About the Program:
About the WRI Cities Program: WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is the World Resources Institute’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing and new urban challenges. Through innovative research, deep engagement with urban leaders, and global partnerships, our network of local and international experts puts cities on a trajectory of more sustainable and equitable development. The African Cities Climate Resilience (ACCR) is a major initiative by the Cities4Forests and Urban Water Resilience teams to build climate and water resilience in African cities. ACCR will reduce climate-induced heat and water risks, boost social equity, support sustainable livelihoods, sequester carbon as a climate mitigation strategy, and protect biodiversity by improving the health and coverage of resilience-boosting ecosystems. Cities Program: https://www.wri.org/cities Cities4Forests Initiative: https://cities4forests.com/ Urban Water Resilience Initiative: https://www.wri.org/initiatives/urban-water-resilience-africa This position is hybrid and will require a few days per week in our Washington DC office. What you will do: In this fellowship role, you will provide support for the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project, which aims to enhance climate resilience, gender equality and social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa. Jointly managed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), with funds from Global Affairs Canada, the SUNCASA project will work with local organizations in three project cities to improve vulnerable urban communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change and protect biodiversity. In this role, you will:
Contribute research, data analysis, writing and presentation development for the SUNCASA project. Support the development and delivery of training and capacity building for gender-responsive nature-based solutions for communities and governments in the SUNCASA project.Develop case studies of community led Nature-based Solution projects in comparable contexts for the SUNCASA project cities. Develop knowledge materials for resilient natural infrastructure solutions for cities. You will work closely with the Cities4Forests, Urban Water Resilience, and Gender Equity teams, the broader SUNCASA team, as well as WRI experts across the institute to support the implementation of the project. You will report to Lisa Beyer, PLA, ASLA, Urban Water Infrastructure Manager, Cities4Forests, with support from Meghan Stromberg, Urban Water Resilience Project Coordinator located in the DC office. Fellowship Learning Outcomes:
Build knowledge in urban water management, nature-based solutions, gender equality and social inclusion, and integrated resilient infrastructure solutions.Learn about the value of nature-based solutions, the multi-benefits that different technologies provide.Gain experience working on multi-stakeholder efforts for NbS implementation.Develop skills in research, writing, communications, and engagement, applying them to support project planning, including coauthoring a blog or blog series and development of outreach materials.What you will need:
This opportunity is part of WRI’s Cameron Speth Fellowship, which provides funding for students from developing nations and Japan to carry out summer internships at World Resources Institute (WRI), founded by Dean Speth.Master's degree student from developing countries or Japan.Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.U.S. work authorization is required for this opportunity. Compensation The pay for this internship opportunity is $20 for undergrads; $22 for graduates and $24 for PhD. Length of Contract: This is a full-time, 3-month fellowship 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 a month.WRI will provide a laptop for the duration of your internship.
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume with a cover letter by March 11, 2024. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. About Us: Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.
The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact. 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.