Communications Intern, Climate, Economics and Finance Program

The World Resources Institute seeks a Communications Intern for its Climate, Economics, and Finance Program. This hybrid role requires 8 in-office days per month in Washington DC. The intern will assist in developing communications strategies, managing online presence, and supporting outreach for climate action initiatives, particularly leading up to COP30. Applicants must reside in DC, Maryland, or Virginia and have existing work authorization.
About the Program:

There isn’t a silver bullet or a single pressure point to tackle the climate crisis. It will require an array of actors, a variety of pathways and a range of interventions in the right places. Tailoring approaches to these unique situations is the sweet spot for the Climate, Economics and Finance Program at World Resources Institute. We help businesses, policymakers and civil society at the local, national and international levels advance the deep structural shifts necessary to address climate change.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. WRI seeks a Communications Intern to play an integral role in helping develop and execute communications strategies for the Climate, Economic and Finance program. In this position, you will assist with projects aimed at advancing bold climate action by countries around the world including through the UN climate negotiations. Your role will involve leading communications campaigns throughout 2025 to drive ambitious climate action. Key priorities include urging countries to adopt ambitious climate targets, establishing clear expectations for scaling up international climate finance and advancing a robust adaptation agenda at COP30. You will report to the Deputy Director of Communications.

You will:
• Draft communications materials including messaging, social media assets, articles, PowerPoints, email marketing, and other promotional content following the launch of research and knowledge products.
• Contribute to managing the Program's online presence, including website content.
• Collaborate with program, research, and communication teams to promote thought leadership from and further engagement opportunities with WRI’s Climate, Economics, and Finance Program.
• Support high-level events and speaking engagements throughout the year, aligned with the Climate, Economic, and Finance program's key priorities.
• Assist with media engagement in coordination with communications colleagues with the Climate, Economics and Finance Program.
• Support the program’s outreach strategy in the lead up to and during the UN climate summit, COP30.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

You will gain experience in the following areas:
• You will work with a diverse set of communications professionals and interact with staff in different programs, centers and international offices.
• Develop and execute a wide range of communications strategies and gain opportunities to suggest and implement new ideas.
• You will gain firsthand experience in the fast-paced, dynamic nature of communications outreach on some of the most pressing issues of our time, particularly during major global climate events like COP30.
• You will gain exposure to one of the leading global research organizations with a focus on the environment and international development.

What you will need:
• Pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, climate or international policy, journalism, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
• An interest in climate policy, and related international environmental and development issues is highly desirable.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Research, writing, editing, and digital communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Comfortable working with colleagues based around the world

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hour for undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length of Contract:

This is a full-time, 6-month internship with a flexible start and end date.

Location:

• This is a hybrid internship that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.

• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by March 31, 2025. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

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

Our mission and values:

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.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.

#LI-DNP