Intern, Renewable Energy Resource Assessment

Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Indicative Remuneration\:         Monthly stipend and accommodation allowance[1]

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 160 Members (159 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 23 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

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, developing renewable energy statistics, giving input to advisory services that the Agency provides to its member states and at regional levels, developing and operating knowledge tools and analysis services for project facilitation and targeted engagement with the private sector and civil society.

The Global Atlas platform continues to evolve both in the scope of renewable energy resource datasets available on the platform and in the number and kind of support services available to the member states. As a platform, it currently hosts more than 2000 renewable energy resource maps and has been used so far by more than 200,000 professionals worldwide. The Global Atlas is currently expanded with one additional tool, a city level solar PV rooftop simulator (hereafter, called SolarCity Simulator), which is aimed at helping to assess the business cases for solar energy in urban development planning at the level of cities. The Global Atlas geospatial and time-series services – suitability analysis and site appraisals – have also supported several countries in identifying prospective zones and in screening several potential sites for solar and wind projects.

Objectives of the Internship Assignment

The intern will provide support to the work of the Resource Assessment unit in 2020, particularly in the development of one or more of the following services\: site assessments, Solar City simulator, and Global Atlas.

Particular Functions

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

• Supporting the Global Atlas development.
• Supporting the development of the SolarCity simulator for the rooftop PV system.
• Supporting the development of the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) variant of site assessment service.
• Supporting with literature review on the feasibility analysis – rooftop solar PV and utility-scale projects.
• Supporting the team with relevant resource assessment tasks as required.

Learning Areas

During the internship period, the successful applicant will develop a deep understanding of renewable energy resources and processes of delivering the Global Atlas and/or Solar City Simulator platforms to member countries, including potential analysis, site assessment. The intern will also be able to develop further their skills related to research, analytical thinking, modeling, and communication.

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 is 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 communications 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 energy, engineering, or other related fields with good understanding of renewable energy resources.
• 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, Bonn, Germany or New York, USA.

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

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

Candidates who are interested in this assignment and meet the minimum requirements 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. 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.