Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Intern

About the program:

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are a strategic alternative to address the climate crisis and biodiversity loss while also tackling a variety of social challenges, such as water and food security. Despite their great potential and the economic, environmental and social benefits they generate, investing in NbS projects has been more limited. Moreover, most NbS projects are financed by public and philanthropic funds - only 14% of capital is provided by the private sector. To reduce the reliance on public funding and mobilize more private finance towards NbS investment, this project intends to (1) strengthen the economic case for socially responsible NbS investments, and (2) provide clear guidance to the finance sectors on the use of measurable environmental and socioeconomic indicators to robustly assess the impacts of their NbS investment portfolios, alongside their financial returns.

Internship Highlight:

• Deepening of research and analytical skills through contributions to applied economic research
• Gaining experience in science-based research that could potentially influence the future finance sector regarding sustainable investment strategies.
• Expanded knowledge that integrates multidisciplinary insights and focuses with socioeconomic indicators to align environmental and well-being objectives
• Understanding of the link between rigorous research and application with on the ground realities for social impact assessment
• Experience working within a world-renowned environmental NGO where you will work closely with a small core team of economists working on innovative projects

What you will do:

In this role, you will support an on-going research project funded by HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services institutions in the world, to develop guidance and evidence base on best practices that will help the finance sector as a whole to improve the social and environmental impacts of NbS-related investments and measure positive local impacts.

You will report directly to the Equitable Economics Innovation Team’s content manager.

Research Support (60%)

• Contribute to research, data collection, and analysis, etc.
• Support literature reviews and summaries for inputs into the framework and piloting partnerships.
• Support interviews and consultations with experts in the finance sector.

Project Support (40%)

• Support the project manager in day-to-day project management. Responsibilities may include: team meeting planning, organizing project documentations, editing and proofreading reports, etc.
• Support the coordination of work with internal and external partners across programs and countries.

What you will need:

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable finance, business administration, social economics studies, development economics, environmental economics, or related field.
• Previous experience with scientific writing of research articles (incl. thesis, or research papers for course work).
• Experience in socioeconomic impact assessment and/or sustainable finance – evidence through work produced during your studies or relevant past internship is sufficient.
• Creativity in designing and presenting information and ideas.
• Interns at WRI Europe must be registered in a study program with a Dutch college or university for the full duration of the internship.
• You have written and verbal proficiency in English

Conditions of the internship:

• This is a 4 to 6 month internship, with a preference for a 6-month internship, with a start date of March 4 2024.
• This internship will be based at the WRI Europe office in the Hague with some flexibility to work from home.
• This internship offers a reimbursement of 700 euros per month based on full-time working hours (32 hours per week).

How to apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter by 15 Jan 2024. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. You are encouraged to link to any relevant blogs, projects or other pieces of work that demonstrate your suitability for the internship.

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.

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.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team carefully reviews all applications.