Transport & Climate Change Research Intern (MDBs)

Location: US-DC-Washington

Type: Intern

Program: Cross-Programmatic

Overview:

The Climate and Energy Program (CEP) and EMBARQ, the World Resources Institute's Center for Sustainable Transport, are looking for a research intern.  The CEP - EMBARQ Transport & Climate Change Research Intern will work closely with CEP - EMBARQ’s Transport & Climate Change Team and with CEP and EMBARQ researchers on a variety of research and writing assignments, including Capitalizing on the Multi-lateral Development Banks (MDBs) $175b commitment for sustainable transport. The position reports to the CEP-EMBARQ Transport & Climate Change Director and is located at WRI’s headquarters in Washington, DC. It is a 3-months minimum (6 months preference) paid internship with flexible start and end dates, with an ideal start in March 2013. Some travel may be required. It will be a unique hands-on experience that will also create immediate impact for the Transport & Climate Change initiative. About World Resources Institute (WRI) 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. Established in 1982, WRI has grown to be respected globally by policymakers, NGOs, and corporate leaders alike because of the rigorous quality, balance, and independence of its work as a global environmental think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We operate globally because today’s problems have no boundaries. We are avid communicators because people everywhere are inspired by ideas, empowered by knowledge, and moved to change by greater understanding. The entire WRI team, including employees, interns and fellows, see the results of their hard work and have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the world. About EMBARQ The EMBARQ global network catalyzes environmentally and financially sustainable transport solutions to improve quality of life in cities. Since 2002, the network has grown to include five Centers for Sustainable Transport, located in Mexico, Brazil, India, Turkey and the Andean Region, that work together with national and local authorities to reduce pollution, improve public health, and create safe, accessible and attractive urban public spaces. The network employs more than 100 experts in fields ranging from architecture to air quality management; geography to journalism; and sociology to civil and transport engineering.EMBARQ’s global strategy aims to achieve the following impacts by 2016: over 16,000 lives saved, 6.7 million tons of CO2 emissions avoided, 11.8 billion transport trips served, 3.1 billion hours of travel time saved and $6.2 billion in investments leveraged. The position will interact with offices in 6 countries, and with multiple departments at the global office. About CEP Working with international, governmental, civil society, and business partners, CEP identifies and promotes effective policy design and strategies to address climate change. The 50-person Program currently works in fields such as renewable energy, U.S. federal and state climate policy, greenhouse gas accounting, carbon capture and storage, international emissions trading, the UNFCCC process, the relationship between forests and climate, and adaptation to climate change. The Program has a significant international focus, especially through partnerships in developing countries. About the Multi-lateral Development Banks (MDBs) $175b commitment for sustainable transport  In June 2012, the eight largest multilateral development banks announced at Rio+20 conference that they will invest $175 billion in sustainable transportation systems over the next ten years to support sustainable transport in developing countries. This unprecedented commitment has the potential to be a game changer for cities by reducing congestion, improving air quality, reducing road fatalities and mitigating climate change. The transport sector has been largely neglected in the global sustainable development agenda. Ten years ago transportation wasn’t even in the discussion; now it’s a major outcome from the world’s preeminent conference on sustainable development.

Responsibilities:

80% Research and Data Analysis: Assists with research and data analysis on topics related to sustainable low-carbon transport definition and financial mechanisms, Monitoring Reporting Verification (MRV) framework and principles that could be established to track these commitments, and mechanism to leverage the MDBs commitment with private finance Collects and analyzes information; and monitors and analyzes relevant material from conferences and seminars, academic journals, and reports from a wide variety of sources, including NGOs.  Plans and executes quantitative data analysis; prepares results to complement published material. Summarizes existing literature and research results for incorporation into research publications, presentations, and briefing memos.  Works collaboratively with research staff to develop and complete writing assignments. Completes assignments while identifying gaps as well as questions, and in accordance with deadlines.  Occasional manuscript review and factual verification.  10% Outreach: Maintains relationships with external partners on related research and action. Maintains relations with internal partners Maintains a master calendar of sustainable low-carbon transportation milestones; national conferences, research and publications, and other related events. 10% Administrative: Participates in meetings as related to special assignments. Gains clear knowledge of program structure and protocol by learning organizational chart, research portfolios, administrative units, and associated staff. Provides office support to include word processing, faxing, copying, filing, and mailing.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in sustainable low-carbon transportation economics and finance, urban economics , public policy, or other related field required; Master’s degree preferred. At least one year of work experience required; two years of work experience preferred. Fluent in English. Knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese is a plus. Demonstrated interest in urban transportation/low-carbon development required; Strong writing skills required. Basic knowledge of MS Word, Excel (or other spreadsheet programs) and capacity to learn other types of graphics and presentation programs required. Strong organization, high initiative, clear interpersonal skills, eye for detail, creativity and design, mature judgment, team player, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment required. Competence to undertake high-profile research assignments with minimal supervision. Salary:  1.000 USD / month To apply:  www.wri.org/careers. Please submit cover letter, resume, and 1 page writing sample. No phone calls.