We are hiring a Refrigeration Expert

About us 

 

Founded in 1908, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) is an independent intergovernmental organisation committed to advancing refrigeration science and technology for a sustainable future through the development of science-based energy-efficient, low-impact refrigeration solutions. By fostering global collaboration and building knowledge on all aspects of refrigeration and heat pump technologies, the IIR plays a crucial role in tackling pressing issues such as food security, healthcare, and climate change. Through its extensive international network, expert commissions, and scientific initiatives, the IIR bridges the gap between knowledge and action, highlighting refrigeration’s role as critical infrastructure for all life forms on our planet.  

 

Job Summary 

 

The refrigeration expert will support the technical implementation of IIR projects, with a primary focus on the BETTED project, which aims to facilitate dairy supply chain SMEs to foster the market uptake of energy efficiency measures, including the use of renewable energy and deployment of heat recovery solutions. 

 

Working under the Senior Cooling Project Manager and with the project department team, technical partners and stakeholders, the refrigeration expert will lead technical activities including capacity building, workshops, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis related to cooling and energy efficiency in dairy supply chains. 

 

Beyond BETTED, the Cooling Specialist will also contribute to other IIR technical and project delivery activities, including projects related to cold storage and leveraging smart solutions for industries with high cooling energy demand. 

 

Job description 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Technical Project Support (BETTED Project) 

• Lead the technical implementation of refrigeration-related activities within the BETTED project 
• Support dairy SMEs in identifying opportunities for energy efficiency improvements 
• Analyse cooling and refrigeration systems across dairy supply chains 
• Develop presentations for the trainings and workshop  
• Support collaboration with project partners and stakeholders 

 

Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement  

• Design and deliver technical capacity building sessions 
• Organise and facilitate a workshop for stakeholders and SMEs in the dairy sector 
• Develop technical training materials and presentations 
• Provide technical expertise during stakeholder meetings 
• Support dissemination of best practices in cooling and energy efficiency 
• Engage with private companies across the dairy supply chain 

 

Data Collection and Analysis 

• Collect and analyse technical data from dairy SMEs 
• Identify key areas of energy consumption across production, refrigeration, storage and transport 
• Develop insights and recommendations based on data analysis 
• Contribute to reports and technical deliverables 

 

Contribution to Other IIR Projects 

• Support technical activities in additional IIR projects  
• Contribute to projects related to for example cold storage and leveraging smart solutions for industries with high cooling energy demand.  
• Participate in proposal development and technical concept creation  
• Provide technical expertise across IIR initiatives  

 

Project Coordination and Reporting 

• Contribute to project deliverables and reports  
• Participate in project meetings and consortium coordination  
• Support stakeholder communication from a technical perspective  
• Monitor progress of technical activities  
• Contribute to dissemination and technical publications 
• Contribute to fund raising  

 

Qualifications 

Education 

Master’s degree or equivalent in refrigeration, energy, mechanical, thermal or industrial engineering, or related technical field.  

 

Experience 

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in cooling, refrigeration, or energy efficiency  
• Experience in data analysis and technical assessments  
• Experience working with industrial systems (preferably dairy or food sector) is desirable  
• Experience in training, workshops, or stakeholder engagement  
• Experience in EU-funded or international projects is an advantage  

Skills 

• Strong technical knowledge of refrigeration and cooling systems  
• Understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy integration  
• Data analysis and technical assessment skills  
• Excellent communication and presentation skills  
• Ability to translate technical information for non-technical stakeholders  
• Computer literacy and excellent use of MS Office applications  
• Familiarity with energy modelling or analysis tools is an advantage  
• Experience with industrial cooling systems is an advantage 

 

Languages 

• Excellent professional working proficiency in English (required)  
• French proficiency strongly preferred 

 

Personal attributes 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset 
• Ability to work independently and within an international team 
• Organised and detail-oriented 
• Interest in sustainability, climate action and cooling technologies appreciated 

 

Working location + salary expectations 

Ideally 3 days per week in our Paris office, however fully remote position with occasional visit to the office can be considered for outstanding candidates.  

 

Annual gross salary 40000– 48000€. (1-year fixed-term contract). 
 

How to apply 

Send your CV and a short cover letter to m.edl@iifiir.org with the subject line: “Application – Refrigeration expert”. Deadline : 17th April 2026.