Energy Initiatives Intern, Seattle, Washington

Location: Seattle
Job Type: 3-6 month term
Start Date: Immediate

About Energy Initiative and the Grameen Technology Center
The Energy team at the Grameen Technology Center is developing an alternative energy program that will support the use of alternative energy technologies to alleviate poverty. The Energy Initiative is an initiative of the Grameen Technology Center , which focuses on technology that makes microfinance operations more efficient, creates income-generating opportunities for the rural poor and provides poor communities access to information. Our efforts support the Grameen Foundation’s mission to empower the world’s poorest people to lift themselves out of poverty with dignity through access to financial services and innovative technologies. Please visit www.grameenfoundation.org for additional information.

Job Description:
The Energy intern will have an outstanding opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of using alternative energy technologies to improve lives and livelihoods – while actively contributing to program and strategy development. Your responsibilities will be commensurate to your skills and experience, with opportunities to shape the emerging alternative energy program and other new Technology initiatives. You will report directly to the Director of New Initiatives.

Specific Responsibilities:
Research Coordination and Learning

• Conduct research on energy initiatives, funders, and key players
• Capture learning from energy initiatives underway
• Build deep knowledge base on the use of alternative energy technologies for development

Knowledge Management

• Synthesize field and desk research and develop a system for compiling, storing, sharing, and presenting findings
• Assist in ecosystem and value chain mapping, matching opportunities with possible interventions

Communication efforts

• Prepare presentations and marketing materials for internal and external audiences including key funders
• Respond to requests/queries about Energy activities

Partnership efforts

Identify partnership opportunities and support efforts to build new partnerships

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong research skills and good problem solver
• Excellent analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Good project management skills
• Solid understanding of alternative energy technologies
• A good team player eager to collaboratively address challenges as they arise
• Enthusiasm for learning from different cultures

Qualifications:

• University Degree with at least two (2) years relevant work experience. Advanced degree in international development, engineering, economics, public policy, business (MBA) or related field preferred
• Preference for people with experience in the alternative energy field
• Engineering experience a plus

Compensation:

• Unpaid internship
• Unparalleled opportunity to gain “cutting-edge” experience in program and strategy development, alternative energy for development field, and work with an experienced team

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort. This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter (one page maximum) explaining why you are interested in this opportunity and how your qualifications can assist with this project to sbijoor@grameenfoundation.org. Include “Energy Initiatives Intern” in the subject line of the email.  No phone calls please.

                GRAMEEN FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.