Intern – Renewable Energy Resource Assessment

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication/Transmission Date:     26 October 2021

Deadline for Application:                 10 November 2021

Title and Grade:                                Intern – Renewable Energy Resource Assessment

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 165 Members (164 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 19 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 Agency implements its mandate with the view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. RE Resource assessment, addressed through the Agency’s Global Atlas Platform, and related services, refers to the process of identifying the right locations and estimating the potential to exploit renewable energy resources for different applications like utility-scale electric power projects or decentralized mini or microgrid systems on these locations.

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 800 renewable energy resource maps and has been used so far by more than 200,000 professionals worldwide. As for the related 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 2022, particularly in the development of the methodology to assess the suitability for biomass energy facilities. The intern might be involved in the development of other RE resource assessment services.  

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 development of the methodology to assess the suitability for biomass energy facilities.
• Supporting the implementation of the suitability analysis
• Supporting the preparation of technical report on the methodology
• Supporting the Global Atlas development.
• 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 platform to member countries, including spatial and site assessment services. The intern will also be able to develop further their skills related to research, analytical thinking, modeling, and communication.

Timeframe

The internship is for 6 months commencing on/about as soon 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 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) remotely as per Abu Dhabi, UAE working hours.

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 nationals of LDC and SIDS countries.