The World Resources Institute (WRI) Climate Ambition Internship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates passionate about climate policy, sustainability, economics, and environmental research. This paid internship provides hands-on experience supporting global climate initiatives while offering hourly pay of up to $24 for qualified PhD students.
Interns join WRI’s Climate, Economics, and Finance (CEF) Program, working alongside leading researchers and policy experts to help countries strengthen their climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
About the Internship
The Climate Ambition Internship is part of WRI’s Climate, Economics, and Finance Program, which works to transform global economic, governance, and financial systems to accelerate climate action.
The selected intern will contribute to the program’s Climate Ambition pillar, supporting research that helps governments strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS), and national climate policies.
The internship offers practical experience in climate research, policy analysis, project coordination, and international collaboration.
Internship Location
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Hybrid work arrangement
- Minimum of 8 office days each month
- Full-time internship
Applicants must already possess authorization to work in the United States, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Internship Duration
- Six-month full-time internship
- Flexible start and end dates
Internship Salary
Successful candidates will receive competitive hourly compensation based on academic level:
- Undergraduate students: $20 per hour
- Graduate students: $22 per hour
- PhD students: $24 per hour
What You’ll Do
Interns will spend approximately 80% of their time conducting research and technical analysis, while the remaining 20% focuses on project management and stakeholder engagement.
Research and Technical Analysis
Responsibilities include:
- Conduct literature reviews on national climate policies
- Research Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Analyze Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS)
- Examine climate and sector transition policies
- Extract and organize climate policy data
- Perform quantitative and qualitative research
- Conduct regression analysis and comparative policy studies
- Identify climate ambition benchmarks
- Support preparation of research reports and policy briefs
- Assist with climate publications and blog articles
Project Management
Interns will also:
- Support day-to-day project coordination
- Prepare meeting summaries and notes
- Track project deliverables
- Coordinate with international partners
- Assist country-level policy engagement
- Prepare outreach and communication materials
Internship Learning Outcomes
Throughout the internship, participants will:
- Gain practical experience analyzing global climate policies
- Develop advanced research and analytical skills
- Strengthen quantitative and qualitative research techniques
- Learn climate modelling approaches
- Improve technical writing abilities
- Build project management experience
- Collaborate with international climate experts
- Contribute to policy work that informs governments around the world
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should possess:
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Economics
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Public Policy
- Data Analysis
- Or another closely related field
Applicants currently completing or holding a Master’s degree are strongly preferred.
Required Skills
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong research experience
- Experience conducting literature reviews
- Ability to synthesize technical information
- Excellent analytical skills
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to prepare professional reports
- Organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Technical Skills
Applicants should have experience using analytical tools such as:
- Microsoft Excel
- R
- Python
- Other statistical or data analysis software
Experience with regression analysis, comparative policy analysis, or process tracing is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional advantages include:
- Knowledge of international climate policy
- Familiarity with energy policy
- Understanding of the Paris Agreement
- Knowledge of the UNFCCC negotiation process
- Experience communicating technical findings to diverse audiences
Work Authorization Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Already possess legal authorization to work in the United States
- Reside in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia before employment begins
WRI cannot provide visa sponsorship for this internship.
Benefits of Joining WRI
Interns become part of one of the world’s leading environmental research organizations and gain opportunities to:
- Work alongside internationally recognized climate experts
- Contribute to global climate policy
- Build professional research experience
- Expand international professional networks
- Develop highly sought-after analytical skills
- Strengthen their careers in sustainability and climate policy
About World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent global research organization dedicated to protecting nature, improving lives, and stabilizing the climate. With more than 2,000 employees working across multiple countries, WRI delivers research, data, and policy solutions addressing climate change, energy, cities, food systems, forests, water resources, finance, and sustainable development.
WRI is committed to diversity, inclusion, gender equity, and equal employment opportunities for all applicants.
How to Apply
WRI Climate Ambition Internship 2027: Earn Up to $24 Per Hour While Advancing Climate Research
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Updated resume
- Tailored cover letter highlighting research experience and climate policy interest
Applications must be submitted through the official WRI Careers portal before the advertised deadline. Early applications are encouraged, as recruitment may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.
Why Apply?
The WRI Climate Ambition Internship offers an outstanding opportunity for aspiring climate professionals to work on research that directly supports international climate action. With competitive pay of up to $24 per hour, exposure to global climate policy, and mentorship from leading experts, this internship provides valuable experience for careers in environmental policy, sustainability, climate finance, research, and international development.
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