Political Mobilization Intern

About the Program:

The High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (HAC) (www.hacfornatureandpeople.org/home) is an intergovernmental group of more than 100 countries—co-chaired by Costa Rica and France, with the United Kingdom as Ocean co-chair— championing a global deal for nature and people with the central goal of protecting at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean area by 2030. The 30x30 target is a global target which aims to halt the accelerating loss of species and protect vital ecosystems that are the source of our economic security.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. 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:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. In this role you will be supporting the political mobilization workstream of the HAC for Nature and People, through communicating and engaging with the 120 HAC countries and HAC partners with the aim of supporting governments in their implementation of protection at least 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030. You will be supported by Jason Dozier Senior Officer on Political Mobilization, Maggie Brunet the Rapid Deployment mechanism manager and Valentina Oben the communications and engagement officer. You will report to Jason Dozier, Senior officer on Political Mobilization.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

• You will support the newly developed Rapid Deployment Mechanism (RDM)
• You will work closely with the Communications Officer to contribute to the communications strategy and all relevant communications materials related to the RDM and the HAC 30x30 Matchmaking Platform
• You will maintain a strong engagement with the HAC for N&P members especially members who have requested support via the RDM
• You will support the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People's preparation and participation to international events including the United Nations General Assembly, the IUCN World Congress and the UNFCCC COP30
• You will support the drafting of strategic documents for 2026 including the yearly work plan.
• You will support engagement with the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People's Members and Task Forces: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Task Force and Subnational Task Force
• The concrete product you will be working on the HAC for N&P stakeholders mapping and analysis.

What you will need:

• Pursuing or completed a bachelor’s degree in international relations, diplomacy, biodiversity conservation, environmental studies, project management or a related discipline
• Must have knowledge of the United Nations multilateral system including the CBD and UNFCCC, as well as the biodiversity ecosystem including relevant NGOs, financial institutions, etc.
• Organizational and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team, and with people from various countries and backgrounds.
• Time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines
• Proactiveness and creativity are appreciated.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 Suite and SharePoint.
• Proficiency in additional languages is an asset.

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 part-time, 6-month internship with a flexible start and end date.

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 May 26, 2025. 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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