About the Program:

WRI-U.S. works to advance practical solutions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions, deploy clean energy solutions, improve resilience to climate impacts, and achieve a strong, clean economy that benefits all Americans. We do so through rigorous peer-reviewed expert analysis, consultation, convening, coalition building, and clear communications. We work at all levels of government and with leading businesses across the United States. Our experience, reputation and connections in the policy arena, the private sector and beyond enable us to help shape federal and state climate policy and generate new ideas and practices for low-carbon development over the coming years.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. 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:

In this role, you will contribute to the research and analytical activities of the Industrial Decarbonization team within WRI U.S., in support of our efforts to lay the groundwork for advancing low-carbon, equitable, and resilient domestic climate policies. This will include: research and analysis of industrial decarbonization technologies and electricity markets; tracking policy, legislation, and utility dockets relevant to industrial decarbonization; and supporting development of knowledge and communications products on these topics.

You will report to an Associate on the Industrial Decarbonization team. You will work in close collaboration with project leads, technical partners, and other WRI programs.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

Research and analysis (60%)

• Conduct research on policies to accelerate industrial decarbonization, with an emphasis on the cement, steel, chemicals, or food and beverage industries.

• Track and share relevant policy and technology developments—in the U.S. and globally—and their potential climate impact, and identify implications for the team’s work

• Monitor, compile, and concisely summarize news and resources related to international industrial decarbonization

• Attend webinars, meetings, and virtual workshops/conferences on industrial decarbonization and summarize key takeaways

• Analyze primary data from companies, national emissions inventories, and other databases

• Support the development of and co-author knowledge products, including articles and reports

Communication, engagement, and coordination (40%)

• Support the development of and co-author articles, newsletters, and other externally facing communication materials to communicate complex content in an easily understandable way

• Work with the industrial team on engagement with partner institutions including academia, NGOs, government, and private sector on knowledge sharing and joint research products

• Help prepare presentations and briefings for internal and external audiences

• Support external engagements and opportunities at the national, regional, and global level

• Help coordinate project implementation and provide inputs into funder reports

What you will need:

• Currently pursuing or completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

• Knowledge of or experience in industrial processes, decarbonization technology or policy, or business investment, finance and carbon markets. Similar knowledge of and experience in electricity markets is a plus.

• Fluency in English

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 April 3, 2026. 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: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

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 People team carefully reviews all applications.

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