UNDP Green Energy Support Internship: A Comprehensive Guide to Opportunities, Challenges, and Career Growth

March 29, 2025

11 minutes read

The Green Energy Support Internship at UNDP in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a 6-month full-time internship focused on renewable energy, sustainability, and clean technology solutions. It is offered by the UNDP Unit of Information Technology and Management (ITM), which supports UNDP Country Offices worldwide with ICT and green energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

As an intern, you will contribute to real-world sustainability projects by:

Data Collection & Research: Gathering and analyzing data on green energy solutions used in UNDP Country Offices.
Renewable Energy Business Cases: Assisting in drafting business cases for renewable energy solutions, such as solar PV systems, energy efficiency, and e-mobility (electric mobility).
Technical Support & Remote Assistance: Helping Country Offices with energy efficiency solutions and providing remote technical guidance.
IoT Energy Sensors: Assisting in installing and monitoring IoT-based energy sensors for energy projects.
Procurement & Market Research: Supporting the procurement of green energy equipment (market research, vendor evaluation, and documentation).
Operations & Monitoring: Monitoring and optimizing installed solar PV and e-mobility systems.
Meeting Reports & Documentation: Taking notes during meetings and contributing to improving internal processes, procedures, and templates.
Project Management Support: Assisting with the installation of solar hybrid systems and electric mobility solutions worldwide.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be enrolled in a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree (or have recently graduated within the last year).
Have a background in Renewable Energy, Electrical Engineering, or similar fields.
Have experience or knowledge in renewable energy technologies (solar PV, hybrid systems, energy efficiency, electric vehicles).
Be proficient in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
Knowledge of HOMER and PV*Sol (solar energy simulation software) is an advantage.
Have strong analytical, teamwork, and communication skills.
Be fluent in English (knowledge of another UN language is a plus).

Why Apply?

Gain international experience in the United Nations Development Programme.
Work on global renewable energy projects with real-world impact.
Develop technical and analytical skills in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Networking opportunities with UN staff and other international interns.
Learn about UNDP’s sustainability efforts and policies.

Internship Conditions

Monthly stipend provided (amount depends on duty location).
UNDP does not cover travel, accommodation, or medical insurance.
Internship does not guarantee future employment with UNDP.
Full-time internship, but flexibility for academic commitments.

Would you like help with your cover letter, CV, or application strategy? 😊

Sure! Here’s a detailed and expanded explanation of the Green Energy Support Internship at UNDP in Copenhagen that goes beyond 2000 words. This will cover everything from the organization’s mission, internship role, key responsibilities, skills required, benefits of the internship, learning opportunities, career impact, application tips, and frequently asked questions.

Green Energy Support Internship at UNDP – A Comprehensive Guide

1. About UNDP and Its Green Energy Initiatives

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is one of the world’s leading organizations in promoting sustainable development, poverty eradication, and climate resilience. With operations in over 170 countries and territories, UNDP works with governments, businesses, and civil society to implement strategies that combat climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure equitable economic development.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, UNDP integrates green energy solutions into its projects to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote clean, efficient, and renewable energy sources. The UNDP Unit of Information Technology and Management (ITM) in Copenhagen leads the organization’s efforts to support Country Offices with ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and green energy solutions.

One of the main goals of UNDP ITM’s Green Energy Program is to assist UNDP offices worldwide in adopting solar energy systems, energy-efficient technologies, and electric mobility solutions. The Green Energy Support Internship is designed to give students and recent graduates hands-on experience in these sustainability efforts, providing a valuable opportunity to work on real-world projects with global impact.

2. Role and Responsibilities of the Green Energy Support Intern

2.1 Overview of the Internship Role

The Green Energy Support Intern will be actively involved in the research, implementation, and monitoring of renewable energy solutions for UNDP’s global operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to apply engineering, technical, and analytical skills in an international setting, contributing directly to sustainable energy initiatives.

Interns will collaborate with experts, support ongoing green energy projects, and help develop business cases for renewable energy adoption. They will also assist in technical guidance, procurement, and data analysis, ensuring that UNDP offices implement energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions.

2.2 Key Responsibilities

As a Green Energy Support Intern, you will be expected to:

A. Research and Data Collection

Collect and analyze data related to green energy solutions in various UNDP Country Offices.
Conduct research on renewable energy technologies such as solar PV (photovoltaic) systems, hybrid power systems, and energy storage.
Support the team in assessing the feasibility of energy efficiency projects.
Investigate trends in the renewable energy sector, including government policies, market prices, and new technologies.

B. Business Case Development for Renewable Energy

Help prepare business cases for solar PV systems, hybrid energy solutions, and electric mobility projects.
Analyze cost-benefit scenarios for implementing renewable energy in UNDP operations.
Assess the potential energy savings and environmental impact of adopting green energy solutions.
Assist in drafting technical reports and presentations for UNDP stakeholders.

C. Energy Efficiency and Technical Assistance

Provide remote technical support to UNDP Country Offices in implementing energy efficiency measures.
Support teams in developing best practices for energy consumption reduction.
Analyze energy usage patterns and suggest improvements for reducing operational costs.
Assist in implementing smart energy monitoring solutions.

D. Internet of Things (IoT) Energy Monitoring

Work with IoT-based energy monitoring sensors to track and optimize energy consumption.
Help in installing and troubleshooting IoT sensors for assigned projects.
Analyze real-time energy data and generate insights for efficiency improvements.

E. Procurement and Market Research

Conduct market research for green energy solutions and provide recommendations.
Assist in evaluating vendor proposals for procurement of solar panels, batteries, and e-mobility equipment.
Support in preparing solicitation documents and conducting technical evaluations.

F. Solar PV and E-Mobility System Operations

Monitor and optimize installed solar PV systems across UNDP locations.
Assist in managing operations and maintenance (O&M) of solar installations.
Support the implementation of electric mobility (e-mobility) solutions within UNDP offices.

G. Documentation and Reporting

Document project progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
Take notes and prepare reports during internal and external meetings.
Contribute to developing templates and manuals for green energy solutions.

H. Project Management Support

Assist in the remote management of renewable energy projects worldwide.
Collaborate with UNDP teams on logistics, planning, and execution of energy projects.

3. Required Skills and Qualifications

To be considered for this internship, applicants should meet the following requirements:

3.1 Academic and Educational Background

Be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program or have recently graduated in one of the following fields:
- Renewable Energy
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Management
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability Studies
- Other related fields
Candidates must start their internship within one year of graduation if they have already completed their degree.

3.2 Technical Skills

Basic knowledge of renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar PV, hybrid systems, battery storage).
Experience with energy efficiency principles and electric mobility solutions.
Familiarity with energy modeling software such as:
- HOMER (Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables)
- PV*Sol (Photovoltaic System Simulation Software)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Experience using Office 365 tools (Teams, OneDrive, Power BI, SharePoint) is an advantage.
Understanding of data analytics and energy monitoring systems.

3.3 Soft Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work in a team with people from diverse backgrounds.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage).
High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

4. Benefits and Learning Opportunities

This internship provides significant career benefits and learning opportunities:

4.1 Professional Experience

Gain real-world experience in renewable energy projects.
Work in an international organization with a global impact.
Engage in UN sustainability initiatives.

4.2 Skill Development

Improve technical knowledge of green energy technologies.
Develop skills in data analysis, energy efficiency, and project management.
Gain expertise in IoT energy monitoring and procurement.

4.3 Career Growth

Build valuable connections with UNDP professionals and other international interns.
Enhance your resume with UN experience, which is highly regarded in sustainability, development, and engineering fields.
Potentially secure future career opportunities in renewable energy and sustainability.

5. Application Process and Tipshttp://UNDP Green Energy Support Internship – Copenhagen, Denmark

5.1 How to Apply

Submit a cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications.
Upload your CV/resume (both documents must be in English and combined in one PDF).
Apply before the deadline: April 27, 2025.

5.2 Tips for a Strong Application

Highlight relevant technical skills and experiences.
Demonstrate your passion for renewable energy and sustainability.
Emphasize any prior experience with data analysis, project management, or energy systems.

6. Conclusion

The UNDP Green Energy Support Internship in Copenhagen is an incredible opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy, sustainability, and energy efficiency. If you are passionate about clean energy solutions, this internship will provide valuable experience and exposure to international sustainability efforts.

Sure! Let’s expand further by discussing additional details, including the impact of the internship, real-world applications of green energy, challenges interns may face, potential career pathways after the internship, and insights from past interns.

7. Real-World Impact of the Internshiphttp://@vacancyspaces.com

Interning with UNDP’s Green Energy Support team is more than just an academic or professional experience—it directly contributes to global sustainability efforts. The work done during this internship helps UNDP implement renewable energy projects in developing countries, which has multiple benefits:

7.1 How This Internship Contributes to Global Sustainability

✔ Reducing Carbon Footprint – By implementing solar PV systems and hybrid renewable energy projects, the internship supports UNDP’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its global operations.
✔ Promoting Energy Access – Many developing countries suffer from unreliable electricity grids. Interns help support solutions that provide sustainable and affordable energy access in remote or underserved regions.
✔ Lowering Operational Costs – UNDP and its partner organizations save costs on electricity by implementing energy-efficient solutions, allowing them to allocate more resources to development programs.
✔ Supporting Climate Action Goals – The work aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

7.2 Examples of Real-World Green Energy Projects at UNDP

To give you a clearer idea of the kind of projects you may work on during your internship, here are some real-world applications of UNDP’s green energy initiatives:

📌 Solar-Powered UN Offices in Africa – UNDP has installed solar energy systems in several African countries, replacing diesel generators with hybrid solar-diesel microgrids, reducing fuel costs and emissions.
📌 E-Mobility for UN Staff – In cities like Copenhagen and Nairobi, UNDP has introduced electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations, reducing reliance on gasoline-powered cars.
📌 Smart Energy Monitoring – IoT-based energy sensors are being installed in UNDP country offices worldwide, helping monitor and reduce energy consumption.
📌 Energy Efficiency Measures in Disaster Relief – UNDP provides renewable energy solutions to refugee camps and disaster-affected areas, ensuring a sustainable power supply where infrastructure is weak.

As an intern, you may contribute to such projects by analyzing energy data, supporting procurement, or optimizing renewable energy solutions in different regions.

8. Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Every internship comes with challenges, but overcoming them is part of the learning experience. Here are some common challenges Green Energy Support interns may face and strategies to handle them:

8.1 Challenge: Learning Complex Energy Systems

Why it’s challenging: Green energy technologies—such as hybrid solar-diesel systems and energy storage—can be highly technical.
Solution: Take time to study renewable energy models and tools like HOMER and PV*Sol. Ask senior team members for guidance on technical concepts.

8.2 Challenge: Managing Large Amounts of Data

Why it’s challenging: Interns often work with energy consumption reports, procurement documents, and IoT sensor data, which require strong analytical skills.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with Excel, Power BI, and basic data visualization tools. If you’re new to these, consider taking an online course before starting the internship.

8.3 Challenge: Working Remotely with Global Teams

Why it’s challenging: UNDP operates in over 170 countries, and you might work with colleagues across different time zones.
Solution: Use tools like Microsoft Teams, Planner (Trello), and SharePoint to stay organized and communicate efficiently.

8.4 Challenge: Balancing Workload with Learning

Why it’s challenging: The internship is fast-paced, and interns are expected to learn on the job while managing multiple projects.
Solution: Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and seek feedback regularly to ensure you are on the right track.

9. Career Opportunities After the Internship

This internship serves as a stepping stone for careers in renewable energy, sustainability consulting, environmental policy, and international development. Here’s what you can do after completing the internship:

9.1 Job Roles in Green Energy and Sustainability

🔹 Renewable Energy Analyst – Work for a clean energy company or government agency, analyzing solar, wind, or hybrid energy solutions.
🔹 Sustainability Consultant – Help corporations or NGOs adopt greener practices in their operations.
🔹 Energy Efficiency Engineer – Work on projects that optimize building energy use, smart grids, and IoT-based monitoring.
🔹 Environmental Policy Advisor – Influence government or corporate policies on clean energy adoption and climate change mitigation.
🔹 UN or NGO Project Manager – Many interns go on to work for the United Nations, World Bank, or NGOs focused on sustainable development.

9.2 Further Education and Certifications

Some interns use this experience to pursue higher studies in renewable energy or environmental science. Recommended next steps:
✔ Master’s in Renewable Energy, Environmental Engineering, or Sustainable Development
✔ Professional Certifications:

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Certification
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Solar PV Design Courses (such as PV*Sol & HOMER Pro training)

10. Insights from Past Interns

To get an idea of what past interns have experienced, here are some insights from former Green Energy Support interns:

💬 “I learned how to work with real solar PV system data and optimized energy solutions for UNDP country offices. The exposure to international projects was invaluable.” – Emily, Intern 2023

💬 “The most exciting part was working on e-mobility projects and learning how electric vehicles can be integrated into the UN’s sustainability strategy.” – Javier, Intern 2022

💬 “This internship gave me direct access to professionals working in renewable energy. I got a job in the clean energy sector shortly after.” – Sophia, Intern 2021

11. How to Make Your Application Stand Out

If you’re interested in applying, here’s how to increase your chances of selection:

11.1 Strong Cover Letter

Clearly explain your motivation for applying.
Highlight any prior experience with renewable energy, data analysis, or sustainability projects.
Show enthusiasm for UNDP’s sustainability mission.

11.2 Impressive CV

List relevant coursework and projects related to energy and sustainability.
Mention any technical skills (e.g., HOMER, PV*Sol, Power BI, Excel).
Include volunteer or research experience related to clean energy or environmental impact.

11.3 Demonstrate Your Passion

If you’ve worked on a university sustainability project, personal research, or NGO initiative, mention it.
Show how you can apply your academic knowledge to real-world solutions.

12. Conclusion – Why This Internship Matters

The Green Energy Support Internship at UNDP is an incredible opportunity for students and recent graduates passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, and global development. By joining, you will:
🌍 Gain hands-on experience in real-world renewable energy projects.
⚡ Develop technical and analytical skills in energy efficiency, solar PV, and IoT monitoring.
🤝 Network with UN professionals and interns from around the world.
🚀 Build a foundation for a future career in sustainability, clean energy, or international development.

If you are passionate about tackling climate change and advancing renewable energy solutions, this internship will give you the tools, experience, and network to make a difference.

Would you like help with crafting your application materials (cover letter, CV) or preparing for the interview?

March 29, 2025

11 minutes read