The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is offering a fully funded six-month internship in Abu Dhabi, UAE, starting in 2025. This opportunity is designed for Master’s and PhD students, as well as recent graduates, to gain in-depth knowledge of energy transitions in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Internship support energy transition projects in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) across the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, South China Sea, Caribbean, and Pacific regions.The selected intern will work on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) at the duty station in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, promotes the global transition to renewable energy as an intergovernmental organization. With 170+ member countries, IRENA supports sustainable development, energy access, and low-carbon economic growth. The application deadline for the IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Internship is February 26, 2025.
University/ Institutions:
- Name: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Programs: The internship focuses on energy transitions, climate change, and renewable energy policies, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Duration: 6 months
Study Areas:
- Renewable energy
- Climate change
- Energy policy and law
- Project finance
- Engineering
- Economics
- Energy data/statistics
- Sustainable development
- International relations
IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Internship Benefits:
- Stipend: USD 1,200 per month.
- Accommodation Allowance: AED 150 per day.
- Travel Coverage: IRENA will arrange and pay for travel to and from Abu Dhabi for interns recruited outside the commuting area.’
- IRENA strongly encourages women, especially from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to apply.
Benefits Not Included:
- Personal expenses,
- Health insurance, and
- Visa fees are not covered.
Eligibility Criteria for IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Internship
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree and be enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program OR have graduated within the past six months.
- Preferred fields: Renewable energy, climate change, energy policy/law, project finance, engineering, economics, energy data/statistics, sustainable development, international relations.
- Must know about energy transition, climate change, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Experience in drafting, preparing, and reviewing documents and coordinating with stakeholders.
- Event planning, data analysis, and management experience is a plus.
- Proficiency in MS Office is required.
- Ability to work in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments and meet tight deadlines.
- Fluent English is required; Spanish, French, or Portuguese is an advantage.
- Full-time: 40 hours per week at the Abu Dhabi duty station.
- Interns are not staff members but gain professional experience.
Required Documents:
- Comprehensive CV
- Cover letter
- Completed application form
IRENA SIDS Lighthouses Internship Application Process:
- Step 1: Visit the official IRENA careers page.
- Step 2: Locate the internship listing and review eligibility criteria.
- Step 3: Prepare and upload required documents (CV, cover letter, application form).
- Step 4: Submit your application online before the deadline.
- Step 5: If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview.
- Step 6: Await final selection and internship offer.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- IRENA encourages women and candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to apply.
Intern Responsibilities
Programme Coordination & Research
- Support coordination and implementation of the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI).
- Conduct research and analyze data on 12 priority areas of SIDS LHI.
Communication & Outreach
- Update the SIDS LHI website, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages.
- Assist in creating media content (tweets, press releases, videos, country profiles, etc.).
Research & Knowledge Development
- Track trends in renewable energy, climate action, and energy efficiency in SIDS.
- Contribute to SIDS-related reports, including the Annual Progress Report.
Event Coordination
- Help organize workshops, technical meetings, and high-level events.
- Assist with background materials and logistics.
Documentation & Reporting
- Prepare meeting summaries, country briefs, presentations, and official correspondence.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Maintain and update contact details of SIDS LHI focal points.
- Develop a stakeholder mapping for SIDS and related initiatives.
Monitoring & Tracking
- Keep track of global, regional, and national events related to SIDS energy transition.
Additional Tasks
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Learning Areas
- Gain in-depth knowledge of renewable energy opportunities and challenges in SIDS.
- Learn about tools and strategies supporting energy transition and climate action.
- Develop skills in research, analytical thinking, communication, and event planning.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Highlight relevant academic and professional experiences.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of SIDS energy challenges.
- Showcase strong communication skills.
- Ensure all documents are well-organized and error-free.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Abu Dhabi (Approximate):
- Accommodation: Covered by IRENA (AED 150/day allowance)
- Food: AED 1,500 – 2,500/month
- Transportation: AED 300 – 600/month
- Utilities (electricity, internet): AED 500 – 1,000/month
- Personal expenses & entertainment: AED 1,000 – 2,000/month
While IRENA provides financial support, personal budgeting is recommended to manage additional expenses.
Why Choose This Opportunity?
This internship offers hands-on experience in renewable energy initiatives, particularly within SIDS. Working withIRENA provides exposure to international energy policies and the chance to contribute to sustainable development goals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the duration of the internship?
- The internship lasts for six months.
- Is there an application fee?
- No, there is no application fee required.
- Are recent graduates eligible to apply?
- Yes, recent graduates within six months of completing their Bachelor’s degree are eligible.
- What expenses are covered by the internship?
- The internship covers round-trip airfare, a daily accommodation allowance, and a monthly stipend.
- What is the application deadline?
- The application deadline is February 26, 2025.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and to apply, visit the official IRENA internship page
