Apply for the Paid IRENA Internship, Planning for the Global Energy Transition
Closing Date: 20 August 2024
Apply for the Paid IRENA Internship, Planning for the Global Energy Transition
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 169 Members (168 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 15 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. To achieve this goal, IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) has provided a range of insights on possible paths for such a transformation, spanning multiple geographic areas, sectors and topics. Models, scenarios, and planning processes play key roles in the development of transition paths.
Against this background, the Energy Planning Support and Power Sector Transformation (EPPST) team in IRENA provides energy planning capacity-building support around the world. This includes a wide range of on-the-ground activities, such as regional training workshops and support for countries in developing national energy master plans. As part of this work, the EPPST team develops, maintains, and supports the use of an in-house long-term electricity generation capacity expansion model called the System Planning Test (SPLAT) model, built with the MESSAGE modelling software. To-date the SPLAT models have been developed for 50 African countries and are being used in the making of the African Continental Power Systems Master Plan (CMP) and the ongoing IRENA’s Regional Energy Transition Outlook (RETO) studies on Africa.
Objectives of the IRENA Internship Assignment
The intern will contribute in a wide range of projects under the thematic category of Planning for the Global Energy Transition. Two main work areas will be the development and application of IRENA’s capacity expansion models in Africa and the ongoing capacity building programmes across Africa in 2024-25.
Particular Functions
In line with the objectives outlined above, the intern will contribute to the day-to-day work under the thematic category of Planning for the Global Energy Transition, including:
- Support in researching, collecting and preparing energy and power system data to support the application of IRENA tools in Africa
- Support in literature review and research on the various dimensions of long-term energy system planning for higher integration of renewable technologies.
- Support in the development and testing of IRENA SPLAT models and associated software tools
- Support in the analysis of long-term energy modelling results for Africa
- Support in the preparation and delivery of workshops
- Performing other duties as required.
Learning Areas
During the internship period, the successful applicant will develop a deep understanding of long-term energy modelling and scenario development processes applied to Africa. The intern will also be able to further develop their skills related to research, analytical thinking, drafting, meeting organization, and communications.
Timeframe
The IRENA internship is for a period of six months commencing as soon as possible. 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 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.
- Preference is given to candidates studying in the fields of energy modelling, energy policy, economics, or another relevant field with good understanding of renewable energy.
- Candidates must be fluent in English (both oral and written) and demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills. A working knowledge of French is an advantage.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic code is an advantage.
- Knowledge of Python or similar programming language is an advantage.
- Knowledge of GIS software is an advantage.
- Knowledge of virtual event software is an advantage.
- 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.
- Candidates should indicate in their cover letter their period of availability.
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