Intern, UNFCCC, Washington, DC

Overview

The World Resources Institute's (WRI) Finance Center works at the intersection of the private and public sectors and seeks to increase capital flows towards sustainable business practices. Within this program, our private sector research staff aim to understand how public actors, including development financing institutions and climate funds, can improve their provision of finance to most effectively leverage private resources into climateâ€relevant investments in developing countries. This initiative works in concert with the Governance Center and the Climate and Energy Programs of WRI. Our upcoming work is geared towards international financial mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund, as well as national institutions like national development banks.

We are seeking one intern to assist with research, communications, and other support for our ongoing work streams. The main topics for the research will be on the governance of climate finance; finance pathways towards an ambitious 2015 climate agreement; and scaling up publicâ€private financing for climate action. By using a mix of research methods and outreach coordination, the intern will gain insight into the challenges and opportunities experienced by private sector actors (e.g. project developers and financiers) when working with public institutions, and vice versa.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate for this internship will gain experience in synthesizing reports and working papers, researching, collecting data, and conducting outreach and communication. The main topics for the research will be on the governance of climate finance; finance pathways towards an ambitious 2015 climate agreement; and scaling up publicâ€private financing for climate action.

Primary learning opportunities for the intern will include:

• Research and analysis: The intern will learn how to obtain relevant information on recent climateâ€relevant investments by the institutions of focus, with respect to leveraging private capital flows, through data research and staff interviews.
• Convening: The intern will learn how to articulate dialogue on best practices and identifying appropriate case studies highlighting the same through convening. The intern will also learn the process of conducting conference calls, meetings, etc.
• Communications & Outreach: The intern will learn how to communicate key messages and influencing high-level public and private sector decisions on climate finance by providing background research for and assisting in the writing of blog posts, talking points, etc.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate or graduate degree (graduate preferred) in business, economics, international relations/development, climate, or climate finance will benefit the most from this internship
• Basic knowledge of finance and capital markets and climate finance required
• Experience working either with or at a public or private financial institution preferred
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong oral communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
• Ability to work calmly and enthusiastically under high pressure
• Strong online research and computer skills
• Ability to think creatively
• Flexible
• Highly responsible, self-motivated
• Good sense of humor
• Extremely well organized and efficient
• Final candidate will be required to take a writing test and need to submit one writing sample.

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

Duration: This is a 3 month internship that would ideally be full time, but part time status may be possible.

Location: Washington, DC

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.

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 preference, parental 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

The World Resources Institute is a global environmental think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action. We work with governments, companies, and civil society to build solutions to urgent environmental challenges. WRI's transformative ideas protect the earth and promote development because sustainability is essential to meeting human needs and fulfilling human aspirations in the future.

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, NGOs, and corporate leaders because of the rigorous quality, balance, and independence of its work. With its think-tank roots, WRI values innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees see the results of their hard work and have the satisfaction of making a significant difference in the world.

Currently a $50 million organization with an international staff of approximately 250, WRI works with more than 400 partners in 50 countries. WRI provides objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development.

Values

In its day to day work, WRI is guided by several core institutional values:

Innovation: To lead change for a sustainable world, WRI is creative, forward thinking, entrepreneurial, and adaptive.

Integrity: Honesty, candor and openness must guide WRI's work to ensure credibility and to build trust.

Urgency: WRI believes that change in human behavior is urgently needed to halt the accelerating rate of environmental deterioration.

Independence: Our effectiveness depends on work that is uncompromised by partisan politics, institutional or personal allegiances, or sources of financial support.

Respect: Our relationships are based on the belief that all people deserve respect.

Approach

Everything WRI does is built on four key elements:

Focus on Results: WRI organizes all of its work to produce powerful and practical solutions, strategies and tools, policies and partnerships.

Analytical Excellence: WRI identifies problems, drivers of change, economic incentives, and consequences to arrive at comprehensive, incentive-based, practical solutions.

Partnerships: WRI works with scientists, governments, businesses, NGOs, and international institutions worldwide to create incentives and pressure for change.

Communications: WRI fosters change by disseminating their solutions and ideas to targeted audiences.