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.

This position is fully remote.

What you will do:

In this role, you will work with WRI staff on research projects related to deforestation-free commodity supply chains as part of WRI’s Supply Chain Hub. The Hub is an internal working group across WRI’s programs and centers to bring together and coordinate intelligence and views on conversion-free supply chains. The research projects include assessing and refining theories of change for 5 key deforestation-free agricultural commodity (beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and soy) supply chains, analyzing demand-side regulations on deforestation-free supply chains, and studying the role of transparency and traceability in those supply chains. You will be supported by WRI's Forest Legality Initiative and the Supply Chain Hub to develop theory of change papers on the 5 deforestation-free agricultural commodity supply chains, analyze global policy development on deforestation-free supply chains, and contribute to WRI’s outreach and communication for forest and agricultural commodity supply chains. You will report to a research associate in the Forest Legality Initiative.

Internship Learning Outcomes:

You will gain experience in the following areas:

• Conduct desktop research on existing theories of change for addressing global deforestation in key agricultural commodity supply chains
• Support outreach and interviews with key commodity supply chain stakeholders to analyze the gaps for existing theories of change and summarize lessons learnt
• Help analyze policy development on deforestation-free commodity supply chains in key consumer markets including the EU, US, and UK.
• Work with WRI staff to develop papers on the theories of change for deforestation-free agricultural commodity supply chains and review publications on the role of transparency and traceability
• Contribute to the outreach, communication, and review for WRI’s knowledge and communication products related to deforestation-free commodity supply chains
• Formulate policy analysis to inform real-world policy making and private sector actions to address global deforestation associated commodity supply chains
• Engage with WRI’s Supply Chain Hub to help advance commodity supply chain research projects and project communication.
• 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, agriculture, forest, economics, international development, or related field
• Excellent research skills, with attention to detail and quality of source material
• Background and interest in global forest conservation or agricultural commodity supply chains, experience with deforestation-free commodity supply chains a plus but not required
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office, 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
• Experience and/or interest in engaging with government, private, and civil society sectors

Length of Contract:

This is a part-time, 6-months 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.

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by December 21st, 2022. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.