Urban Development Intern - World Resources Institute - Washington, DC

Overview

The Urban Development practice area, as part of the Cities and Transport program under WRI’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, is seeking an intern who will play an integral role in conducting research on urban development issues pertaining to Transit Oriented Development and other relevant urban issues including equity, financing, and urban codes and regulations. The intern will work with members of the practice area to design a research project, define a methodology, identify data needs and execute in-depth research. The emphasis of the research project will pertain to the legal, financial and design principles of transit-oriented-development and how to ensure equity is addressed. Other research topics may include neighborhood improvement plans or a similar type of development in Mexico, Brazil and/or India.

The WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities helps create accessible, equitable, healthy, and resilient urban areas for people, businesses and the environment to thrive. Together with partners, it enables connected, compact and coordinated cities. The Center expands the transport and urban development expertise of the EMBARQ network to catalyze innovative solutions in low-carbon energy, building efficiency, governance, and water risk. It combines the research excellence of the World Resources Institute (WRI) with 13 years of on-the-ground impact through a network of 180 experts working to make cities in Brazil, China, India, Mexico and Turkey better places to live.

Responsibilities

The intern will gain experience in the following areas:

• Identifying relevant research, data and case studies to supplement written reports, and other existing resources;
  


• Working with urban development staff in other countries to coordinate work and provide support;
  


• Undertaking research activities using technical and professional journals and publications, the internet library databases, etc., to extract and summarize information;
  


• Preparing and delivering presentations,
  


• Organizing, synthesizing and writing about a range of urban issues
  


• Writing case studies
  


• Conducting research
  


• Conducting literature reviews
  


• Reviewing publications
  


• Assisting in organizing and analyzing data
  


• Contributing to blogs
  


• Editing/proofreading
  


• Providing general administrative support
  


• Supporting project development
  

Qualifications

Required Degree: Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Candidates should embody the following qualities:

• Excellent research skills
  


• Excellent writing skills
  


• Strong oral communications skills
  


• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
  


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


• Ability to work calmly and enthusiastically under high pressure
  


• Ability to think creatively
  


• Flexible
  


• Highly responsible, self-motivated
  


• Extremely well organized and efficient
  

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test

Reports To: The Director of the Urban Development practice area

Salary: This is a paid intern position

Duration: October 2015 – April 2016

Location: Washington, DC

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers . All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.

The World Resources Institute ( http://www.wri.org/wri ) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

About WRI

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and corporate leaders.

WRI’s reputation is grounded in its excellent analysis, non-partisan approach, and high-impact results. We measure our success based on how our work helps to create real-world change on the ground—and approach we call “Managing for Results.”

WRI’s work is united by and driven by our values: Innovation, Integrity, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

WRI fosters a culture of innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees are driven by the organization’s mission and have the satisfaction of helping to create a more prosperous and healthy planet.

Learn more about our organization at www.wri.org .

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