Global Alliance for Pumped Storage - Intern

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is seeking an intern for the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS) in the UK. The role involves organizing meetings, managing emails, assisting with event planning, and supporting communications for a forum at UNESCO in Paris. Candidates should have strong administrative skills, experience in project management, and knowledge of renewable energy. Some international travel may be required.
The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is a non-profit international membership organisation, whose mission is to deliver renewable energy systems, freshwater management and climate change solutions by advancing sustainable hydropower.

IHA’s internships provide a tremendous opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the issues, organisations, and individuals across the world who are leading in the struggle against climate change. The Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS) is an intergovernmental alliance of over 50 governments and international agencies to advance the deployment of pumped storage hydropower (PSH), the essential element to supporting renewable energy and ensuring energy security in an era of rapid transition to wind and solar power.

The candidate will help organise meetings for GAPS in the lead-up to the International Forum on Pumped Storage. The Forum will be a two-day event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris and will bring together global leaders to accelerate the adoption of pumped storage against the COP29 energy storage pledge. This is a unique opportunity to assist in developing the programme, messages, and actions that emerge from the Forum and determine the work required to super-charge pumped storage development.

Job description

As the intern for the GAPS project, you will play a key role in supporting the development of the Alliance. You will report to the GAPS Lead and work closely with key government participants, IHA members, and other stakeholders. The job will involve the following key tasks and responsibilities:

Key tasks:
• Diary and travel management: Organise GAPS meetings and co-ordinate working groups and arrange travel for internal team.
• Email Management: Prioritise and manage email correspondence for the project.
• Event Management: Assist with the planning and delivery of webinars, face to face meetings and conference sessions.
• Participate in meetings and briefings, take and distribute minutes and follow up on actions as required.
• Assist with communications and driving engagement for the campaign.
• Recording data as necessary.
• Support the research of the GAPS working group paper topics

Essential skills and attributes:
• Strong administrative and project management skills. (Asana is used)
• Proven experience in a similar or relevant professional role.
• Excellent written communication, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines.
• High attention to detail and work with accuracy.
• Experience in competently using a CRM system.
• Team player with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Experience of running Zoom webinars.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Knowledge of international renewable energy or climate policy.

Desirable skills and attributes:
• Experience of working in a membership organisation or association.
• Experience of arranging online and in-person events.
• Exhibit a strong interest in and understanding of global energy, water and climate challenges.
• Have basic knowledge or experience in pumped storage hydropower.
• Additional language(s), especially Chinese, Spanish, French, Portuguese or Russian.
• Possible international travel required.

Applications

Candidates should send their CV and a cover letter explaining their interest to work for IHA and how their experience, skills and attributes align with the role. The letter should also confirm eligibility to work in the UK. These documents should be sent by email to: recruitment@hydropower.org

Applications will be reviewed as the come in, so early submission is encouraged.

Deadline: 16 April 2025

Remuneration: £27,000 - £30,000 per annum (pro-rata) dependent on experience

Hours per week: 37.5 (Monday - Friday)

Contract: Fixed term 6 months with possibility to extend

Location: Canary Wharf, London and hybrid (min 2 days in the office)

Start date: ASAP