Job Opportunity in the UAE: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Opportunity in the United Arab Emirates: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
If you are looking for a Job Opportunity in the UAE within one of the most important international organizations in the field of renewable energy, this position could represent a qualitative leap in your professional career. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), headquartered in Abu Dhabi, has announced a vacancy for the position of Head of Policy and Finance Team within the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC), offering a competitive international salary and benefits package and the opportunity to work in a multicultural environment in the heart of the UAE capital.
This announcement is directed at experts in energy policy, sustainable finance, and researchers in the field of energy transition who possess strong research and advisory experience and wish to join a leading international institution contributing to the global transition toward clean energy.
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Overview of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Its Global Role
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to accelerating the global transition toward the widespread and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy.
The Agency aims to:
Support sustainable development and low-carbon economic growth.
Enhance global energy security.
Provide a platform for cooperation among governments, the private sector, and civil society.
Act as a center of excellence for knowledge and innovation in renewable energy.
The Agency currently comprises 170 members (169 countries plus the European Union), in addition to other countries in the process of joining and actively participating in the Agency’s programs and activities, making it a global reference in renewable energy policy and finance.
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Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) – The Environment You Will Work In
The Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) serves as the Agency’s analytical and intellectual arm. The Centre focuses on:
Collecting and analyzing renewable energy market data.
Developing knowledge platforms and interactive tools to support decision-makers.
Conducting advanced policy and finance analyses related to energy system transformation.
Supporting Member States through evidence-based advisory services and scientific analysis.
Engaging effectively with the private sector and civil society to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions.
Within this framework, the Centre’s Policy Unit provides forward-looking analyses of current and future renewable energy trends and their impact on achieving public policy objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
Details of the Job Opportunity in the UAE
Job Title: Head of Policy and Finance Team
Centre/Department: Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)
Duty Station: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Type and Duration of Appointment: One-year contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs
Application Deadline: 13 February 2026 (midnight Abu Dhabi time)
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible after completion of the selection and recruitment process
This is a high-level job opportunity in the UAE, aimed at experienced candidates capable of leading a multidisciplinary team and producing high-quality analyses in the fields of policy and finance related to the energy transition.
Salary and Financial Benefits
The International Renewable Energy Agency offers an attractive financial package in accordance with the United Nations system and the International Civil Service Commission, including:
Net annual salary: Approximately between USD 86,027 and USD 97,259.
Post Adjustment (Cost-of-Living Allowance): Approximately between USD 50,239.77 and USD 56,799.26 per year, calculated as a percentage of the base salary to reflect the cost of living in Abu Dhabi.
When combining the net annual salary with the post adjustment, the selected candidate receives a generous international compensation package paid in local currency in accordance with United Nations regulations in the UAE, making this job opportunity in the UAE suitable for experts seeking stable international salaries in a modern living environment.
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Benefits of Working in the UAE with IRENA
Working in this position in Abu Dhabi offers a range of important non-financial benefits, including:
Family Accompaniment:
United Nations regulations generally allow international staff at these grades to apply for family-related benefits, such as accompaniment of eligible spouses and children, in accordance with applicable rules.International Health Insurance:
Health insurance coverage is provided for the staff member, and often for eligible dependent family members, within the framework of international staff benefits.Education Benefits for Children:
Under International Civil Service Commission regulations, the staff member may benefit from an education grant for school-age children, subject to specific conditions.Paid Annual Leave:
The staff member is entitled to paid annual leave in accordance with international staff leave schedules.Work Visa and Residency Procedures:
The Agency assists with the official arrangements required to obtain work and residence visas in the United Arab Emirates in line with applicable legal frameworks.Travel Tickets at the Beginning and End of Service:
The benefits package often includes international travel tickets for the staff member (and sometimes eligible family members) upon appointment and upon separation, in accordance with approved regulations.International Working Environment in Abu Dhabi:
This position offers the opportunity to live and work in a modern, developed city, within an international professional community comprising experts from around the world.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Head of Policy and Finance Team
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre, and under the general guidance of the Centre Director, the Head of Team will be responsible for:
Identifying new and innovative research topics in renewable energy policy and finance.
Developing models and analyses that take into account differences among countries in terms of priorities, economic structures, and social contexts.
Drafting detailed analytical reports and policy papers.
Developing capacity-building tools (workshops, guidelines, training materials) for Member States.
Coordinating side events during Assembly meetings, Council meetings, and other international forums.
Participating in international, regional, and national conferences and workshops.
Building a network of relationships with representatives of Member States, international organizations, financial institutions, and private-sector stakeholders.
Seeking suitable employment opportunities by starting with the right steps through professional platforms and international job opportunities.
Required Competencies and Skills
1. Professional Competence
In-depth understanding of renewable energy markets and technologies, and issues related to their deployment and financing.
Knowledge of public policies related to energy and sustainable development at both national and international levels.
Proven ability to conduct independent research and produce high-quality analytical reports and scientific publications.
2. Communication Skills
Excellent command of English, both written and spoken (mandatory).
Ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Willingness to listen, ask clarifying questions, and adapt communication style to the context.
3. Teamwork
Proven experience working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
Respect for others’ expertise, and willingness to share knowledge and engage in continuous learning.
Shared responsibility for team outcomes and commitment to collective decisions.
4. Accountability
Commitment to delivering tasks in line with defined time, budget, and quality standards.
Responsibility for decisions taken and team outputs.
Adherence to the rules and regulations of the International Renewable Energy Agency.
5. Client Focus (Member States and Partners)
Treating Member States and partner entities as “clients” whose needs must be understood.
Building long-term partnerships based on trust and transparency.
Monitoring developments in their operating environments to anticipate challenges and propose practical solutions.
Required Academic Qualifications and Professional Experience
Academic Qualification
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field, such as:
Energy policy.
Energy or environmental economics.
Sustainable or green finance.
Engineering with a clear focus on energy systems or renewable energy.
A first university degree may be accepted if supported by strong and relevant professional experience in related fields.
Professional Experience
At least seven years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
Public policy research or energy policy.
Program and policy development in the energy or development sector.
Writing analytical reports and strategic studies.
Language
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is essential.
Knowledge of additional languages (such as Arabic, French, Spanish, etc.) is considered an added advantage that enhances the candidate’s prospects.
How to Apply for This Job Opportunity in the UAE
To apply for this job opportunity in the UAE with the International Renewable Energy Agency, qualified candidates are required to:
1. Apply through IRENA’s electronic recruitment portal (ORC system):
Create a user account (if not already registered).
Complete the online application form with all required information accurately.
2. Upload a detailed and up-to-date curriculum vitae:
Clearly outlining academic qualifications and relevant professional experience.
Including a list of key research outputs, publications, or projects in energy policy or sustainable finance.
3. Attach a cover letter:
Explaining the reasons for interest in the position.
Demonstrating how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
Highlighting the added value you can bring to the Agency.
4. Provide details of three professional referees:
Names of referees.
Current positions.
Official contact information.
Referees will be contacted if the candidate is shortlisted.
5. Adhere to the application deadline:
Applications must be completed before 13 February 2026 (midnight Abu Dhabi time).
Late applications are generally not considered.
The Agency notes that only candidates who are seriously shortlisted will be contacted for the subsequent stages of the assessment process, and they will be informed of the results after completion of the selection process.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected
Highlight your experience in renewable energy policy and green project finance.
Include references or citations to published research or reports you have prepared (without violating privacy policies).
Focus in your cover letter on your understanding of IRENA’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the global energy transition.
Demonstrate your experience in managing multidisciplinary teams and working in international environments.
Ensure your application is free of language errors, particularly in English, as it is the main working language for this position.
Official Announcement
Apply now for the job
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