Renewable Energy Professional Volunteer
What can be expected of you
Across Peru we are revolutionizing the way people access energy by engaging with communities from day one, truly understanding their energy needs and working with them to arrive at a sustainable solution. Currently, we are working on the implementation of several clean energy projects in the region like Resilient Medical Centers, Household PV installations, Free Energy Consultations and several others. We are a leading NGO in the renewable energy space and have big ambitions to help communities in Peru not be left behind during the global Just Energy Transition.
Communities in northern Peru suffer from frequent power cuts, face high costs and in some areas do not have access to electricity at all. As a Professional Volunteer, you’ll play a pivotal role in co-managing our groundbreaking clean energy initiatives for these vulnerable communities alongside the EcoSwell Directors, our international team and the local community. Daily tasks will vary depending on the progress and stage of each project, offering diverse experiences and growth opportunities.
Responsibilities vary depending on the project stage and may include:
EcoSwell’s Renewable Energy Strategy & Roadmapping
EcoSwell’s Clean Energy Vision & Mission Development
Partnership Building and Stakeholder Engagement
Early-Stage Technical assessments and Feasibility studies
Solar PV System Design and Optimization
Data Analysis, Monitoring & Impact Measurement
Project Planning, Documentation and Reporting for Donors
Policy, Regulation & Market Research
Maintenance and Performance Monitoring of Existing Systems
Community Engagement around Renewable Energy
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity building
Requirements
This professional programme is designed for participants with a completed university degree and relevant professional experience who are interested in renewable energy systems and sustainable development in international and climate-vulnerable contexts. The programme is particularly suited to Electrical, Civil, or Industrial Engineers; Energy Systems Specialists; Project Managers; Energy Consultants; and other professionals with experience in the energy sector or professionals seeking a career change into the energy sector.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Have graduated from a university programme in a relevant discipline, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in renewable energy, energy systems, or related fields.
Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
Have the ability and motivation to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, often in remote or resource-constrained environments.
Before applying, please ensure that you have familiarized yourself with the information in regards to the financial contribution required for the volunteer internship. We look forward to hearing from you!
Testimonial
“This experience strengthened both my professional and personal development”
“My experience volunteering with EcoSwell was better than I expected and genuinely re-energized my motivation for working in the renewable energy sector. What I valued most was being involved in the planning and preparation phase of projects—understanding what happens behind the scenes before implementation really broadened my perspective.
I particularly enjoyed contributing to project proposals and sponsor preparations, including participating in interviews and discussions with partners. Working closely with the co-founding Directors helped me connect the right information, communicate professionally, and understand how technical accuracy and timelines must work together when dealing with external stakeholders.
This experience strengthened both my professional and personal development. I had never worked on the planning side of projects before, and I learned that flexibility, adaptability, and professionalism are essential—especially when projects evolve and circumstances change. Volunteering at EcoSwell helped me regain clarity and energy about the direction I want to take in my own career.
Teamwork was another highlight. I collaborated with other volunteers on educational initiatives, planting and maintenance days, and material preparation for community projects. The planting days, in particular, were rewarding—hard work, but deeply satisfying when you see tangible results and shared achievements in the local community.
Beyond the office, I felt genuinely connected to the local community in Lobitos. Whether through project work, daily interactions, or small actions like helping keep the beach clean, it was clear that EcoSwell has built a strong and positive relationship with the community, and it felt meaningful to be part of the organisation.
Overall, EcoSwell offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy projects while developing professionally, personally, and culturally. I would absolutely recommend this experience and am happy to continue supporting EcoSwell as an ambassador, as I believe both people and ecosystems truly benefit from this work.”
- Mark Kilkenny, Civil Engineer, Ireland
“I immediately felt like part of the EcoFamily”
“I had been dreaming of volunteering in the renewable energy sector since my studies in electrical engineering. By the time I started at EcoSwell, I had been working in the battery and energy storage industry for six years. I found EcoSwell in Peru as it was one of the only trustworthy sustainable development non-profits operating in renewable energy.
I was warmly welcomed to Lobitos by the team, and the EcoSwell House felt like home very fast. The reason for that was the people - I immediately felt like part of the EcoFamily. I’ll forever remember the lunch times with the employees, even with my very poor Spanish I enjoyed spending time with the local staff and finding our common humour.
The work itself was professional and very enjoyable. I carried out a variety of tasks, from maintenance of the existing solar PV systems to the designing of new systems. One of the greatest highlights of my whole stay was a 9 day trip to Buenos Aires, a project site in a village located in a rural region in the Peruvian Highlands, where EcoSwell was at the time beginning to plan the next solar PV system to be installed. I carried out data collection and interviews with the local employees and did a feasibility study for the project, engaging directly with the local community.
I stayed a total of 3 months at EcoSwell. As a Nordic person, I was surprised by the harsh and hot near-to-the-equator climate. But besides that, I was even more blown by the people I met during my stay. The families or hospital personnel, EcoSwell staff, the small but tight community of Lobitos, all of them made my stay and time unforgettable. Thanks, EcoSwell, for having me!”
- Sofia Knuttila, Civil Engineer, Finland
FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER INTERN THAT JOINS US, A local family will plant and care for a native TREE IN THE VOLUNTEER INTERNS NAME.
If you'd like to get in touch with our former volunteer interns to hear about their experiences with us, get in touch and we'd be happy to connect you.