Intern, Accelerating Energy Innovation in End-Use Sectors

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) Division

Publication/Transmission Date:   16 December 2024

Deadline for Application:               30 December 2024 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade:                             Intern, Accelerating Energy Innovation in End-Use Sectors

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 headquartered in Abu Dhabi, mandated to promote the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA’s mission is to play a leading role in the ongoing transformation of the global energy systems as a centre of excellence for knowledge and innovation, a global voice of renewable energy, a network hub for all stakeholders and a source of advice and support for countries. 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 Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) located in Bonn, Germany is responsible for the provision of the means for an accelerated renewable energy technology uptake, considering national conditions of resource endowment, social and economic frameworks. In accordance with the IRENA Statute, activities in this field include analysis of renewable energy technology policies; dissemination of information and increased awareness; technologies and equipment overview and assessment of success-failure factors; improved pertinent knowledge and technology transfer, and joint RD&D and provision of information about the development and deployment of national and international technical standards in relation to renewable energy.

Objectives of the Internship Assignment

The internship post is positioned within the Innovation and End-use applications unit, with a focus on decarbonisation of hard to abate sectors. The appointed intern will support the unit’s work towards IRENA’s objective ‘to be the centre of excellence for energy transformation’ and in particular to the area ‘Accelerating Innovation in End-Use Sectors’.

Particular Functions

In line with the objectives outlined above, the intern is expected to perform a range of organisational and technical functions, including but not limited to:

• Contribute to research, analysis and reporting on options (technological and non-technological) and enabling conditions (market, policy, research and development, etc.) for the decarbonization of hard to abate end-use sectors like shipping and aviation, and particularly on the role of synthetic fuels vs biofuels. 
  • Prepare written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Supporting the delivery of IRENA’s flagship event Innovation Week 2025, which will be held in early June 2025 in Bonn, Germany and will focus on the sustainable growth for tripling renewables. The support will include: 
  • Supporting the organisation and design of several sessions – shaping the objectives, format and content of the session, identifying and securing speakers and moderators, planning the logistics.
  • Supporting overall logistical arrangements, e.g. invitations, registration, delegate info (including their sponsorship), website, communications.
  • Supporting the running of the event – leading on or assisting with specific tasks.
  • Contributing to the drafting of key insights and policy recommendations from the specific sessions.
  • Capturing lessons learned and recommendations for future events. 
  • Supporting the development of opportunities to disseminate and increase the impact of IRENA’s products and lead on the delivery of specific tasks. 
• Providing logistical and analytical support to other activities in the Innovation team and programs within IRENA, as guided and requested by the line manager. 

Learning Areas

During the internship period, the successful applicant will develop a deep understanding of innovation as a driver of the energy transition, and in particular innovation relevant to the decarbonisation of end-use sectors. The intern will also be able to further develop their skills related to research, analytical thinking, drafting, organisation, team working and communication.

Timeframe

The internship is for a period of six 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 in a subject area relevant to the renewable energy at the time of application and for the duration of the internship and recent graduates may also be included in the programme provided the start date of the internship is less than six months since their graduation.
• Preference is given to candidates studying in the fields of energy policy, engineering (with a focus on energy), economics, or another relevant field with a good understanding of the energy transition and innovation in renewable energy systems.
• Candidates must be fluent in English (both oral and written) and demonstrate strong writing and communication skills; knowledge of other languages is an advantage.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong organisational and interpersonal skills, experience of successfully working with diverse groups, including senior stakeholders.
• Candidates must be able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to work, observe deadlines, prioritise competing priorities and achieve results.
• 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 Bonn, Germany. 

For more detailed information about 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 on-line, 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 from nationals of LDC and SIDS countries.