Intern, Socioeconomic Modelling and Analysis

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

 

Publication/Transmission Date:     28 May 2024

Deadline for Application:                 11 June 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade:                                 Intern, Socioeconomic Modelling and Analysis

Indicative Remuneration:                 Monthly stipend and accommodation allowance[1]

Duration of Appointment:                6 Months

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. At present, IRENA has 169 Members (168 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 15 additional States in the process of accession. 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 of sustainable development, increased energy security, and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

IRENA’s Knowledge, Policy and Finance Center (KPFC) supports countries’ capacity to design long-term enabling renewable energy policy frameworks. Within this mandate, the focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms and conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for investment and growth in renewables. This entails analytical work on policy and finance, energy access, socio-economic benefits, building a gateway to knowledge, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society. 

Among different workstreams, analysing the socio-economic benefits of renewable energy are gaining prominence as a key consideration among decision-makers. IRENA’s work on measuring renewable energy benefits has played a key role in providing quantitative evidence of the positive impacts of this transition, particularly in terms of economic growth, welfare, and jobs. Since 2015, IRENA has been contributing to macroeconomic analysis from the REmap transition roadmap. The forthcoming analysis is expected to address an important knowledge gap by exploring, through macroeconomic models, the socio-economic impacts of increasing the transition ambition.

 

Objectives of the Internship Assignment

The intern will support the activities of the Socioeconomic modelling unit, particularly in the development of the country socioeconomic impact assessment model. 

Particular Functions 

Under the supervision of Programme Officer of the Socioeconomics Unit, the intern would fulfil the following responsibilities: 

1. Undertake analytical work on socio-economic issues related to the energy transition. The focus will be  on the impacts of renewable energy deployment and policy implications to promote a sustainable development path;
2. Prepare written outputs, participate and assist in outreach and communication activities (including webpage), and foresee the next steps and knowledge gaps to be filled;
3. Provide broader support to the day to day work of KPFC and IITC, in particular, conducting desk research when needed; and
4. Perform other tasks as required. 

Learning Areas

This internship will allow the intern to:

1. Gain in-depth understanding of policies and regulations to support off-grid renewable energy development, as well as of the linkages between policies and finance, renewable energy and development impacts in terms of poverty reduction and livelihoods. 
2. Contribute to the development of knowledge products targeting policy makers and decision makers. 
3. Improve analytical, research and writing skills.
4. Benefit from peer-to-peer exchange of experiences and expertise in renewable energy in a multi-cultural environment. 

Timeframe

The internship is for 6 months . The exact period will be determined based on the availability of the intern and the needs of the programme. The maximum duration of the internship is nine months, subject to the intern’s continued university enrolment and performance.

Minimum Requirements

• Candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree and be enrolled in a Master's or doctorate programme at a recognized university at the time of application and for the duration of the internship or have recently graduated and be accepted into the internship programme within six months of their graduation.
• Candidates must be fluent in English (both oral and written) and demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills.
• Competencies: Candidates should demonstrate solid teamwork, planning and organizing, professionalism and communication skills.
• Candidates must be able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Preference is given to candidates studying in the fields of environment, energy, economics and engineering; or other fields related to renewable energy;
• Excellent analytical, writing and editing skills
• 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.

Interns of IRENA are not considered to be staff members. The selected intern will work on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) at the IRENA premises in either Abu Dhabi, UAE.

For those interns selected for a posting in Abu Dhabi, IRENA will assist with visa clearance if possible. 

For more detailed information about the IRENA Internship Programme, please visit the internships section on our recruitment webpage.

Application Procedure

Candidates who are interested in this assignment and meet the minimum requirements must apply for the abovementioned vacancy online, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC, by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest. Due to the high number of applications, only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for a pre-recorded and/or telephone interview.

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