Intern, Energy Access

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP)

 

 

Publication Date\:                       31 August 2021

Deadline for Application\:          14 September 2021  

Title and Grade\:                         Intern, Energy Access

Indicative Remuneration\:          Monthly stipend[1]

Duration of Appointment\:          6 Months

Duty Station\:                               Remote Internship   

Date for Entry on Duty\:              As soon as possible

Background

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. 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. At present, IRENA has 165 Members (164 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 19 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

 

Country Engagement and Partnerships Division (CEP) is the Agency’s window to Members and partners worldwide and leads the engagement with countries at national, regional and sub-regional levels. It supports them in the development and implementation of national and regional renewable energy initiatives, by contextualizing the knowledge, analyses, data and methodologies being developed in the other three programmatic divisions of IRENA to local / regional requirements for change on the ground. This requires both substantive understanding of local circumstances and thorough knowledge of actors. Its activities enable a systematic overview of country and regional needs, experiences and trends to help facilitate cross-fertilization of best practices between countries and regions, and shape IRENA's future programmatic priorities.

One of the important functions of the Division is to pursue strategic, result-oriented partnerships with various regional and local organisations and development partners active in the renewables area to achieve long-term impact in its work on the ground through leveraging efforts and resources, maximizing synergies and complementarities, and avoiding possible duplication. Among others, the Division coordinates and facilitates the implementation of a number of multi-stakeholder partnership platforms, including, the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI), the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA), initiatives promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions that includes leading the organisation of the International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC). Furthermore, the division also carries out initiatives themed on the nexus of renewable energy and Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Health, Food Security, etc.) at country and regional levels and through multi-stakeholder partnership initiatives.

 

Objective and Particular functions

Under the overall coordination of the Division Director and direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships, the intern will be expected to carry out the following tasks\:

• Support the team on the implementation of initiatives focusing the energy access and the nexus with healthcare, food and water security, humanitarian and peace-keeping operations and other social and developmental priorities;
• Support in the team in the coordination, preparation, organization and implementation of physical and / or virtual events, particularly, but not limited to, the International Off-Grid Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition (IOREC) as well as national and regional validation workshops related to the energy access workstream;
• Under the guidance of the team, carry out tasks pertaining to updating energy access and energy nexus initiatives on the IRENA website;
• support in internal coordination and tracking of ongoing and planned activities of the energy access / decentralised renewables team, preparing weekly updates and making summaries of key internal and partner meetings;
• Carry out research and data gathering on various energy access related topics as needed
• Perform any other tasks assigned.

Learning Areas

During the internship period, the successful applicant will develop an understanding of how IRENA collaborates with external entities for promotion of renewable energy as well as delivery on projects and initatives pertaining to deployment of decentralised renewable energy solutions for universal access to energy and in the context of various developmental priorities. The applicant will also develop analytical, organising, monitoring, reporting, research and communications skills.

 Timeframe

The internship is for a period of six months. The exact start date/period will be determined based on the availability of the intern and the needs of the Division. The maximum duration of the internship is nine months, subject to the intern’s continued university enrolment and performance and requirement by the agency.

 

Minimum Requirements

The candidate must meet the following requirements\:

• The candidate should be enrolled in a post-graduate programme, or in their final year of undergraduate programme. Recent graduates will also be considered provided the start date of the internship is less than six months from completion of their studies.
• Preference will be given to candidates studying in the fields of renewable energy, economics, environmental and social sciences, engineering, project management or other related fields.
• The candidate should be aware of and understand energy and/or socioeconomics of development, renewable energy technologies (particularly solar energy); possess experience of carrying out research as well as drafting, preparing and reviewing of reports. Relevant knowledge of project coordination and renewable energy development is desirable.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of other UN languages, particularly French, would be an advantage. 
• Demonstrate good writing and communication skills.
• Competencies\: Candidates should demonstrate solid teamwork, planning and organizing, professionalism and communications skills.
• Demonstrate solid teamwork, planning and organising, professionalism.
• Be able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.

Other Requirements

• The candidate should be able to work on IRENA Secretariat time-zone (GMT 4)
• Candidates should indicate in their cover letter the period of availability.

Internship Conditions

IRENA internships may be remunerated if an intern is not already sponsored by their government, university or institution.   In such cases, the intern is requested to indicate their sponsorship in their cover letter.

The selected intern will work remotely on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) as per the working hours of IRENA premises in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Application Procedure

Qualified candidates must apply for the above-mentioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, Taleo by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest.

IRENA wishes to encourage applications from female candidates, especially from nationals of LDC and SIDS countries.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for an interview and will receive notice of the outcome of the selection process.

[1] If the selected intern is not otherwise sponsored will be remunerated at a rate of USD 1,200 monthly.