Recruitment of Two (2) PhD Interns for the OpenMod4Africa Project – Work Package 5

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Recruitment of Two (2) PhD Interns for the OpenMod4Africa Project – Work Package 5

1. Background
The West African Power Pool (WAPP), as part of its participation in the European OpenMod4Africa project, is seeking two (2) PhD interns to strengthen the team in charge of Work Package 5 (WP5), dedicated to energy modeling studies of the West African power system.

WP5 includes three studies:

1. a regional case study covering the entire WAPP interconnected power system;
2. a national case study for Senegal;
3. a national case study for Ghana.

WAPP is a key contributor to the regional modeling work and is expected to produce the simulations and analyzes required for deliverable D5.2, due in May 2026, in accordance with the Grant
Agreement. Consortium partners include SINTEF, TU Berlin, Comillas University, EDF, as well as CT2S (WP5 leader).

The WAPP Secretariat intends to recruit two PhD candidates or early-career researchers specialized in energy modeling, and citizens of one of west African countries.

2. Objective of the Internship
The interns will directly support the WAPP team dedicated to WP5 in order to:

1. become familiar with the open-source models GENeSYS-MOD, OpenTEPES and Plan4Res;
2. set up and run the models for the WAPP region;
3. structure the required datasets (demand, renewables, network, costs);
4. analyze results and contribute to the technical report D5.2;
5. participate in the bi-weekly technical meetings with European partners;
6. prepare the regional dissemination workshops planned for 2026.

3. Required Profile

3.1. Education

1. PhD candidate in electrical engineering, energy, optimization, applied mathematics, energy economics, computer science, or a related field; OR
2. highly advanced Master’s level (MSc/M2) student with strong specialization in energy modeling.

3.2. Required Technical Skills

1. Knowledge of at least one open-source energy model (GENeSYS-MOD, OpenTEPES, OSeMOSYS, PyPSA, TEMBA, etc.).
2. Skills in optimization, power system modeling, energy planning, or dispatch.
3. Proficiency in Python, Julia/JuMP, GAMS, R, or an equivalent language.
4. Experience in handling and cleaning energy datasets.
5. Skills in data analysis and visualization (matplotlib, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).
6. Strong writing skills in English (consortium reports and meetings are mainly conducted in English).

3.3. General Skills

1. Autonomy, scientific rigor, ability to meet deadlines.
2. Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
3. Strong organizational skills and high motivation for applied research.
4. Availability on a full-time or near full-time basis (≥ 80%) throughout the internship period.

4. Interns' Duties

The Interns will be responsible in particular for:

1. Reviewing and assimilating training materials provided by TU Berlin, Comillas and SINTEF.
2. Preparing and structuring input data for simulations.
3. Setting up and running energy modeling tools.
4. Conducting sensitivity analyzes and energy scenario assessments for the WAPP region.
5. Contributing to the drafting of the WAPP section of deliverable D5.2.
6. Participating in the consortium’s bi-weekly technical meetings.
7. Preparing technical materials for the regional workshops.
8. Contributing to the scientific paper planned under WP5.

5. Internship Duration and Conditions

• Duration: 5 months (01 March 2026 – 31 July 2026).
• Location: Cotonou, Benin (WAPP headquarters).
• Full-time or near full-time internship.
• A monthly allowance will be provided in accordance with WAPP internal rules.
• Access to digital tools, models, servers, and training platforms will be provided.

6. Application Package

The application file must include:

1. A detailed CV (maximum 3 pages);
2. A cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in energy modeling and WP5;
3. Proof of enrollment in a PhD program or Master’s degree (if applicable);
4. If applicable, an example of previous modeling work or projects (Python, optimization, energy model, etc.);
5. Contact details of two referees (professors, supervisors, or mentors).

7. Submission Procedure

Applications must be sent by email to: stageom4a@ecowapp.org
Email subject: Application – PhD Internship WP5 OpenMod4Africa
Application deadline: February 20, 2026

8. Selection Process

The selection process will include:

• pre-selection based on submitted applications;
• a technical test (modeling / coding / data analysis);
• an online interview;
• final selection in consultation with the consortium’s European partners.

9. Publication

This call may be shared with WAPP academic partners, universities, engineering schools, and through institutional platforms.