Intern, U.S. Climate Research, Climate Program, Georgetown 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.   

Climate Program Overview 

The Climate Program works to advance practical solutions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions, deploy clean energy solutions, improve resilience to climate impacts, and achieve a strong, clean economy that benefits all Americans. We do so through rigorous peer-reviewed expert analysis, consultation, convening, coalition building, and clear communications. We work at all levels of government and with leading businesses across the United States. Our experience, reputation and connections in the policy arena, the private sector and beyond place us in a unique position to help shape federal and state climate policy and generate new ideas and practices for low-carbon development over the coming years. 

Internship Summary 

In this role, you will contribute to the research and analytical efforts of WRI–U.S. and its mission of providing independent and authoritative evidence for how the U.S. can meet its short- and long-term climate commitments. Specifically, this will include contributing to our ongoing research on the role of hydrogen and other clean fuels in decarbonizing the transportation sector.  You may also be asked to support WRI U.S.’ broader portfolio of projects, including work on Climate Federalism, Carbon Pricing, and America’s Pledge. You will help support this work by researching and compiling quantitative and qualitative information on key climate policy and technology trends in the U.S. at the national and regional level. You will also contribute to research reports and communications materials as needed. This work will be done in close collaboration with project leads, technical partners, and other WRI programs. Strong consideration will be given to candidates with quantitative skill and familiarity with energy and climate related data in the U.S. 

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Develop professional expertise by conducting original quantitative and qualitative research to support WRI U.S.’s mission of identifying practical solutions to the climate crisis 
• Learn to track and analyze major policy developments, investment trends, and technology breakthroughs, particularly related to the production and utilization of clean transportation fuels 
• Gain experience and expertise compiling and synthesizing data on the climate, economic, and energy system impacts of various policy and technology options and summarizing insights through data visualization  
• Develop skill in communicating and presenting complex information through writing short summaries on research findings, assisting in the writing of larger reports, or helping draft blogs and other materials to communicate research findings to a wider audience 
• Assist WRI-U.S. colleagues in research-related tasks on other workstreams as needed, including Climate Federalism, Carbon Pricing, and America’s Pledge 
• As needed, occasionally assist with scheduling meetings, preparing and organizing briefing materials, providing logistical support for events, assisting with meeting follow-up, and helping to ensure internal coordination 

Internship Qualifications 

• University-sponsored: You must be a current student in the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University 
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. climate policy landscape. Understanding of and interest in decarbonization strategies for the transportation sector in particular is a plus.  
• Excellent research and writing skills 
• Excellent data collection and management skills—e.g., through Microsoft Excel, CSV 
• Strong oral communications skills 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team 
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner 
• Understanding of Microsoft Office suite and other relevant applications 

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 academic credit from their university program.   

Duration and Location  

• This is a part-time or 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.