The world needs to shift from economies based on exploiting people and nature to low-carbon economies that are good for people and good for the planet. Achieving the world’s people, nature, and climate goals will require major transformations of every human system that supports life on Earth — from the ways we produce and use food and energy to how we design cities – as well as to the economic, financial and political governance systems which underpin them. WRI works to drive transitions in focus countries where we can test, evaluate, and scale strategies and lessons learned, and also to set ambitious global commitments and initiatives. We bring change-makers together from governments, businesses, non-profits, and others to advance rigorous, evidence-based solutions and learning.
This internship will support WRI's Climate, Economics, and Finance (CEF) Program, with a specific focus on Corporate Transition to Net Zero
The CEF Program is responsible in WRI for both driving forward changes in the finance, economic and governance systems at the global, country transition, and human system-level, as well as stewarding the Institute’s climate goal, with a focus on both adaptation and mitigation. It is responsible for delivering outcomes on climate ambition, country transitions, finance, adaptation, and corporate action.
This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in London. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
In this internship, you will gain hands-on experience in environmental policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic analysis within a leading global research organization.
As an intern, you will play a crucial role in three key project areas:
Stakeholder and Partner Mapping: You will identify and map external stakeholders and potential partners actively supporting corporate net-zero transitions. This will involve scheduling and attending introductory meetings/calls, developing a strategic shortlist of key organizations, and outlining WRI's potential role in collaborating with these partners.
Barriers to Transition Research and Engagement: You will conduct desk research to identify and understand the barriers preventing corporates in key sectors from achieving net-zero. Based on your research, you will develop an engagement plan to discuss these barriers directly with corporations and identify potential levers to overcome them.
Incentive Mechanism Analysis: You will map and assess existing incentives that enable corporate net-zero transitions. This will involve evaluating the effectiveness, pros, and cons of various mechanisms, including regulatory market mechanisms, voluntary targets, reporting requirements, and partnership bodies.
Internship Learning Outcomes:
Develop and execute strategies for identifying, mapping, and engaging with diverse external stakeholders and potential partners in the net-zero transition space.
Apply analytical skills to synthesize findings and develop strategic engagement plans outlining levers for overcoming identified barriers.
Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of various incentive mechanisms (e.g., regulatory, market-based, voluntary targets, reporting requirements) that drive corporate climate action.
Develop and implement strategic approaches for stakeholder engagement and corporate outreach.
Gain understanding of the complex challenges and opportunities corporates face in achieving net-zero emissions and develop expertise in identifying and addressing critical barriers to sustainable corporate transitions.
What you will need:
Undergraduate degree in economics, environmental policy, business administration, or sustainable development, or other discipline related to corporate transition including corporate standards, incentives and action (or equivalent work experience)
3 years of relevant work experience
Currently enrolled or completed an MBA or post graduate degree program
Demonstrated writing skills
Strong commitment to WRI’s mission, values, and approach, with demonstrated passion for addressing climate issues in the private sector
Communication skills, particularly with influential external stakeholders, and ability to represent CEF and WRI with integrity.
An understanding of corporate incentives, standard-setting, target-setting, and climate action policies. Experience in corporate transition related to nature is desirable.
