Science and Research Intern – Washington, DC

Organization: World Resources Institute

Job Title: Intern, Science and Research

Location: Washington, DC

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Hourly wage commensurate with experience

Position Dates: Summer 2012

Application Deadline: 

Posted On: June 14, 2012

Organization Overview

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 $45 million organization with an international staff of approximately 200, 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.

Description

The World Resources Institute (www.wri.org) seeks an intern with excellent analytical and organizational skills to assist the Vice President of Science and Research (VPSR) in a strategic review of WRI’s research, publications, and related products.  The intern will assist the VPSR in compiling and analyzing information on WRI’s past and present work and in distilling lessons that will influence future work.  While the entire Science and Research team will contribute to the review, the intern will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day conduct of the review.  The intern will also provide general support to the Science and Research team, helping with additional tasks as needed. The position is best suited to someone currently working on a graduate degree in environmental history, environmental management, or environmental science.

WRI has conducted research at the intersection of environment and development since its founding in 1982.  The intern will support the design and execution of a review of WRI’s recent research portfolio as well as a longer-term retrospective analysis of how the Institute’s work has changed.  Activities will include basic data compilation, delineation of specific questions that will drive the review, development of an analytical framework, and other activities as appropriate (such as conducting interviews).  In carrying out these activities, the intern will report to the Deputy to the VPSR and collaborate with staff from various WRI offices, but will need to be able to work with little supervision.   This internship provides an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the work of a major non-governmental organization.

Responsibilities

• Compile basic information on WRI’s past and present publications and research programs.
• Pursue ancillary information as appropriate, for example by interviewing external parties to learn more about how they view WRI’s work.
• Develop and apply an approach to analyzing this information in light of the project’s goals.
• Produce a summary document of findings that will inform VPSR’s ongoing efforts in this area.
• Assist VPSR team with other tasks as appropriate.

Qualifications

•  Ideal candidate will have, or be pursuing, a graduate degree in environmental history, management, or science.
• Ability to collect publications data from WRI’s archives.
• Ability to work with VPSR team to refine objectives of review.
• Ability to develop an analytic framework for review.
• Ability to work with little supervision.
• Willingness to take on other tasks as appropriate.
• Strong writing skills and excellent academic performance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office and internet research.

How to Apply