ECON Undergraduates Blog

Paid Spring Climate Behavior Project Internship with the World Resources Institute

Posted: 03 Dec 2020 05:41 AM PST

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 and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

Climate Behavior Project Overview

WRI is widely recognized as a leader on energy and climate issues, and is now establishing a Climate Behavior Project (CBP) to raise the profile of behavior change as a critical climate solution and scale the adoption of policies that shift populations towards pro-climate behaviors.

Specifically, the CBP will 1) partner with local leaders and stakeholders in order to identify policies that could shift populations towards the most impactful pro-climate behaviors; 2) co-design field-based projects that inform national policy and connect to global movements; and 3) leverage partnerships to catalyze our research and accelerate adoption of policies at the subnational, national and cross-national level. The CBP is unique in that the unit will explore both climate and socio-economic benefits of proposed behavioral policy changes.

Internship Summary

We are looking for a curious and motivated individual with an entrepreneurial spirit. The Intern will be part of the new team within WRI and have an opportunity to support and influence this new team. Responsibilities include:

Support researchers' work on formative research efforts, including supporting an evidence review that summarizes the research on the most impactful behavior change strategies in food, transport and energy.
Support senior WRI staff to summarize the findings of the evidence review in a WRI-published issue brief/report
Support administrative aspects of the planning and implementation of a "design sprint" (a virtual convening) that brings together policymakers, advocacy organizations and researchers to review the evidence and identify specific interventions/policy opportunities with potential to support population-level behavior change
Support project management activities including supporting the creation and maintenance of detailed timelines

Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:

Primary and secondary research methods
Producing and supporting an evidence review and literature reviews
Gathering evidence on climate impacts of specific behavioral policy changes
Collaborative research practices

Internship Qualifications

Currently enrolled in (or taking a year out from) college-level studies in behavioral science, energy systems, public policy, environmental studies, or a related field
Prior experience with environmental and behavior change research
Experience interning with a behavior change organization or in behavior change studies
Strong and detail-oriented writing skills
Excellent editing, research, and oral communication skills
Superior analytical and conceptual thinking skills; experience with Excel or other types of software
Demonstrable previous experience in supporting previous research activities
Demonstrable enthusiasm regarding behavior change and climate solutions
Adaptable to rapidly changing priorities and able to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines and competing demands
Commitment to and understanding of the environmental and socio-economic development movement and sustainability issues
Strong team player, able to work cooperatively with others and demonstrate flexibility and empathy
Fluency in English
Comfortable interning remotely
Prior contribution to academic publications and/or research reports (preferred)
Knowledge of international development, global energy, and climate policy issues (preferred)

General Internship Requirements

Applicants must have personal health insurance coverage.
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 part-time (5-10 hours/week) internship with flexible start and end dates (January to March) based on the candidate's availability and need for the project.
This is a remote-based internship.
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. For best consideration, apply by December 15.

[Students interested in earning academic credit should contact their departmental or college internship coordinator.]

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