Deadline: 7 June 2020
The “REvolutionaries: The Steve Sawyer Memorial Award” recognises the contributions of young pioneers of renewable energy in developing countries, in honour of the life’s work of Steve Sawyer. Winners work in the frontiers of the renewable energy revolution in their respective countries, in the public sector, private sector or civil society.
Award Pillars
- The “REvolutionaries” award is centred around three main pillars which reflect the values and mission of Steve Sawyer.
- The “REvolutionaries” award has a different regional focus for each annual program cycle, reflecting Steve Sawyer’s global footprint and lasting impact on the worldwide renewable energy community.
Theme
Young leaders at the frontiers of the renewable energy revolution.
Prize Information
- Investment
- A monetary prize of EUR 4,000, in recognition of the recipient’s awarded activities.
- The use of prize funds will be considered among application criteria, although there is no requirement to re-invest prize money in the applicant’s professional activities.
- Study
- Funded travel, accommodation and conference pass to a regional renewable energy event (up to the value of EUR 1,000), organised by GWEC.
- An opportunity to share insights with industry, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders of the energy transition during an award ceremony.
- Thought Leadership
- Communications support to build your profile, expand your network and promote your relevant professional activities via GWEC media channels and media partners.
- Press and social media engagement before, during and after the regional renewable energy event.
- A dedicated webpage on the GWEC website.
Eligibility Criteria
- In 2020, the program will focus on renewable energy leaders in Africa, working in the public sector, private sector or civil society.
- Applicants must work in, or their work must target, one or several countries in Africa (countries in Africa to be defined by membership of the African Union).
- Application requirements include:
- 5+ years of professional experience;
- A track record of leadership and achievement in professional career; and
- Professional working proficiency in English (written and spoken).
Guiding Principles
Applicants must also demonstrate the Guiding Principles of the programme:
- Leadership
- A track record of self-starting and professional leadership positions.
- Renewable Energy
- Advancing deployment of wind and renewable energy via policy campaigns, science or modelling, technology implementation, financing mechanisms or otherwise.
- Innovation
- Activities reflect innovation in thinking, design, technology or methodology, encouraging progress beyond the status quo.
- Scalability
- Leading scalable activities, with the potential to expand to other communities and create larger impacts.
- Diversity
- Candidates’ work reflects or factors in diversity (gender, ethnicity, marginalised community, or other) in its approach, impact or otherwise.
Selection Criteria
- Eligible applications will be reviewed by a Jury composed of individuals with deep insight into Steve’s personal and professional values. They collectively represent members of Steve’s family, GWEC, REN and Greenpeace.
- Applications are judged on a point-based system, with up to 5 points awarded for each of the five Guiding Principles, for a potential total of 25 points. Applicants are also required to submit a short personal statement on their use of prize funds, which will be considered in the context of the entire application package, and will not be allocated points.
- Following verification of references, a shortlist of finalists undergoes another round of judging on point-based system. In the event of a tie, the Jury will determine the winner upon deliberation.
For more information, visit https://gwec.net/programmes/revolutionaries/about-the-award/#report-overview