Private Sector Innovation Intern

About the Program

The World Resources Institute's Climate, Economics, and Finance (CEF) Program works with policymakers, businesses, civil society and other decision-makers to adapt to climate impacts and build a zero-carbon future. We produce innovative research and analysis to evaluate the technical, economic and social benefits of climate action, as well as the costs of inaction. We work with governments to design and implement ambitious near-term and long-term goals and help integrate these into economic, sectoral and development plans. At the same time, we support businesses, civil society, local governments and other non-state actors as they pursue their own emissions-reduction and adaptation goals. Through our work with different stakeholders, we aim to accelerate equitable climate action that will help the most vulnerable while helping reach global targets.

WRI is focused on enabling an equitable transition that helps those who are most vulnerable participate and thrive in a net-zero economy. As part of our work with the private sector, WRI works to push companies to become more ambitious in their climate plans while ensuring any sort of transition centers the impact on people. Current work, including the CREST initiative (Climate Resilient Employees for a Sustainable Tomorrow), is focused on businesses, workers, and communities most impacted by climate and business disruptions and systemic ways large companies can address those inequities.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:

As part of the Global CEF team working on just transition and corporate responsibility, you will join a passionate team within WRI's Climate, Economics, and Finance program to support the build out of the institute's work around people-centered transitions within the private sector. In this role, you will help with ongoing projects as well as the development of new ones focused on the role of companies in meeting climate goals and advancing equity at a global level. You will be supported by the Global CEF program team, as well as teams within WRI's regional offices working on related projects and issues. You will report into the direct team's Reasearch & Engagement Analyst.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

Technical research and development (60%)

• Assist in developing a prototype investment tool aimed at providing investors with a greater understanding of the risks associated with a lack of partnerships within corporate supply chains.
• Track and record new impact investment and corporate philanthropic activity related to climate policy engagement, particularly activity stemming from trade or industry associations
• Research emerging corporate social responsibility issues, such as supply chain equity, sustainable consumption, and just transition
• Contribute to written and graphic content for publications, reports, papers, presentations, and other products

Stakeholder engagement and communication (40%)

• Support with the coordination of stakeholders and peer-advisors
• Support with data collection and analysis of focus group discussions
• Support the development and promotion of communications materials for use internally, externally, and in pursuit of funding

What you will need:

• Working towards or earned bachelor's or advanced degree in one of the following or related fields: economics, business management, environmental policy, international relations, political science.
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience (internships included, work directly related to this field not required)
• An understanding of UX/UI (user experience/user interface) design
• Familiarity with climate action and climate investment mechanisms and tools, with additional preference given to familiarity with:
  • National U.S. climate policy issues and international climate agreements
  • Corporate sustainability initiatives
  • Corporate ratings and rankings and data collection initiatives related to climate and sustainability
  • Corporate supply chains, procurement practices
• Experience conducting and presenting high-level research using various tools such as PowerPoint, proficiency with MS 365 applications and project management tools such as Asana or other PMIS is desirable
• Oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to WRI's mission and values.

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hour for undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length of Contract:

This is a full-time, 3-month internship with a flexible start and end date. This role has the possibility of extension depending on funding.

Location:

• This is a hybrid internship that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.
• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by March 18, 2025. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

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.

Our mission and values:

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

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