Forest Legality Initiative Research Intern

About the Program:

The Forest Legality Initiative (FLI) at the World Resources Institute (WRI) aims to reduce illegal logging through three levers: by increasing capacity and buy-in for compliance with laws and regulations in the private sector; by increasing transparency within the forest products trade and improving access to information on forest operations; and by catalyzing the application of wood identification technologies to verify claims about the species and origin of forest products. Our work is divided into three main categories: Better Business Practices, Decision Support Tools, and Forest Governance and Policy. FLI works with partners in timber producing and importing countries to inform multi-stakeholder processes and promote increased transparency and data accessibility. FLI supports international processes to drive uptake of tools and resources available to promote better supply chain management. For more information, go to www.forestlegality.org

This position is fully remote.

What you will do:

In this role, you will work with the Forest Legality Initiative on a research project related to the Risk Tool. You will also work with WRI staff to analyze global policy developments on deforestation-free supply chains and contribute to WRI’s outreach and communication for forest and agricultural commodity supply chains. You will be supported by and report to the Research Analyst for the Forest Legality Initiative team.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

You will gain experience in the following areas:

• Carry out research on forest laws and regulations in timber producing countries, as well as other country-specific information on forest resources and management.
• Update country profiles with key information and coordinate with partners and consultants for external review.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of a tool to improve supply chain management.
• Help analyze policy developments on forest trade and legality, and deforestation-free commodity supply chains.
• Work with the Forest Legality Initiative on other tasks based on interest and need.

What you will need:

• Pursuing or recently completed degree in public policy, environment, forest or related field.
• Research skills, with attention to detail and quality of source material, especially with law-related topics.
• Background and interest in international environmental policy or forest management.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, especially Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based communications.
• English speaking and writing skills; fluency in a non-English language is a plus.
• Familiarity with reference management tools.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner

Compensation

The pay range for this internship opportunity is $20/ hour for undergrads and $22/ hour for graduates

Length of Contract:

This is a full-time, 3 month internship with a flexible start and end date.

Location:

• This is a remote-based internship with the option to work out of the Washington D.C. office once it reopens.
• WRI will provide a laptop for the duration of your internship.

**How to Apply:
**
Please submit a resume with a cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

About Us: Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

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.