Internship in Coolfood Data Support

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Internship in Coolfood Data Support
Location: Washington DC
Country: United States
Deadline Date: February 20, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization founded in 198

• WRI focuses on addressing critical environmental challenges, including climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. With a global staff of over 1,800, WRI operates in 60 countries and has offices in regions such as Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. The organization is dedicated to delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to tackle the world's most pressing environmental and international development issues, ultimately improving people's lives. WRI collaborates with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create meaningful change. The organization is committed to advancing gender, racial, and social equity in its mission and practices, ensuring equal opportunities in employment for all qualified applicants.

Job Overview:
The internship position focuses on supporting the Coolfood initiative, which aims to reduce diet-related emissions in the food service industry. The intern will work closely with the Coolfood Data Lead and a Food Program Associate to assist with data-related tasks for the Coolfood Pledge and Food Loss and Waste initiatives. The role involves data analysis, organization, and gaining insights into greenhouse gas emissions calculations and reporting initiatives. The intern will also contribute to the 10x20x30 initiative, which seeks to halve food loss and waste by 2030 by engaging food retailers and suppliers. This position is ideal for students pursuing degrees in environmental science, environmental studies, or food systems, and it offers a unique opportunity to integrate equity into environmental work while gaining practical experience in data management and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support Coolfood Pledge data management, analysis, and presentation (25% of time): Assist with greenhouse gas emissions calculations using the Coolfood Pledge Calculator Excel tool for members of the Coolfood Pledge. Support data interpretation and presentation of Coolfood Pledge reports to members. Provide assistance with Coolfood data file organization and tracking.
• Support Coolfood Pledge data updates (25% of time): Research reporting requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance and the Science Based Target Initiatives’ Forest, Land and Agriculture Guidance to inform updates to Coolfood Pledge reporting processes. Identify potential new metrics to incorporate into the Coolfood Pledge Calculator tool and support updates in line with planned data updates.
• Support data gathering and analysis for food loss and waste initiatives (50% of time): Identify data gaps in existing food loss and waste data and fill them where possible. Analyze trends in data availability and gaps to assist in strategic planning and future activities. Contribute to research, writing, and review of the annual Champions 12.3 “SDG Target 12.3 on Food Loss and Waste” Progress Report and other publications under development by the food loss and waste team. Support other Food Initiatives team data tasks and activities as needs arise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should ideally be pursuing degrees in environmental science, environmental studies, or food systems. Proficiency in Excel and experience working with large data sets are essential. Strong mathematical and writing skills, along with attention to detail, are required. Experience with environmental impact assessments of food, such as life cycle assessment, modeling, or greenhouse gas accounting, is a plus. The ability to present complex information clearly and concisely is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position is suitable for students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from programs related to environmental science, environmental studies, or food systems. A strong academic background in these fields will be beneficial for the tasks involved in the internship.

Experience:
The internship is designed for students or recent graduates, so prior professional experience is not strictly required. However, any relevant experience in data analysis, environmental science, or food systems will be advantageous. Familiarity with environmental impact assessments or related topics will also be considered a plus.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory due to the nature of the work and communication involved. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a hybrid internship requiring the intern to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month. The internship is full-time and lasts for 3 months, with a flexible start and end date. Compensation for the internship is $20/hour for undergraduates, $22/hour for graduates, and $24/hour for PhD students. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission, as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be residents of DC, Maryland, or Virginia at the start of employment.