Research Intern, International Financial Flows and Environment

Location: US-DC-Washington

Type: Intern

Program: Institutions & Governance Program (IGP)

World Resources Institute (WRI), an action oriented global organization most recently voted as #1 environment & natural resource think tank in the world is consistently recommended by staff as one of the "most desired organizations to work for". WRI has over 30 years of experience focusing on the intersection of the environment and socio-economic development. WRI goes beyond research to put ideas into action – our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protects Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. WRI has been growing the past five years and now has offices in Washington D.C., India, and China and a presence in Brazil, Indonesia as well as a dozen other countries around the world. WRI staff not only have a deep understanding of the issues, but also an understanding of the political and cultural contexts that shape how decisions are made and how to engage effectively in the countries in which we work and partner. Our staff represents over 40 nationalities. Apply for this job online

More information about this job

Overview

The World Resources Institute (www.wri.org) Institutions and Governance Program is seeking a research intern with demonstrated experience in climate change, finance, and sustainable development issues to contribute to research and engagement for the International Financial Flows and the Environment project (IFFE). Through research, analysis and advocacy, the IFFE project seeks to direct international and domestic finance in developing countries towards more environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, low carbon, and climate resilient investments. The IFFE project is housed in WRI’s Institutions and Governance Program, which works with partners in civil society and government to improve the transparency and accountability of institutions entrusted with environmental decision-making. The IFFE project focuses on those international financial institutions (IFIs) that have been particularly influential in shaping international capital flows in environmentally and socially sensitive sectors, including the Multilateral Development Banks and nationally owned financial institutions in emerging economies, as well as on national institutions that manage climate change policy and finance in developing countries.  IFFE’s research, analysis and outreach strategies prompt these institutions to more systematically incorporate environmental, social, and climate change considerations into their mainstream decision making and financial support. IFFE seeks to ensure that these institutions contribute to global climate mitigation while continuing to apply strong environmental and social safeguard policies in each investment, and align their policies and lending criteria with internationally agreed climate objectives as expressed in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. Position Summary The Research Intern will support IFFE’s work on climate finance through research and analysis to advance our work to promote effectiveness and legitimacy of new and existing climate change funds channeling international climate finance, and to strengthen the capacity and institutions in developing countries to mobilize, deploy and monitor climate finance effectively and accountably.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities: Support ongoing climate finance research, in particular around international climate funds and institutions and developing country climate finance institutions. Develop a database of information on developing country climate experiences and initiatives (including climate change policies, institutions, accountability systems, etc.) Conduct outreach work on recent climate finance publications Provide other support where needed, such as preparations for internal or external events or workshops

Qualifications

Qualifications: A recent graduate or masters student pursuing a degree in environmental studies, policy or science; international affairs/relations; political science; law; business; economics; or a related field Excellent research and writing skills Ability to take initiative in research and analysis, work independently and exercise good judgment in responding to challenges and opportunities with minimal supervision Strong organizational skills and a structured and orderly approach to conducting research Strong communication skills with demonstrated mastery of oral and written English. Working knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with teams of individuals and colleagues at all levels inside and outside the organization Professional and/or research experience in one or more of the following topic areas is essential: International climate policy processes such as the UNFCCC negotiations National-level experience in designing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation action plans or policies National level experience in designing and implementing development projects or working with budgeting and managing of official development assistance Familiarity with international environment and development issues 1-3 years of relevant work experience preferred but not required. Experience of living and working in a developing country is desirable. Proficiency in working with MS-Office Products The successful candidate will report to the IFFE Climate Finance Associate or Senior Associate and will work collaboratively with other WRI and external staff as circumstances require.