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IRENA is recruiting for an Intern – Accelerating Energy Innovation in End-Use Sectors (monthly stipend and accommodation allowance available)

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Closing Date: 30 December 2024

IRENA is recruiting for an Intern – Accelerating Energy Innovation in End-Use Sectors (monthly stipend and accommodation allowance available)

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.

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

IRENA is recruiting for an Intern – Accelerating Energy Innovation in End-Use Sectors. The IRENA 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 IRENA 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.

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.