Intern, Planning for The Global Energy Transition

**Vacancy Announcement**

**Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)**

**Innovation and Technology Centre (IITC) Division**

**Publication Date: 31 January 2025**

**Deadline for Application: 14 February 2025**(at midnight, Abu Dhabi Local Time)

**Title and Grade: Intern, Planning for the Global Energy Transition**

**Indicative Remuneration: Monthly stipend and accommodation allowance**[1]

**Duration of Appointment**:6 Months**

**Duty Station: Bonn, Germany**

**Date for Entry on Duty: As soon as possible**

**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 170 Members (169 States and the European Union) that acceded to its Statute, and 14 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 Internship Assignment**

**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 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 workshopsPerforming 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**

**Minimum Requirements**
- 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.

**Internship Conditions**

IRENA internships may be remunerated if an intern is not 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) at the IRENA premises in Bonn, Germany. For more detailed information about IRENA Internship Programme, please visit the internships section on our recruitment webpage.

**Application Procedure**

[1] If the selected intern is not otherwise sponsored and they are recruited outside of the commuting distance to the selected duty station, they will be they will be remunerated at a rate of EUR 900 a month plus monthly accommodation rate of EUR 500. In addition, the organisation will pay for and arrange the intern’s travel to and from the duty station for those interns who are selected from outside of the commuting area to its premises in Bonn.