Intern, Communications, Energy Program

WRI Overview 

World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. 

WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI is committed to advancing gender, racial and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.   

Internships at WRI  

In the US and across the world, communities of color are disproportionally affected by issues related to climate change and environmental degradation. Yet, action and support are not happening at the pace required and the environmental space addressing these issues remains dominated by white voices. WRI is creating access and opportunity to harness the power, creativity, and innovation of diversity by increasing representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in the environmental space. We need a diverse set of voices to solve climate change and that begins with you.  

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, and other candidates who wish to gain knowledge about a specific area of our work. We strive to attract diverse, intellectually driven candidates who have a passion for sustainability and development. WRI provides many internship opportunities throughout the year in all our programs.  

Program Overview

The WRI Energy Program works to ensure that all people have access to affordable, reliable and clean energy. Centering our work around three pillars of renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy access, we aim to accelerate the energy transition away from polluting fossil fuel-based electricity toward clean energy solutions that support healthy communities and protect the climate. We work with policymakers, cities, companies, utilities, regulators and development institutions to change systems around the globe. The Energy Communications intern will support outreach and promotion of various projects across the program.

Internship Summary

Are you passionate about helping solve climate change? Energy is responsible for the vast majority of carbon emissions, which is why it’s so vital that the world transitions to clean energy. As the Energy Communications intern, you’ll help inform the world about the work WRI does to speed up the energy transition. You’ll support the Energy Program communications team with outreach around various projects and products related to renewables, energy efficiency and energy access, such as Energy Access Explorer, the Building Efficiency Accelerator, and the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator. You’ll get the chance to work with energy experts in offices across the world, including in India, Ethiopia, China, Mexico, and several other countries. And you’ll help raise awareness of some of the most important issues currently facing the world through social media, blogging, media outreach, and more.

The application deadline for this internship is April 25, 2021.

Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:                                                               

• Supporting WRI Energy’s profile and thought leadership by assisting with production of blog posts and web content, messaging development, media relations and contact list creation
• Developing content for and managing WRI Energy’s social media presence
• Developing content for WRI Energy Program newsletters
• Using communications software including multiple social media platforms, email marketing software and media databases
• Assisting with internal communications and developing informational programmatic materials
• Translating complex scientific and technical information into compelling materials meant for a general audience

Internship Qualifications

• Skilled writer and communicator, able to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Strong information management and proofreading skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Creative thinker and proactive, highly motivated worker
• Interest or background in clean energy
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively remotely and in an office environment, as part of a large team

General Internship Requirements 

• Applicants must have personal health insurance coverage.  
• U.S. work authorization is required for this opportunity. WRI does not sponsor interns for visas. 

Compensation 

• The pay range for this internship opportunity is between $15-18/hour, commensurate with qualifications. 

Duration and Location  

• This is a summer internship with flexible start and end dates based on the individual’s availability and need for the project. 
• This is a remote-based internship with the option to work out of the Washington D.C. office once it reopens.  
• WRI will provide a laptop for the duration of your internship. 

How to Apply 

The application deadline for this internship is April 25, 2021. Please submit a resume and cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. 

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations, and from women of all backgrounds.