Intern, Research & Communications, Cities Program

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, 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.

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. 

Program Overview

The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities (Cities Program) helps to transform cities into compact, connected and resilient spaces that provide healthy, accessible and prosperous living environments for their residents. We coordinate the Cities Program’s extensive technical and practical expertise through eight integrated solution areas: Integrated Transport Systems, Vision Zero, Zero Carbon Buildings, Livable Neighborhoods, E-Mobility, Water/Heat Resilience, Air Quality and Inclusive Climate & Energy Action Planning. Data and Urban Finance are cross-cutting themes that inform all of our solution offerings. We implement our solutions by working deeply with multiple stakeholders over long periods of time in large to demonstrate possibilities in rapidly transforming cities. We expand our impact to other cities by leveraging these demonstrated possibilities to convene multiple cross-sectoral stakeholders and partnering with city networks. Our research and projects in cities and in national policies connect environmental sustainability, health, safety, equity and quality of life.

Internship Summary

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, WRI’s Cities program, seeks a Research Intern to support the program’s Global Director on research, analysis, writing, presentations, and reviewing topics related to sustainable cities. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Global Director and create relationships across the Cities program’s global network. In this role you will be a strong writer and visual thinker, have some knowledge and/or experience in sustainable urban planning, policy, or innovative programs in cities, and are eager to learn more. Your work will inform the Global Director’s papers, talking points and presentations. With other Cities staff, including the Communications and Research teams, you will assist with written and visual outputs supporting the Global Director, including but not limited to blogs, social media, articles, commentary and presentation materials. You may also provide related support to other Cities teams and for events such as virtual webinars or in-person seminars, as time allows.

The position is currently remote and will report to the Administrative Manager supporting the Global Director of WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, and will also coordinate closely with the Communications Manager, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. When offices reopen, the position is expected to be located in the Washington, D.C., office.

The application deadline for this position is Friday, June 11, 2021.

Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:

• Expand ability to conduct background research and analysis on topics and case studies as requested by the Global Director to support creation of papers, talking points and slide decks.
• Enhance research and communications skill through supporting the Global Director in writing blogs, newsletters, framing documents, talking points, social media content.
• Build ability to visualize and create draft slide decks for Global Director’s speaking engagements.
• Increase knowledge and skills through reviewing publications, including fact checking, editing and proofreading.
• Gain collaboration experience with Cities Communications team in developing written material for website, brochures, newsletters, handouts, PowerPoints, talking points, and background documents
• Provide coordination and/or technical support for internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences and related activities.
• Liaise and coordinate with internal departments and teams for successful and timely completion of deliverables, gaining valuable exposure across WRI.
• Endeavor to consider and incorporate aspects of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion into all research, writing and presentation preparation.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings related to work tasks

Internship Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed Bachelor’s degree in urban studies, geography, political science, urban/regional planning, environmental science, or related discipline
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or interest in key issues in urban development, planning, and urban sustainability
• Strong research ability, written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly with Power Point, Outlook and Teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, including actively contributing to team discussions, as well as independently,
• Self-motivated, well organized, detail oriented, and efficient
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think creatively and be flexible to changes in project scope, focus or timeline
• Writing samples required
• Comfortable interning remotely

Preferred

• Experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Experience with Open Athens, Editorial Manager, SharePoint

General Internship Requirements

• Applicants must have personal health insurance coverage.
• Must be willing and able to work US East Coast time zone hours.
• 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 full-time, six-month (24 -week) internship with flexible start and end dates (July – January) based on the candidate’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

Please submit a resume and cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.  The application deadline for this position is Friday, June 11, 2021.

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.