Cameron Speth Fellowship (Hybrid)

Job Description

About the Program:

About the WRI Cities Program:

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is the World Resources Institute’s program dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing and new urban challenges. Through innovative research, deep engagement with urban leaders, and global partnerships, our network of local and international experts puts cities on a trajectory of more sustainable and equitable development. The African Climate Resilient Cities (ACRC) initiative by the Cities4Forests and Urban Water Resilience teams builds climate and water resilience in African cities. This work will reduce climate-induced heat and water risks, boost social equity, support sustainable livelihoods, sequester carbon as a climate mitigation strategy, and protect biodiversity by improving the health and coverage of resilience-boosting ecosystems.

Cities Program: https://www.wri.org/cities
Cities4Forests Initiative: https://cities4forests.com/
Urban Water Resilience Initiative: https://www.wri.org/initiatives/urban-water-resilience-africa

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:

You will be responsible for integrating equity into your work. In this fellowship role, you will provide support for the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project, which aims to enhance climate resilience, gender equality and social inclusion, and biodiversity protection in urban communities in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and South Africa. Jointly managed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the World Resources Institute (WRI), with funds from Global Affairs Canada, the SUNCASA project will work with local organizations in three project cities to improve vulnerable urban communities’ capacity to adapt to climate change and protect biodiversity.

In this role, you will:

• Contribute research, data analysis, writing and presentation development for the SUNCASA project.
• Support literature review and research of resources for gender-responsive nature-based solutions for communities and governments in the SUNCASA project.
• Develop case studies of community led gender-responsive Nature-based Solution projects in comparable contexts for the SUNCASA project cities.
• Develop knowledge materials for resilient natural infrastructure solutions for cities.
• You will work closely with the Cities4Forests, Urban Water Resilience, and Gender Equity teams, the broader SUNCASA team, as well as WRI experts across the institute to support the implementation of the project. You will report to Lisa Beyer ASLA, PLA, Senior Manager, Nature for Urban Resilience, Cities4Forests, with support from Ayushi Trivedi and Meghan Stromberg located in the DC office.

Fellowship Learning Outcomes:

Through this fellowship you will:

• Build knowledge in urban water management, nature-based solutions, gender equality and social inclusion, and integrated resilient infrastructure solutions.
• Learn about the value of nature-based solutions, the multi-benefits that different technologies provide.
• Gain experience working on multi-stakeholder efforts for NbS implementation.
• Develop skills in research, writing, communications and engagement, applying them to support project planning, including coauthoring a blog or blog series and development of outreach materials.

What you will need:

• This opportunity is part of WRI’s Cameron Speth Fellowship, which provides funding for students from developing nations and Japan to carry out summer internships the World Resources Institute (WRI), founded by Dean Speth.
• Master’s degree student from developing countries or Japan
• The Cameron Speth Fellowship is an opportunity only open to current graduate students at Yale School of the Environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
• Organizational, analytical and strategic skills
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Written and verbal communication skills

Compensation

The pay for this opportunity is $20/hour for undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length of Contract:

This is a full-time, 3-month fellowship with an anticipated start date of either June 16th, July 1st or July 16th.

Location:

• This is a hybrid position that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.
• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by March 27, 2025. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.