Internship, Sustainable Land Use

Climate Focus is a pioneering international advisory company committed to the development of policies, programs and projects that mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Our international and multidisciplinary team works closely with the private sector, governments and non-governmental organizations across a range of sectors including renewable energy, forests and agriculture, waste, transport, and energy efficiency.

We provide independent advice that is relevant for today’s decision-makers, ranging from the development of climate policies to the development of business models for sustainable land use. Our advice is rooted in a profound knowledge of climate change policies, global land use challenges, and innovative development solutions.  

Climate Focus was founded in 2004 and has offices in Amsterdam, Berlin, Bogotá, and Washington, D.C. Our team of experts is complemented by a broad and diverse network of in-country and international partners. More information on www.climatefocus.com. 

Climate Focus is seeking a sustainable land use intern to join our office in Washington, D.C. in a full- or part-time capacity for 3 months with the possibility for extension up to 6 months. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a pioneering, versatile, and dynamic organization that is committed to advancing new research, analysis, and implementation of land use policy. The successful candidate will be a team player and be familiar and comfortable working in a range of environments and geographies with a diverse group of clients and colleagues. This is a paid internship.

As part of this internship you will have the chance to work in close collaboration with Climate Focus staff to:

·        Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and analysis on issues including, but not limited to, deforestation-free production of commodities, sustainable supply chains, climate smart agriculture, and climate finance

·        Support advisory projects for government, multilateral, and private sector clients in agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU)

·        Conduct financial and technical analysis of land use business models

·        Assist in business development efforts through proposal writing and coordination

The successful candidate will have or be actively pursuing a graduate degree in environmental policy, business, economics, forestry, agriculture, or a related discipline. A full-time (40 hours/week) role is preferred, but a candidate should be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

The ideal candidate will also have:

·        Demonstrated experience and interest in sustainable commodity production and supply chains, agriculture, climate policy, and/or finance, with relevant academic and/or professional experience. Previous experience working with private sector clients in these areas is a plus.

·        Strong research skills and analytical capacities, both qualitative and quantitative.

·        Excellent writing and communication skills.

·        Ability to work well within teams across disciplines and cultures.

·        Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required, and advanced language skills or fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred.

·        Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under multiple and competing deadlines.

·        Permission to work in the U.S.

 

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter in English via e-mail to a.thomson@climatefocus.com). Please include the word “Internship” in the subject line. Your cover letter should include your availability to start and your expected hours per week.

Applications will be considered until August 16th and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. It is encouraged that you apply early.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are not able to respond to each applicant individually. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.