Competition

Applicants will earn the FINPLAN - Bronze Proficiency Badge if their submission meets the following criteria:

1.     Completed an intermediate-level in-person training course for FINPLAN (e.g., EMP summer school or equivalent)

2.     Submitted a project report or modelling case study demonstrating the application of learned skills

 Evidence required:

·            Upload evidence of attending an in-person training course or master's module / course i.e. certificate of completion/graduation.

·            Provide Zenodo links to materials produced from the course i.e. project report, posters, policy briefs, assessments etc

Upon achieving the Silver Badge, holders should be able to:

• Design and develop a complex utility-scale FINPLAN model

• Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.

• Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues

• Communicate model results and explain their broader implications

• Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced MAED models

Applicant needs to have completed the following activities:

• Design and develop a complex utility-scale FINPLAN model

• Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.

• Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues.

• Communicate model results and explain their broader implications.

• Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced FINPLAN models

• 2 years of work/project experience with FINPLAN, OR 1 year of work/project experience, plus a relevant publication.

Required Evidence:

Submit one of the following:

·                     A completed Master's thesis using FINPLAN

·                     A published peer-reviewed paper (as 1st or 2nd author) using FINPLAN

·                     A published report (or project output) using FINPLAN

AND a letter of reference from EITHER an academic OR project supervisor (Must highlight 2 years experience)

Upon achieving the Gold Badge, holders should be able to do all silver level requirements and demonstrate at least two of the following skills:

• Design, develop, and customise a complex FINPLAN model, extending beyond utility-scale power plants

• Employ advanced FINPLAN techniques such as carbon pricing, heat distribution, etc.

• Analyse and interpret results from different modelling scenarios that address real-world policy issues

• Communicate model results and explain their broader implications

• Demonstrate awareness of the limitations and assumptions in advanced FINPLAN models

Applicant needs to complete the following activities:

• 5 years work/project experience with FINPLAN OR PhD plus 2 years project experience

• Demonstrate at least two of the following skills

• Create innovative improvements and critical assessments of relevant financial modelling techniques and methodologies

• Manage and develop highly complex energy/finance models that are able to solve critical real-world problems

• Apply advanced coding and debugging skills to resolve intricate modelling challenges

• Translate complex modelling results into actionable policy recommendations for senior decision-makers

Required Evidence:

Submit one of the following:

• A CV demonstrating the required experience

• Provide links to 2 peer-reviewed academic publications or policy papers, as lead author, showcasing at least two of the above skills

• OR Documentation of a conference presentation demonstrating 1 of the above skills and a peer-reviewed academic publication or policy paper, as lead author, demonstrating another one of the above skills.

Upon achieving the Associate Instructor Badge, holders should be able to -

●       Design and deliver focused training modules on specific aspects of FINPLAN system modelling

●       Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs

●       Provide constructive feedback to learners on their modelling exercises

●       Effectively communicate complex modelling concepts to novice learners

●       Support lead instructors in the overall delivery of training programs

●       Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations in energy system modelling instruction

Applicant needs to complete the following activities:

○       Hold at least a Bronze proficiency badge in FINPLAN

○       Complete 40 hours of assisting/co-teaching with a Lead Instructor

○       Lead one training session independently (with observation by a Lead Instructor)

Required Evidence:

○       documentation of teaching hours, i.e. dates and timings of teaching events signed off by lead instructor

○       a positive evaluation letter from a Lead Instructor, (that references participant self led teaching session)Template here

○       Provide Zenodo link to lesson plan used for independent training session

Upon achieving the Lead Instructor Badge, holders should be able to -

●       Design comprehensive, multi-level training programs in FINPLAN system modelling

●       Develop advanced training materials and exercises that address real-world modelling challenges

●       Evaluate and assess learners' modelling competencies across various skill levels

●       Adapt training programs to suit diverse cultural and professional contexts

●       Mentor Associate Instructors and support their professional development

●       Integrate cutting-edge developments in energy modelling into training curricula

●       Integrate ethical and cultural considerations into modelling instruction

Applicant needs to complete these activities:

○       Hold at least a Silver proficiency badge in FINPLAN

○       Independently leading a full training program

○       Create new training materials

Required Evidence:

Submit comprehensive teaching portfolio:

○       Upload CV extract (or similar) outlining teaching experience

○       Provide links to / or upload course materials showcasing an example of unique training/teaching materials (could include guideline steps, syllabuses, assessments etc.)

○       Documentation of successful program delivery (EMP track or University Module or similar)- in the form of a class/course observation by a Gold or Lead badge holder  Template here

○       A letter of recommendation from a line manager, training program coordinator, head of department etc. that has oversight of your teaching/course and is different from the course/class assessor/observer.

○       Submit a brief teaching philosophy (1-2 pages) that includes how you adapt training to different audiences and local contexts