Intern – Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions and Programme Support

Vacancy Announcement

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC)

Publication/Transmission Date:            5 May 2022

Deadline for Application:                 26 May 2022 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)

Title and Grade:                         Intern – Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions and Programme Support

Indicative Annual Salary:            Monthly Stipend[1]

Duration of Appointment:        Six months

Duty Station:                            Remote

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.

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.

Objectives of the Internship Assignment

The internship post is in IRENA’s Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC). The focus of the Knowledge, Policy and Finance Centre (KPFC) is on collecting data, developing knowledge platforms, conducting analysis to support the creation of enabling environments for the deployment of renewable energy and understanding the socio-economic footprint of the energy transition. The intern would provide support to the Cross-Cutting Issues Unit as well as the support unit of the Coalition for Action. Within this context, the intern would particularly support the coordination of the work of the Collaborative Framework on Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions as well as the Jobs Working Group under the IRENA Coalition for Action.

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:

• Assist in the development, finalization and promotion of knowledge products related to just and inclusive energy transitions as well as its role in furthering the realisation of the 2030 Agenda;
• Assist with the coordination of outreach activities, workshops and communications in the context of the IRENA Collaborative Framework on Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions and other initiatives such as the Coalition for Action;
• Assist with the preparation of inputs for the meetings of the IRENA Assembly and the IRENA Council as well as the organisation of events at the margins of these meetings;
• Assist with general programme administration and operation.

Learning Areas

During the internship period, the successful applicant will have an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the different social and economic dimensions of the energy transition, focused particularly on jobs and livelihoods and will also be able to strengthen their research and writing skills in this area. They will also be able to gain insights into the working of intergovernmental organisations and the coordination of multi-stakeholder networks.

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 programme. The maximum duration of the internship is nine months, subject to 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 be accepted into the internship programme within six months of their graduation.
• Candidates must demonstrate good knowledge of the energy transition landscape and its socio-economic footprint.
• Candidates must be fluent in English (both oral and written).
• Candidates should demonstrate strong writing skills, 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, economics, international relations or other relevant fields with good understanding of energy policy analysis.
• Candidates should indicate in their cover letter their 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