Interim Director - Administration and Management Services, D1

 

                                                                    Vacancy Announcement 

                                     Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 

                                             Division of Administration and Management Services

 

Publication Date:                              5 November 2026

Deadline for Application:                 18 November 2026 (at midnight Abu Dhabi local time) 

Title and Grade:                                Interim Director - Administration and Management Services, D1 

Indicative Net Annual Salary:          (a) Annual Net Salary: 117,953 to USD 124,798

                                                           (b) Post Adjustment: USD 65,935 to USD 69,762 and other benefits

Duration of Appointment:                Temporary appointment of up 6 months, pending completion of the recruitment for the regular post, with                                                                                                   possible extension subject to the Staff Regulations and Rules 

Duty Station:                                      Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Date for 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. IRENA has 173 Members (172 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute.

The Division of Administration and Management Services provides the Secretariat with efficient support in managing its human and financial resource and ensures effective and timely delivery of information technology, procurement and logistical services.

This temporary appointment is intended to ensure continuity of leadership of the Division while recruitment for the regular Director position is completed. The incumbent will exercise the full responsibilities of the position, within the authority delegated by the Director-General. Appointment duration is indicative and subject to applicable Staff Regulations and Rules.

Under the guidance of the Director-General, the Interim Director of Administration and Management Services:

1. Coordinates the delivery of support services by guiding, monitoring and overseeing performance in the areas of finance, budget, human resources, procurement, travel, facilities maintenance, general administrative services and ICT support services;
2. Acts as principal adviser to the Director-General on all matters pertaining to support services and on established policies and procedures covering all aspects of financial, budgetary and human resources thus ensuring transparent and consistent implementation throughout the Secretariat;
3. Assists the Director-General by overseeing and coordinating  the preparation and presentation, as appropriate, of proposals, reports and related documentation on financial, budgetary, human resources and administrative matters to the Assembly, Council and relevant subsidiary bodies;
4. Represents the Director-General, within delegated authority, in negotiations and consultations on a full range of administrative and support matters with representatives of Member States and the Government of the host country;
5. Develops, reviews and recommends new policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure integration and efficient contribution of administrative efforts into the Agency’s core mandate;
6. Establishes guidelines, procedures, processes and tools that are consistent with IRENA’s policy and practice in order to ensure sound budget, accounting, financial and human resources management, and effective internal controls;
7. Deals with internal and external audits, plans and manages the implementation of relevant recommendations and reports on the status of the implementation;
8. Directs the staff of the Administration and Management Services Division by developing work plans, appraising performance, training and empowering them;
9. Ensures development, preparation, coordination and monitoring of overall work plans, strategies and programs for the Division and takes the lead in securing the required human and financial resources;
10. Provides guidance, supervision and mentoring to all administrative support and other staff in the areas of his/her responsibility;
11. Liaises with other international organizations and agencies to maintain cooperation and incorporate best practices in the development of IRENA’s administrative policies;
12. Performs related duties as may be required by the Director-General.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of administrative, budgetary, financial, logistical and human resources policies and procedures; ability to provide specialized advice on a broad range of administrative issues; shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 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.

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: 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; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies

priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities where necessary; 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; uses time efficiently.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Managerial Competencies

Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

 

Qualifications

Education: Advanced university degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting, law or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in administration, budget, finance, human resources, logistics, information and communications technology, or related field, including significant senior management responsibilities. Experience in an international or intergovernmental organisation, including engagement with governing bodies and Member States, is desirable.

Language: Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other languages is desirable.

 

                                                                                                                *** 

Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualified candidates must apply for the above mentioned vacancy on-line, 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.

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.