Intern, NDC Analysis, 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 

Countries were expected to put forward new, more ambitious climate plans (called Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) in 2020 in accordance with the Paris Agreement’s 5-year cycle of ambition. COVID19 has delayed the preparation and submission of many countries. We anticipate about 100 countries to submit their commitments this year. In this role, you will help analyze the level and scope of ambition of countries submitting their plans, compared to the first round of NDC submitted back in 2015. Additionally, you will also help to create linkages among short term COVID-19 stimulus funding for building back better, medium term climate enhancement strategies, and long term net zero pathways.  

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

Responsibilities and Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience by: 

• Contributing to the WRI team’s efforts to support the implementation of the Paris Agreement, including research and analysis, especially on raising ambition through NDC enhancement  
• Helping to support, develop or improve existing tools used to facilitate the analysis of new NDCs (compared to 2015 submissions)  
• Helping to organize meetings and be a rapporteur 
• Contributing to and supporting online communications around NDC, including blogs, as needed. 
• Understanding the complexities under the international climate regime.  

Internship Qualifications 

• Currently enrolled or recently completed bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, Climate Policy, International Relations, or related field. 
• Master’s degree will be counted toward prior experience (preferred not required)  
• Strong Research Skills 
• Strong data collection, cleaning, structuring, and management skills using Microsoft Excel, Access, Python, R etc.  
• Familiarity with Paris Agreement and NDC Process is a plus. 
• Strong oral and communication skills 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently or as part of a team 
• Ability to work in a remote working environment  

General Internship Requirements 

• Applicants must have personal health insurance coverage.  
• US 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.