Senior Hydropower Specialist

Urgent action is required to deliver clean energy to limit the effects of climate change and meet people’s basic needs for clean water and secure, reliable and affordable energy. With the demand for energy expected to nearly double by 2060, the world must look towards a sustainable, renewable mix of energy sources.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) is the global voice for sustainable hydropower. It 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. Our partners include research institutions, non-governmental organisations, governments, financial institutions and development agencies.

Ensuring that the system-wide benefits of hydropower are properly recognised and valued is a key challenge in delivering a cost-effective, low-impact energy transition. We are seeking a mid- to senior-level professional with an engineering background to join our Research and Policy team and contribute to ReHydro, an EU-funded research initiative focused on the modernisation of hydropower across Europe. The position will be on a part-time basis, starting as soon as possible and continuing until May 2028.

ReHydro brings together industry, research, and policy stakeholders to explore how existing hydropower assets can be upgraded to support a more flexible, resilient, and low-carbon energy system. The project examines a range of themes including market frameworks, regulatory environments, and the evolving role of hydropower within Europe’s energy transition. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering project activities, working closely with internal teams and external partners. This includes contributing to research and analysis, engaging with stakeholders across the sector, and helping to coordinate project outputs, deliverables, and discussions. The role will also involve helping to lead and coordinate working groups and synthesising insights related to the challenges and facilitating the adoption of the project’s result across Europe.

We are looking for someone who can combine technical understanding with strong communication and organisational skills, and who is comfortable working on topics focused on hydropower plants operations. This is a mid/senior position suited to an individual who can operate independently, contribute strategic insight, and engage effectively with a range of stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to shaping the role of hydropower in Europe’s energy transition, while working at the intersection of engineering, policy, and market developments.

Key tasks:

• Contribute to the delivery of the ReHydro project, including research, analysis, and preparation of project outputs.
• Provide technical input on hydropower systems, modernisation approaches, and operational performance.
• Review and synthesise project’s outcomes, regulatory, and market information into clear, accessible insights.
• Support the coordination of project activities, including engagement with consortium partners and external stakeholders.
• Support and contribute to the organisation of workshops, working groups, and stakeholder discussions.
• Preparation of a final report summarising the key findings of the ReHydro project.
• Work collaboratively with other IHA teams (research and policy, membership and comms) to further the interests of the sustainable hydropower sector and promote the ReHydro project among the IHA members and the hydropower sector in general.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least four years of experience in the hydropower sector with a track record of significant achievements.
• Knowledge of European energy markets, policy, or regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to interpret technical information and communicate it clearly to non-technical audiences, including use of AI tools for drafting.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Comfortable working independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness to occasionally travel in Europe.

Desirable skills and attributes:

• Previous involvement in research projects or EU-funded programmes.
• Proven ability to work as a team member, across different cultures and stakeholder groups.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across industry, academia, or policy.
• Strong interest in energy transition, system flexibility, and low-carbon technologies.
• Proficiency in other EU languages, in particular French, German, Italian or Portuguese.

Contract: Fixed contract from June 2026 – May 2028
Remuneration: Subject to experience, up to £80k pro-rata.
Location: Canary Wharf, London (possibility to work remotely from other EU countries)
Closing date for applications: 18 May 2026
Applications: Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in working for IHA and how your experience, skills and attributes align with the role. UK based applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Documents should be sent by email to: recruitment@hydropower.org. Please include Senior Hydropower Specialist application in the subject of the email and add your name to each document. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may schedule interviews before the closing date for highly qualified candidates. We cannot always contact all applicants if there is a large volume of applications. If you do not hear from us within 20 days, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. Throughout the selection process, we are absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origin, or disability. We value diversity and lived experience, and we strive to create an inclusive and supportive work environment where all employees feel respected and supported in reaching their full potential.