IRENA begins search for new DG as La Camera’s tenure nears end

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has commenced the search for a new director-general to lead the world’s foremost intergovernmental renewable energy organisation as the second and final term of its current chief, Francesco La Camera, draws to a close.

The Abu Dhabi-based agency has invited applications from qualified candidates capable of steering IRENA through an increasingly complex global energy landscape while accelerating the transition to renewable energy. The successful candidate will assume office in April 2027 following a global selection process.

In the vacancy announcement, IRENA said it is seeking a leader who is both “visionary and politically astute” to guide the agency through the next phase of the global energy transition.

“Potential candidates must be visionary and politically astute to lead the agency in accelerating the global transition to renewable energy.”

The agency said the next director-general will provide strategic leadership, strengthen IRENA’s international influence, represent the organisation at the highest political levels and oversee all programmatic, administrative and operational functions from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

La Camera, who assumed office in April 2019, is serving his second four-year term. Under IRENA’s statute, the director-general may serve a maximum of two terms, making the appointment one of the most consequential leadership transitions in the renewable energy sector.

Agency prepares for a changing global landscape
The recruitment comes as governments intensify efforts to expand renewable energy deployment amid growing concerns over climate change, energy security, and geopolitical uncertainty.

According to IRENA, its next chief will inherit an organisation that has become the leading global authority on renewable energy, with 171 members comprising 170 countries and the European Union.

The agency acknowledged that its next leader will face a more challenging international environment than ever before.

“The incoming Director-General will lead the agency through an increasingly complex international environment, marked by geopolitical volatility, evolving multilateral dynamics, and intensifying competition for resources and influence, while ensuring IRENA continues to deliver impact for its membership and the broader global community.”

IRENA added that the successful candidate will be responsible for implementing its current Medium-Term Strategy covering 2023-2027 while helping shape the organisation’s next strategic roadmap for 2028-2032.

Broad leadership mandate
The vacancy announcement outlines an extensive mandate for the next director-general, including strengthening IRENA’s position as the world’s leading authority on renewable energy and energy transitions.

Among the responsibilities are expanding international cooperation, promoting renewable energy deployment, representing the agency at global negotiations, strengthening partnerships with governments and development institutions, and ensuring sound financial and institutional management.

The organisation also wants its next chief to position IRENA at the forefront of technological innovation.

“Provide strategic leadership in advancing digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies across the energy sector, ensuring the Agency remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.”

The Director-General will also be expected to strengthen crisis management, improve institutional resilience and ensure that the agency remains agile in responding to global developments.

High bar for candidates
IRENA said prospective candidates must possess at least 15 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 10 years in senior management roles within governments, international organisations, the private sector or non-governmental organisations.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate extensive knowledge of renewable energy, climate finance and the global energy transition, while possessing exceptional diplomatic, communication and leadership skills.

The agency stressed that the role requires more than administrative competence.

“The role requires a leader with strategic understanding and outlook on renewable energy, strong diplomatic acumen and public speaking and communications skills, and the ability to navigate complex geopolitical environments.”

IRENA also said candidates should have “deep understanding of the global geopolitical landscape and its implications for the energy transition” together with the ability to build trust among governments and international partners.

Selection timetable
Applications close on July 5, 2026, after which shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in September before presenting their vision to the IRENA Council in October. Final interviews will take place during the agency’s 17th Assembly in January 2027.

The successful candidate is expected to assume office in April 2027 for an initial four-year term, renewable once.

Why it matters
The appointment comes at a critical point for the renewable energy sector as countries seek to deliver on commitments to accelerate clean energy deployment while balancing energy security, investment needs and economic growth.

The next Director-General will shape IRENA’s role in supporting governments with policy advice, investment mobilisation, technology deployment and international cooperation during one of the most significant periods of the global energy transition.

With renewable energy expected to play an increasingly central role in achieving climate and development goals, the agency’s next leader will have substantial influence over how countries collaborate to expand clean energy worldwide.