Intern, Strategy, Center for Sustainable Business, Johns Hopkins University

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. 

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, or 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.  

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.   

Program Overview 

The private sector represents the largest employer and the bulk of the economy in most countries.   Without the private sector on board we cannot address the sustainability challenges facing society.   Business depends for its success on the natural resources of the planet. Without addressing environmental and social sustainability issues the private sector will not thrive.     

The Center for Sustainable Business at WRI researches, highlights and seeks solutions for critical systemic environmental and social problems in the private sector. Our vision is a private sector that makes a substantial contribution to human wellbeing while operating within the constraints of the planet’s resources. 

Internship Summary 

You will apply the techniques you have learned in your studies to a real life situation to support a review to refine the portfolio of the Center, build a proposal for growing the center,  identify areas for sunsetting and for new work and create refreshed audience specific narratives for internal use, for our business partners and for our funders.  Foundational business study and/or experience is a must and will be enhanced for anyone interested in a career at the intersection of business and the environment.   

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Working with team leads to create an assessment rubric for our work to test it against our vision 
• Interviewing staff to review our portfolio of activities against that rubric 
• Conducting desk research to review the work of key peer organizations and assess their focus areas 
• Analyzing data to draw and present recommendations 
• Creating succinct narratives in text and slide format to present the new strategy to external audiences 

Internship Qualifications 

• University Sponsored: You must be a student currently enrolled in the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University returning for Fall 2021. 
• You will have perspective working in the private sector either in a company or in a consultancy and an interest in the dynamics of the not-for-profit world 

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  

• University Sponsored: Students will receive compensation from their university program.   

Duration and Location  

• This is a full-time summer internship with start date options of May 17, June 1, or June 16, 2021 based on the student’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 

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.