Ms. Elizabeth Press is the Director of Planning and Programme Support at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). As part of her portfolio, Ms. Press leads the development of IRENA’s Work Programme and strategic documents, and programmatic reporting to governing bodies. She oversees the diversification of the Agency’s resource base to ensure alignment with the Agency’s mandate and strategic direction. Ms. Press represents IRENA in global or thematic entities and initiatives and coordinates IRENA’s work on climate. She is also IRENA’s focal point in Europe; namely, at the EC level and with Germany as Host Country.

Ms. Press joined IRENA in November 2010 and was a member of the team that led the transition from the Preparatory Commission to becoming a full-fledged Agency in April 2011. Prior to joining IRENA, Ms. Press had some 18 years of international experience, mainly with the United Nations, in the field of development, humanitarian assistance, rule of law and political affairs. She has served in HQ duty stations in New York, USA and Geneva, Switzerland as well as in different field locations, including Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cambodia, and Kosovo. Ms. Press holds an MA in Public Administration.