Global Climate Policy Graduate Intern

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Program/Department Overview

EDF’s Global Climate Cooperation team leads and executes EDF’s work on international climate policy and carbon pricing. The team’s objective is to promote ambitious, well-designed market-based climate policies around the world, including at international forums like the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Our staff members undertake original research and publish in peer-reviewed journals; participate in and regularly give presentations to international negotiators, representing EDF and broader NGO coalitions; and develop and present advocacy materials in a wide range of other settings, including international meetings, Congress, etc.

Overall Function

The interns will work with EDF’s Global Climate Cooperation team on research, writing, and advocacy projects focused on international climate negotiations and cooperative climate action between and among countries. Working with other team members, the intern will be expected to prepare a range of written products, including policy memos, and monitor developments on key topics within the negotiations in advance of COP28.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks will include but are not limited to:

• Prepare short policy briefs as well as larger written research products to inform team preparations for and analysis of UNFCCC negotiations in June and December 2023.
• Contribute to EDF’s UNFCCC submissions.
• Participate in briefings and coordination meetings with civil society partners.
• Provide other support to the team's policy advocacy efforts.
• Participate in advancing EDF Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• Current or recent graduate student who has completed at least one year of a relevant Masters degree program (e.g., international environmental policy, environmental management).
• Demonstrated interest in international relations, global climate policy, the history of climate treaty negotiations, and/or carbon market mechanisms (familiarity with UNFCCC is a plus).
• Strong research, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Well organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team setting and to work independently when projects are due.
• Self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Location

Hybrid out of Washington, D.C. or U.S. remote.

Term

10 to 12 weeks (June to August 2023)

Hours

Full-time (35 hours/week)

Compensation

This internship would involve compensation for work paid at a rate competitive with leading non-profits at $20/hour.

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application, together with a brief (maximum 5 pages) writing sample.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

Maximum Salary

USD $20.00/Hr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.