About the program:
WRI’s Economics Center helps provide a better understanding of the value that healthy ecosystems and climate action provide to the economy.
Using an economics lens, we analyze problems and solutions at the intersection of environment and human well-being. We develop tools and guidance to help decision-makers understand the economic and social trade-offs of investing in and protecting natural resources and the climate. We identify equitable outcomes and help leaders understand policy and development impacts on vulnerable populations. Our research makes the case for why climate action and ecosystem protection go hand-in-hand with economic growth and prosperity. And our coalitions bring together a diverse set of decision-makers and influencers to create lasting change.
Internship Highlight:
Each year, it is estimated that at least US$1.16 trillion of value is derived from Indigenous People and Local Communities’ (IPLCs’) lands, but IPLCs have not benefited adequately from international finance pledges for nature conservation and climate targets. For example, a recent study that tracked financial flows for IPLC tenure and forest management between 2011-2020 and revealed that less than 1% of the overseas development assistance (ODA) directed to forests, biodiversity and climate went to support IPLC tenure and forest management. Moreover, of this total donor funding disbursed to IPLC tenure and forest management, only a small fraction reached IPLC organizations.
At WRI, we are committed to research that could help accelerate the process for IPLCs to gain direct finance access to newly pledged $1.7 billion nature and climate finance at COP26, receive equitable benefit-sharing from nature finance mechanisms such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), and be empowered in the decision-making processes that will improve the effectiveness of forest conservations from project design to implementation. This proposed research is led by the Equitable Economics Innovation Team and will examine public and private PES programs in Mesoamerica and/or Asia, where PES has a long history.
What you can expect to gain from the internship:
- Deepening of research and analytical skills through contributions to policy relevant applied research
- Expanded knowledge that integrates multidisciplinary insights on economics, nature conservation and IPLCs
- Understanding of the link between rigorous research and application with on the ground realities for impact assessment
- Experience working within a world-renowned environmental NGO where you will work closely with a small core team of economists working on innovative projects
- Experience working (virtually) with international project partners across WRI’s different programs, centres, and international offices.
What you will do:
In this role, you will provide technical assistance to the research project outlined above.
Your internship supervisor will be the head of the Equitable Economics Innovation Team.
Research Support (60%)
- Contribute to research, data collection, and analysis, etc.
- Support literature reviews and summaries for a flagship report.
Project Support (40%)
- Support the project manager in day-to-day project management. Responsibilities may include: team meeting planning, organizing project documentations, taking notes, etc.
- Support the coordination of work with internal and external partners across programs and countries.
What you will need:
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in environmental economics studies, nature finance, forest conservation, or related field.
- Previous experience with research and scientific writing of research articles (including for a thesis, or research papers for course work)
- Experience or knowledge in financing mechanisms for forest conservation (e.g. PES, REDD+) and IPLC issues would a plus
- Creativity in designing and presenting information and ideas
- Interns at WRI Europe must be registered in a study program with a Dutch college or university for the full duration of the internship.
- Proficiency in English and Spanish (both oral and writing) would be compulsory for this position.
Conditions of the internship:
- This is a 4 to 6 month internship, with a preference for a 6-month internship, with a start date of March 13 2023
- This internship will be based at the WRI Europe office in the Hague with some flexibility to work from home
- This internship offers a reimbursement of 350 euros per month based on full-time working hours
- Interns can request a laptop if they require one
- This internship will require at least 30 hours a week with flexibility for study requirements
- In addition to those available full-time for 6-months, to support differing study requirements, there is flexibility for those who may have less months available to work 40 hours a week for four months or for those needing to balance with study commitments to work less weekly to spread out their hours over 6 months.
How to apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter by 26 December 2022. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. You are encouraged to link to any relevant blogs, projects or other pieces of work that demonstrate your suitability for the internship.
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.
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 and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.
Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.
