Intern, Renewable Energy Procurement, Sustainability Initiative, 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.   

Sustainability Initiative Overview 

The Sustainability Initiative at WRI seeks to align the Institution’s operations with its mission. Using research and expertise from various WRI programs and centers, we are committed to continually improving WRI’s sustainability performance. Since 1999, the Sustainability Initiative has conducted institution-wide greenhouse gas emissions inventories as part of annual sustainability reporting; and since 2010, the Initiative has helped guide WRI with aggressive carbon reduction goals for 2020 and is working to update the targets for 2030. As part of this effort, the Initiative maintains a portfolio of major collaboration projects, internal pilot projects that support research development, and a rotation of staff engagement campaigns. These projects cover topics such as zero waste, sustainable commute and mobility, circular economy, sustainable purchasing, food security, green buildings, energy conservation and renewable energy purchasing. To learn more about the Sustainability Initiative and its projects, visit the www.wri.org/sustainability-wri.  

Internship Summary 

To keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, the energy system will need to ramp up its improvements in energy efficiency and swiftly transition from carbon-intensive fossil fuels to clean energy sources. Over the past decade, WRI has been successful at reducing its emissions from electricity by 50% despite rapid organizational growth. This reduction has largely been due to energy efficiency improvements in building operations and power grids. To achieve further reductions, the Sustainability Initiative is exploring scenarios that will increase the amount of electricity that WRI procures from renewable sources. 

In this role, you will support the Sustainability Initiative by researching and evaluating various options for procuring renewable energy across WRI’s global network, which includes offices in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Africa and Europe. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of several ongoing projects on topics like sustainable partnerships, telework and travel behavior, and carbon pricing. 

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Support development of the Sustainability Initiative’s 202o to 2030 renewable energy procurement strategy for WRI’s global network. [80%] 
• Interview internal stakeholders (e.g. Leadership, Operations, Science-Based Targets Network) in various WRI offices to understand organizational needs. 
• Synthesize complex information on renewable energy options available in different geographies by engaging experts and vendors and analyzing technical and policy documents. 
• Compare and evaluate renewable energy options according to various criteria and requirements. 
• Deliver written briefs and presentations summarizing your work for technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Assist with the implementation of ongoing sustainability projects. [20%] 
• Work remotely as part of a larger team, contributing to broader team goals and deliverables. 
• Support efforts to roll out new processes and get buy-in from key stakeholders.  
• Learn about the latest trends and challenges in corporate and organizational sustainability programs. 

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. 
• Confident and effective communicator, willing to engage subject-matter experts, vendors, and stakeholders 
• Strong qualitative research skills, able to synthesize and present complex information from a variety of sources clearly and concisely 
• Creative and analytical thinker 
• Excellent writing skills 
• Passionate about environmental sustainability 

Desirable Qualifications 

• Excellent Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Power Point) skills 
• Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Bahasa or other languages 
• Background in renewable energy procurement and policy 

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.