WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, and the United States. Our more than 450 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources—the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being.

Overview

WRI’s Climate Program seeks two detail-oriented, well organized, and highly-motivated research interns. The successful candidates will support the research, analysis, and outreach efforts of projects within the Tools, Reporting and Analysis for Climate (TRAC)-Policy Signature Initiative, with a focus on international climate change data and policy. The interns will help TRAC-Policy projects evaluate the transparency of country actions on climate change, improve understanding of national and global ambition for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and use data and analysis to inform and influence a diverse set of international climate policy stakeholders.

The interns will directly support at least two projects within the TRAC-Policy Initiative: CAIT (WRI’s Climate Data Explorer) and the Open Climate Network. CAIT consists of a suite of online platforms and data visualization tools that enable users to explore current and future greenhouse gas emissions trends, climate policy-relevant data, and visualize concepts like climate equity. It provides free, open, user-friendly access to world-class climate data. Open Climate Network brings together independent research institutes and civil society groups from key countries to track and report on their countries’ progress toward addressing climate change. The initiatives are collectively working on several data and analysis products to inform climate decision making leading up to the international climate negotiation sessions in December, 2015. WRI’s Climate Program engages policymakers, businesses, and civil society at the local, national, and international levels to advance transformative solutions that mitigate climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts. 

Responsibilities 

The interns will gain experience in the following areas:

• Researching and writing on national and international climate change policies and plans relevant to the negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• Collecting and aggregating climate relevant datasets such as greenhouse gas inventories, socio-economic data, and scenario data from climate models

Areas of work may include:

• Analyzing and synthesizing both quantitative and qualitative international data on countries’ emissions reduction commitments, their emissions profiles, among other datasets, according to established frameworks
• Conducting desktop research and literature reviews
• Assisting with data collection, verification, and organization
• Contributing to writing and editing
• Assisting with responding to user feedback and requests
• Supporting the development of online tools and contents
• Providing general administrative support

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy, Environmental Studies, Public Policy, or related field. Pursuing or have completed Master’s Degree preferred.
  • Excellent quantitative skills, including comfort with advanced Excel functionality
  • Great attention to detail
  • Excellent research and writing skills
  • Strong oral communications skills
  • Experience working with and analyzing large data sets
  • Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
  • Familiarity with national and international climate change and energy policies a plus
  • Knowledge of the UNFCCC negotiating process a plus
  • Understanding of VBA or other data programming tools a plus
  • Familiarity and experience with WRI tools such as CAIT or Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standards a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to work calmly and enthusiastically under high pressure
  • Ability to think creatively
  • Highly responsible, self-motivated
  • Extremely well organized and efficient

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test and/or a quantitative analysis test.

Finalists will need to submit at least 1 writing sample.

Salary: This is a paid intern position with an hourly rate based on experience.      

Duration: Six months

Start- End Month: One intern will start May – October and the second intern will start July- December.  Please specify your preference in the cover letter.

 

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org/wri) 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.

About WRI

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and corporate leaders.

WRI’s reputation is grounded in its excellent analysis, non-partisan approach, and high-impact results. We measure our success based on how our work helps to create real-world change on the ground—and approach we call “Managing for Results.”

WRI’s work is united by and driven by our values: Innovation, Integrity, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

WRI fosters a culture of innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees are driven by the organization’s mission and have the satisfaction of helping to create a more prosperous and healthy planet.
WRI was recently voted the #1 Environmental Think Tank in the world and is consistently recommended by staff as one of the “most desired organizations to work for.” In 2014, WRI was ranked one of the Top Workplaces by the Washington Post.

 

Learn more about our organization at www.wri.org.

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers. All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.