Industrial Decarbonization Intern, WRI Polsky Energy Center

About the Program:

Production of heat for industrial processes (such as dyeing and pasteurization) accounts for 18% of global annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. But it is an overlooked area for climate and energy action relative to the power sector. In this role, you will support the WRI Polsky Energy Center's emerging efforts to enable a switch from fossil fuels to clean energy for industrial process heat. You will contribute to the Center's research on this topic, while also supporting our business development pipeline. Through these activities, you will help plant the seeds for a rapid shift to clean heat among supply chains in India, China, and Southeast Asia -reducing energy costs, increasing energy security, improving public health, and protecting our climate.

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:

Research & Communications (50%)

• Collect, clean, and analyze data on the industrial sector's energy use, with supervision from manager.

• Support literature reviews, with supervision from manager.

• Draft internal memos and contribute to external communications products.

Business Development & Administration (50%)

• Schedule and coordinate internal meetings.

• Collect inputs from teams in support of grant proposals.

• Collect energy sector statistics for inclusion in concept notes and grant proposals.

• Polish grant reports via copyediting and formatting.

• Prepare slides for internal presentations and meetings, with supervision from manager.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

Through this internship you will:

• Better understand the challenges and opportunities related to industrial decarbonization.

• Gain experience working as part of a multicultural team spread across several continents.

• Familiarize yourself with key milestones in the non-profit business development pipeline and related best practices.

• Familiarize yourself with data from leading providers in the energy sector.

• Build connections with leading experts in the field of climate and energy.

What you will need:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field is desired (environmental studies, economics, political science, engineering, or similar fields); relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Track record of working in a collaborative environment.

• Analytical skills and familiarity with research methods.

• Problem-solving skills

• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.

• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• U.S. work authorization is required for this opportunity.

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, 3-month internship. Our summer internship start dates are June 16th, July 1st and 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 March 19, 2026. Applicants mustapply 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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