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World Resources Institute
About the 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 Climate Resilient Cities (ACRC) initiative by the Cities4Forests and Urban Water Resilience teams builds climate and water resilience in African cities. This work 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.
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities | World Resources Institute
Urban Water Resilience Initiative | World Resources Institute (wri.org)
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 internship role, you will provide support to WRI Cities4Forest and Urban Water Resilience teams on urban natural infrastructure projects for climate resilience that utilize data-driven approaches to improve environmental and social impacts. This will involve the development of materials to advance project planning, capacity building, training, and communications for projects based in Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and additional cities across the globe. The activities of this fellowship will be shaped by your learning interests and the needs of the team.
In this role, you will:
Contribute research, data analysis, writing and presentation development on urban nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation.
Support project team in advancing project tasks and meeting donor requirements for tracking and reporting.
Develop knowledge materials for resilient natural infrastructure solutions for cities.
You will work closely with the Cities4Forests, Urban Water Resilience, and Equitable Development teams, as well as WRI experts across the institute to support the implementation of the project. You will report to Lisa Beyer ASLA, PLA, Senior Manager, Nature for Urban Resilience, Cities4Forests, with support from Meghan Stromberg, Urban Resilience Program Associate, located in the DC office.
Internship Learning Outcomes:
Through this internship you will:
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 the World Resources Institute (WRI), founded by Dean Speth.
The Cameron Speth Fellowship is an opportunity only open to current graduate students at Yale School of the Environment from developing countries or Japan.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Strong organizational, analytical and strategic skills, as well as creative, flexible thinking.
Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
U.S. work authorization is required for this opportunity. WRI does not sponsor interns for visas.
Compensation
The pay for this internship opportunity is $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.
Length of Contract:
This is a full-time, 3-month internship. Summer internships start dates are June 16th, July 1st or July 20th
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 February 9, 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: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.
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 team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.
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