Job Description

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication Date: 15 July 2026

Deadline for Application: 14 August 2026

Title and Grade: Head of Energy and Socioeconomic Outlooks, IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre, P5

Indicative Annual Salary: (a) Annual Net Salary: US$ 103,164.96 to US$ 114,804[1]

(b) Post Adjustment: USD 39,512.16 to USD 43,969.92[2]

Duration of Appointment: Two years, with possible extension

Duty Station: Bonn, Germany

Expected Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. At present, IRENA has 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 14 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged. IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

The IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC), hosted in Bonn, Germany, is one of the Agency’s four programmatic divisions. IITC serves as a hub of expertise for renewable energy technology and innovation, supporting IRENA Members in navigating the global energy transformation. Working in close collaboration with other IRENA divisions, IITC covers a broad spectrum of areas, including renewable energy roadmaps, power system transformation, project development, innovation, standards and quality assurance, as well as the costing and competitiveness of renewable energy technologies.

IITC provides cutting-edge insights into emerging renewable energy technologies and innovation pathways, translating technical knowledge into practical, policy-relevant tools for governments, industry, and other stakeholders. The Centre produces continually updated cost and performance data for renewable energy technologies, assists with energy technology planning and project development, and develops strategies to accelerate innovation and improve the effectiveness of renewable energy deployment.

Through its work, IITC strengthens IRENA’s engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders, ensuring that the latest technological developments are effectively harnessed to advance the global transition to a sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon energy future.

The Head of Energy and Socioeconomic Outlooks leads IRENA’s analytical work on energy transition outlooks, scenario development and modelling, ensuring that all outputs are methodologically sound, policy relevant and aligned with the Agency’s strategic priorities. It provides overall direction for integrated analysis of energy system transformation to net zero, covering renewable deployment, power sector development, decarbonization, and electrification of end-use sectors, grid expansion, flexibility needs, and sector coupling. The role also includes overseeing multidisciplinary teams, managing programme delivery, and representing IRENA externally to strengthen evidence-based policy making and international collaboration on the energy transition.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Director of IITC, the Head of Energy and Socio-Economic Outlooks will fulfil the following duties and responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and delivery of IRENA’s flagship outlooks (world, regional, national), scenario analyses and roadmaps, ensuring that outputs are analytically robust, policy relevant and aligned with the Agency’s strategic priorities, Medium-Term Strategy and Work Programme.
• Provide strategic leadership for analytical work on long-term energy system transformation, including renewable energy deployment, electrification of end use sectors, sector coupling, sustainable fuels and transition pathways away from fossil fuels.
• Oversee and guide IRENA’s energy system, power sector and socio-economic modelling frameworks, ensuring methodological soundness, transparency and consistency with international best practice.
• Apply advanced expertise in energy modelling, including thorough knowledge of advanced algorithms, machine learning and large language models.
• Direct modelling and integrated analysis across key dimensions of the energy transition, including renewables, transport, buildings, industry, and new electricity demand such as data centers, linking them to power system transformation, to support a more comprehensive understanding of infrastructure and system requirements.
• Lead analysis of renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification and clean energy technology pathways, including investment needs and socio-economic, environmental, system impacts
• Translate analytical findings into practical insights for planning, policy and investment decision-making through impactful communication.
• Lead and supervise a multidisciplinary team of professionals, experts and consultants, ensuring high-quality outputs, effective collaboration, efficient use of resources and timely delivery of programme activities.
• Strengthen the engagement with governments, national experts, research institutions, modelling communities and international organizations to enhance the quality and relevance of IRENA’s analytical work.
• Promote the uptake and implementation of outlooks and roadmaps through engagement with policy makers and other stakeholders at national, regional and global levels. Oversee the preparation of reports, briefing materials, presentations, and other communication products to support analysis, outreach, and institutional visibility.
• Provide substantive support and communicate in consultative meetings, conferences and international expert forums, including preparation of documents, presentations, and technical inputs, and represent IRENA in such forums as required.
• Contribute to programme planning, development of project proposals, resource mobilization, and other related responsibilities in support of the division’s work.

• Performs other duties as required

  Competencies:

• Professionalism 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; 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.
• Accountability Stands accountable for the accuracy and completeness of information under his/her control and handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner; takes ownership for all responsibilities and honour 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; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.
• Planning and 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; uses time efficiently.
• 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 on going developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed.

Qualification Requirements:

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in energy economics, engineering, modelling, environmental sciences or related field. PhD desirable. In-depth knowledge of energy supply and demand dynamics and energy technology deployment, and understanding of technology and policy issues related to energy transitions in both power and end-use sectors. In-depth knowledge of macroeconomic modelling and economic policies relates to energy transition , security, and climate change

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in energy system modelling or scenario analysis and a proven track record of producing major outlooks or scenario analyses and publications.

Ability to develop and sustain a constructive dialogue with stakeholders and to deliver under high pressure in a rapidly changing policy environment. Proven experience of working with governments and/or international organizations. Proven ability to lead complex multi-stakeholder projects and multidisciplinary teams. Experience in project proposal development and donor-funded activities desirable.

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

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.