Intern, Sustainable Investing research, Finance Center, University of Chicago

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.   

Finance Center & Sustainable Investing Initiative Overview 

WRI’s Sustainable Finance Center focuses on shifting public and private capital toward sustainable activities that support low carbon and climate-resilient development and away from those that harm people and the environment. We engage governments, development finance institutions, private sector actors, and civil society to achieve our vision. We organize our work around the following key themes: 

• Financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) implementation 
• “Greening” private sector finance 
• Strengthening public financial institutions 
• Encouraging the US and China to be sustainable finance champions 
• Strengthening investment in adaptation and resilience 

The Sustainable Investing Initiative sits within WRI’s Sustainable Finance Center and works to facilitate the shift of private sector capital toward sustainable activities by engaging with institutional investors and other market participants to inform, develop, and promote widespread adoption of sustainable investment strategies in the mainstream investor marketplace. We leverage WRI’s own investment experiences, provide environmental data and cutting-edge research, and promote peer-to-peer learning through our convening power to encourage this transition.  

Internship Summary 

The Sustainable Investing Initiative is seeking an intern to support our research efforts. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to contribute to several on-going projects within the Initiative, including our work on facilitating the development of climate-friendly passive investing products and advancing the ability of companies and investors to assess the physical risks posed to their assets by climate change. In addition, you will help conduct a research study that explores how US endowments (NGOs, foundations, and universities) are managing investment portfolios, with emphasis on sustainable and climate-related investment approaches. The study will distill key trends in investment practices among US endowments and highlight potential constraints they face in advancing sustainable investment practices.  In addition to serving as a benchmark for WRI’s own endowment, the analysis will help identify leverage points in the sustainable investing landscape that can inform the Initiative’s strategy going forward.  

You will have the opportunity to carry out the following tasks, among others: 

• Design and implement a research study examining current investment practices of US endowments  
• Write and edit materials including blog posts, infographics, and messaging that can translate technical materials for various audiences 
• Assist in the development of concept notes and presentations, and organize convening activities 
• Liaise with colleagues across WRI to integrate the Sustainable Investing Initiative’s subject-matter expertise across various other WRI programs  
• Participate in focused discussions with asset managers, asset owners, third-party ESG data/ratings firms, and investment consultants 

Learning Outcomes 

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:  

• Conducting and producing high-quality, vetted sustainable finance research 
• Interacting with highly motivated sustainable investment and research professionals 
• Understanding the key players and initiatives in the ESG/sustainability data ecosystem  
• Supporting the development of new open-source knowledge products and data platforms 
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis 
• Contributing to blogs 
• Developing presentations and other outreach/business development materials 
• Contributing to internal and external memos 
• Providing general administrative support (less than 10% of time) 
• Liaising with other WRI programs/centers/international offices 

Internship Qualifications 

• University Sponsored: You must be a student currently enrolled in the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago returning for Fall 2021. 
• Demonstrated excellence in qualitative and quantitative research and writing skills 
• Knowledge of the capital markets is strongly preferred 
• High degree of professionalism and strong attention to detail 
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and internet research 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues 
• Highly responsible, self-motivated and flexible 
• Basic knowledge of sustainable finance, sustainable investing, corporate social responsibility or private sector finance would be a plus 

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.