Intern, Allied for Climate Transformation, International Climate Action

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.  

International Climate Action Initiative Overview 

WRI has long been respected for its technical expertise and stakeholder engagement on climate action, including supporting implementation and enhanced ambition in a wide range of countries and contributing to successful international progress through the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement process, and other fora.  This work includes assessment of options and opportunities for increasing transparency and raising ambition of climate action, including by leveraging action in key sectors and convening across many types of stakeholders and actors, including business, cities, and states.  

Internship Summary 

Allied for Climate Transformation (ACT2025), which will convene key experts and stakeholders to identify together the necessary elements for the design of a strong “ambition, solidarity, and prosperity” package for the upcoming COP26 in the UK and COP27 in Africa. It will do so by convening, mobilizing, and strengthening key stakeholders’ capacity to inform, test and co-design and implement effectively such a package, so that it is perceived as just and supportive of vulnerable countries and communities’ priorities. The discussions will be based on existing, and new or emerging research and analysis. The consortium will deploy high level champions that would harness the analysis and push for decisive and transformational political signals. It will also supplement, inform other platforms, movements, or campaigns.   

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

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas: 

Research 

• Conduct research and analysis on issues critical to the success of the ACT2025 consortium. 
• Conduct research on key themes of the Paris Agreement’s implementation, including on how Paris Agreement processes can be operationalized and made most effective. 
• Support the publication of WRI knowledge products. 

Communications & Engagement 

• Engage with a diverse network of global stakeholders critical for the success of the climate negotiations in Glasgow. 
• Contribute to the development an effective communications strategy for ACT2025 to reach a global audience. 
• Organize convenings and other activities that will help deliver on the consortium’s outcomes. 

Project Management 

• Support the management and coordination of a large international consortium. 
• Collaborate with WRI staff in developing and implementing project- and task-tracking processes. 

Internship Qualifications 

• Knowledge of or interest in international climate diplomacy, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and Paris Agreement.  
• Excellent research and writing skills. 
• English-language skills required. Knowledge of other UN languages is a plus.  
• Ability to present complex data and information in a clear and concise manner. 
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Flexible, self-motivated, ability to think creatively. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  
• Comfortable interning remotely  

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 three-to-six-month 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.