Internship recruitment
Internship opportunities at the EBRD
The EBRD is an international financial institution (IFI) that operates in 29 countries from central Europe, North Africa to central Asia. The Bank uses the tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies, with a particular focus on the private sector. An important part of its mission is to promote environmentally sound and sustainable development. The Sustainable Energy Initiative (SEI) has been a core area of activity for the Bank.
Pressure on water resources is a challenge in many of the Bank's countries of operations. In some cases this situation is being exacerbated by climate change. Tougher legislation governing the use of water resources (especially within the EU) is also creating drivers for businesses to rationalise their water use. In response to this, the EBRD is interested to further understand the linkages between energy and water for certain industrial sectors, in order to be able to couple energy and water investments within its portfolio. In order to prepare for this initiative, and following the 6th World Water Forum (WWF) in Marseille, the Energy Efficiency Climate Change (EECC) team is offering an internship that would be suitable for an MSc dissertation project to a suitably qualified student in the field of Environmental studies. The internship is anticipated to last 3 months during spring-summer 2012 (ideally starting at the end of May) and is based in the EBRD's headquarters in London.
The EECC team comprises of 21 professionals with backgrounds in banking, finance, carbon markets, energy policing and engineering. For more information on the EECC team and its activities as well as the SEI, please refer to the website: (http://www.ebrd.com/pages/sector/energyefficiency.shtml) The successful Intern will be working on:
· Conducting a review of water resources within the Bank's countries of operations as published by the EU Environmental Agency, the UN World Water Development Report, and other relevant documents and identifying the relevant methodologies and risks that should be incorporated in the Bank's project appraisal process within potential energy-water audits in industrial facilities and the Environmental and Social due diligence of the Bank.
· Conducting a review of the energy-water nexus that was addressed in the WWF with key focus areas on:
§ Improving energy efficiency of urban water systems to such a point that municipal water and wastewater systems are energy positive; § Energy use in desalination technologies;
· Identifying concepts, indicators, tools/methodologies that need to be incorporated in the SEI audit process of the Bank such as water intensity, scarcity and other relevant criteria that are critical within the industrial processes; categorising those enterprises according to the different water use challenges that they face and taking into account the relevant international best practices and amongst others the relevant EU-BREF documents. Conducting an analysis of currently used technology and alternative water-efficient technologies
· Conducting a review and analysis of the policy work that is being conducted between the World Energy Council and the World Water Council and identifying the areas which need to be incorporated in the Bank's relevant procedures.
· Carrying out a review and analysis of how water-related issues could be integrated into the Bank's work on climate change adaptation, taking into account the relevant strategic and policy drivers in the EBRD region (e.g. EU Adaptation Strategy, etc.). This will also include an analysis of the emerging financial mechanisms for climate change adaptation (e.g. UNFCCC Adaptation Fund, Green Climate Fund etc.) and their potential role in supporting water efficiency investments in the EBRD region.
· From all of the above points, preparing an analysis of the challenges and risks on which the EBRD will need to focus with regards the energy-water nexus and identifying the critical elements that should be incorporated into the SEI components.
The successful candidate will have a degree but preferably a Masters in Environmental studies, proven analytical and numerical skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Being able to work with technical units related to sustainable energy would be an advantage. The candidate will have a strong interest in the EBRD's mission and the environment and climate change agenda. They will be able to work well within a team and to operate sensitively in multicultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.
Eligibility
Candidates must be a national of one of our member countries (http://www.ebrd.com/about/basics/members.htm); have a good knowledge of both spoken and written English; and be able to obtain the necessary UK visa to allow for full time work.
We can provide support for visa applications to candidates who have been offered an internship.
Terms and conditions
Interns are remunerated according to their level of education and work experience, but - apart from medical insurance cover (provided for internships of at least 3 months) - are not entitled to staff benefits (including any accommodation and travel assistance), privileges and immunities.
How to apply
Following the link below if you wish to submit your application for future internship opportunties.