Intern Innovation and End-use Sectors

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC)

Publication/Transmission Date\:           18 May 2022

Deadline for Application\:                        1 June 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

Title and Grade\:                                       Intern Innovation and End-use Sectors

Indicative Remuneration\:                       Monthly stipend[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 167 Members (166 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 17 additional States in the process of accession and actively engaged.

The Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) 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. Over the next decades, every part of the energy-related systems will be affected by changes in demand and consumption, developments in climate policy and continuous technological advancements.

Objectives of the Internship Assignment

IRENA is seeking highly skilled and motivated interns to work in the Innovation and end-use sectors team of the IRENA Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC). The interns will provide support to the programmatic work of the pillar Centre of Excellence for Energy Transformation, particularly in the implementation of the effective policy and decision-making by providing authoritative knowledge and analyses on renewables-based energy transformation at global, national and sectoral level, for selected activities taking place in 2022.

Particular Functions

Under the supervision of IRENA staff, the interns are expected to perform a range of technical, analytical and organizational functions in one or more of the following five thematic areas\:

• Electrification of the end-use sectors (i.e., building, industries and transport)
• Decarbonization of energy intensive industries (i.e., steel, cement, chemicals)
• Innovation in electric vehicles, heat pumps and green hydrogen
• Assessment of critical materials for the energy transition (focus on scarcity and supply chain)
• Deployment, development and diffusion of offshore renewables technologies

Expected tasks where the intern will contribute are\:

• Contributing in drafting reports (i.e., innovation-driven case study)
• Conducting literature reviews
• Desktop research on technology-driven innovations in key sectors
• Supporting the team in review/design/editing reports
• Gathering and processing data
• Providing input on industrial strategies and policy recommendations
• Supporting the delivery and organization of outreach activities (i.e., workshops, webinar, events, etc.)
• Preparing presentations based on in-house knowledge
• Providing analytical and organizational support to other ad-hoc activities of the team 

Learning Areas

During the internship period, the successful applicant will develop a deep understanding of the technology-driven innovations available to be scaled up at global level, including, in particular, issues related to the challenges and opportunities in countries that are at the forefront of the global energy transition. The intern will also be able to further develop their research, analytical, drafting, organizational and communication skills.

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 team. 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 the ability to work in teams, have planning and organizational skills, demonstrate professionalism, as well as analytical and communications skills.
• Candidates must be able to work in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Preference is given to candidates studying in a field related to renewable energy, such as economics, development studies, environmental sciences, international relations, engineering, technology, or other related fields with good understanding of renewable energy and international cooperation.
• Knowledge of electrification, green hydrogen and/or synthetic fuels and their use within industrial sectors or knowledge on materials criticality for the energy transition would be an asset for some tasks.
• 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) remotely from his/her current location.

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, 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 from nationals of LDC and SIDS countries.