UNDP Jobs - 77886- Part-Time Summer Internship in Clean Energy

Part-Time Summer Internship in Clean Energy

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

28-May-2018

Application Deadline :

10-Apr-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

a 10-week period beginning late May 2018

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

not to exceed 6 months full time

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

Brief Description of UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and helping people build a better life. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, UNDP works with countries on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

UNDP’s Global Environmental Finance unit (UNDP-GEF) is based in UNDP’s Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). The Energy, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology (EITT) team, within UNDP-GEF, assists developing countries to attract and direct public and private investment into clean energy. Currently EITT advises developing countries on a number of sources of public funds including: The Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), carbon finance, and various bilateral, multilateral, and sub-national funds, donors and partners. Increasingly EITT’s work is oriented to utilizing scarce public funds to catalyze greater flows of private capital.

EITT’s project portfolio currently totals over 170 active projects in clean energy, representing over USD 600 million in GEF funding and USD 4.0 billion in related co-financing. In each project, UNDP supports developing country governments to put in place public measures to attract investment in clean energy. The technologies and sectors covered in the portfolio include renewable energy (grid-connected, mini-grid and off-grid; large-scale and small-scale) and energy efficiency (residential, industrial; buildings and appliances).

Description of Internship

The EITT team is looking to recruit a summer semester intern on clean energy.

The intern will work on UNDP’s Derisking Renewable Energy Investment (DREI) framework, an innovative framework to assist policymakers to cost-effectively select public measures, both policy and financial instruments, to promote low-carbon energy. As part of DREI, UNDP has developed a quantitative 4-step methodology, and accompanying open-source Excel financial tools and guidance materials.

The DREI framework was originally developed with an initial methodology focused on utility-scale renewable energy. The framework is now being expanded to include small-scale renewable energy - mini-grids, solar home kits, and on-grid, rooftop solar PV. Accompanying the methodological work, DREI is now being applied in practice to guide policymakers in a series of UNDP projects in developing countries. For more information, please visit www.undp.org/DREI

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties will comprise, but not be limited to, the following:

Support to in-country applications of DREI, including financial modelling, research and report drafting;
Updating DREI’s financial tools based on feedback;
Updating DREI’s guidance materials, based on feedback from country applications;
Other tasks as agreed with the supervisor.

Institutional Arrangements

The intern will report to the Energy Finance Specialist in EITT. The intern will further interact more broadly with EITT team members in NY, in regional offices, with UNDP country offices and with UNDP partners.

Duration

Candidates should be available to work at UNDP’s offices in New York, USA beginning late May 2018 for a 10-week period. UNDP can be flexible about the start and end dates.

Interns’ Expenses

Interns are not financially remunerated by UNDP. All costs connected with an intern's participation in the programme must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution, or government which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or the student, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his/her own arrangements for travel (including to and from the office), visas, accommodation, etc.

Insurance

Interns are responsible for securing adequate medical insurance for the duration of their internship with UNDP. UNDP will not reimburse the medical insurance of the intern. Any costs arising from accidents and illness incurred during an internship assignment will be the responsibility of the intern. Applicants for internships must show proof of valid medical insurance for the duty station in which they will intern. For applicants which are neither nationals or residents of the duty station, the insurance must include adequate coverage in the event of an injury or illness during the internship duration which:

Requires transportation to the home country or country of residence for further treatment;
Results in death and requires preparation and return of the remains to the home country, or country of residence.

Subsequent Employment

There is no expectation of employment with UNDP following an internship. Interns cannot apply for or be appointed to any position during the period of their internship.

Third-party claims

UNDP is not responsible for any claims by any parties where the loss of or damage to their property, death or personal injury was caused by the actions or omission of action by the interns during their internship.

Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN's values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism;
Strong organizational, reporting and writing abilities;
Results driven and able to meet targets/deadlines;
Capacity to plan, prioritize and deliver tasks on time;
Creative thinking ability;
Highly organized and an ability to work independently and with initiative;
Ability to work within a team;
Excellent writing and communication skills;
High level of attention to detail required;
Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Enrollment in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher) in business, international/public affairs, or environmental studies; or
Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation;
Demonstrable academic interest in energy issues.

Experience

At least 2 full years of paid, professional full-time experience;
Academic and/or professional experience in financial issues and products. Candidates with a background in finance professional services (for example, in an investment or development bank) will be at an advantage;
Strong quantitative/numerical skills, including financial modeling;
Excellent computer skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint and communication skills.

Languages

Written and spoken proficiency in English;
Written and spoken proficiency in French or another language an advantage.

In case an applicant is successfully selected, s/he will be requested to provide electronic versions of:

letter from his/her university confirming current enrollment and graduation date;
letter of recommendation from a professor;
copy of his/her most recent school transcript;
copy of passport;
a copy of US Visa if the intern is not a US Citizen;
completed UNDP internship application form;
signed UNDP Internship Agreement;
Medical Certificate of Good Health;
Proof of medical insurance.

Kindly note the above documentation is required within one week after selection.