years of relevant experience in policy research, and proven drafting skills in English. This position plays a crucial role in contributing to international energy transformation efforts and requires strong teamwork and client-oriented skills.

Benefits

Rental subsidy

Education grant for children

Health insurance

Annual leave

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years in policy research or development, preferably in the energy sector.
• Proven track record in producing peer-reviewed publications is an asset.
• Excellent command of English; knowledge of other languages desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead new analysis topics in energy transition policy and finance.
• Draft high-quality analytical reports covering renewable energy trends.
• Provide policy recommendations to accelerate renewable deployment.

Skills

Policy and market trends knowledge

Independent research

Excellent drafting skills in English

Collaboration and teamwork

Client orientation

Education

Advanced University degree in energy policy or equivalent

Job description

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 (b) Post Adjustment: USD 50,239.77 to USD 56,799.26

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

• 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 ongoing 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 online, 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.

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[1] IRENA provides similar ICSC benefits and entitlements, including rental subsidy, education grant (for school‑aged children), annual leave, health insurance, provident fund, etc. as would be applicable.

[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.