Intern, Research & Development, Center for Sustainable Business, 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.   

Program Overview 

The private sector represents the largest employer and the bulk of the economy in most countries. Without the private sector on board we cannot address the sustainability challenges facing society. Business depends for its success on the natural resources of the planet. Without addressing environmental and social sustainability issues the private sector will not thrive.     

The Center for Sustainable Business at WRI researches, highlights and seeks solutions for critical systemic environmental and social problems in the private sector. Our vision is a private sector that makes a substantial contribution to human wellbeing while operating within the constraints of the planet’s resources. 

Internship Summary 

You will use your foundational understanding of how businesses are owned and governed to complete desk research and interviews to explore the impact of different models of corporate ownership on environmental and social sustainability performance of companies.  You will work with WRI colleagues to identify the scope for a new line of work on this topic in the Center for Sustainable Business and create a funding pitch and identify funding opportunities to tackle the work.  This opportunity will provide valuable learning and experience for a future career at the intersection of business and sustainability in the for profit or not for profit world.  

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Working with researchers in the Institute to consolidate and review existing literature and insights we have on the topic 
• Conducting literature searches and reviews externally to assess what work exists on the topic 
• Analyzing and synthesizing academic and grey literature to derive possible hypotheses for applied and impactful agenda setting research that would challenge the accepted wisdom 
• Contributing to blog posts or other published articles depending on the research findings. 
• Developing funder pitches and time permitting participating in funder meetings 

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. 
• You will have perspective of working in the private sector either in a company or in a consultancy and an interest in the dynamics of the not-for-profit world. 
• You will be able to demonstrate an awareness of board governance and company ownership and possible impact on corporate environmental and social sustainability 

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.