The Climate and Energy intern works closely with the Program Directors for our Transatlantic Climate and Energy and International Climate Policy and Finance programs. The Transatlantic Climate and Energy program focuses on facilitating a just transition away from fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, to a system largely based on renewable energies, such as wind and solar with a focus creating fair, sustainable livelihoods for affected communities. The International Climate Policy and Finance program analyses and monitors the evolving global climate finance architecture, particularly public climate funds and finance provision, advocates for climate just financing arrangements and contributions, including on the emerging mechanisms for loss and damage, with a focus on ensuring that climate financing is fully accessible to local communities, human-rights centered and gender-responsive, and helps coordinate civil society participation and input into the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as the largest multilateral climate fund for the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
This internship is well suited for students interested in energy and the environment, with a focus on just energy transitions and sustainable, economic development – particularly in the global south and in underrepresented communities. Applicants should be self-motivated and independent workers.
The earliest start date for the internship will be March 2023.
Basic Requirements
- experience in at least one of our program areas
- a genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
- competent command of English (German is not a requirement)
- a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part-time only on a case-by-case basis)
- at least 2 years of university-level experience
- currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program OR recent (< 1 year) Bachelor’s degree recipients
Applications from mid-career professionals or applicants who have already completed a Master’s or Ph.D. will not be accepted.
Benefits
- a monthly stipend of $700 for full-time positions and proportionally less for part-time
- 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full-time internships
- most of the costs associated with a visa application can be covered by the foundation
NOTE: Washington, DC is an expensive city. We encourage serious applicants to apply for external funding and scholarships if necessary.
Administrative Responsibilities
- provide logistical support for preparation and implementation of visitor programs and events
- manage front desk duties (i.e. answer telephones, respond to information inquiries)
- manage contact and program-specific databases
Communications
- develop social media content and communications strategies
- update content on our website and blogs
Research
- conduct background research on topical issues and current events
- prepare research for upcoming events, tours, and speaker’s series
Capstone Project
In addition to routine tasks, interns are required to complete a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Capstones can be one extensive piece or a combination of the following:
- 5-10 page policy paper (see an example paper here).
- interview with a policy expert (either article or video)
- script for a 2-3 min explanatory video
- series of short blog pieces or op-eds
