Graduate Intern, Resilience 

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability USA, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Black, Indigenous and People of Color, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

About ICLEI 

ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) is the first and largest global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments devoted to solving the world’s most intractable sustainability challenges. The worldwide network is active in 125+ countries, focused on influencing sustainability policies and driving local action across five key pathways: zero emissions, resilient, equitable, people-centered,  nature-based, and circular development.

This position is with ICLEI USA, the United States office of ICLEI. Our mission is to build and serve a nationwide alliance of local governments to achieve measurable progress towards more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable forms of development and management. ICLEI USA serves a network of more than 500 US local and regional governments and Tribal Nations.

Your Role 

The Resilience Intern will work closely with the Resilient Development Pathway lead to support climate resilience projects and develop resources for ICLEI USA members. The Resilience Intern will be expected to conduct research, contribute to guidance documents and reports, and support community and local government stakeholder engagement meetings. Success in this position requires a high-energy and personable approach, with a healthy dose of technical acumen to guide and direct local governments through phases of a holistic sustainability framework. New York City-based candidates will have opportunities for in-person work and mentorship. 

This internship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited graduate school program in the United States with an expected graduation date in 2025 or 2026. This is a fully remote position open to all US-based applicants, with preference for New York City-based candidates. The position is slated for November 2024 – February 2025 with the possibility of extension. Interns will be asked to work an average of 20 hours per week. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Maintain regular contact with the Resilient Development Pathway Lead and provide updates on tasks and assignments.
• Contribute to written guidance documents and reports.
• Support local government members by conducting research on climate resilience, adaptation, and general sustainability topics.
• Support stakeholder engagement (breakout room facilitation, note-taking, transcription, synthesis, and analysis of inputs shared during meetings)
• Work with project stakeholders including e.g. city sustainability and community engagement staff and volunteers; excellent communication and client support skills are required. 
• Assist the Resilient Development Pathway Lead with administrative tasks, including creating educational and attractive slide decks, formatting documents, meeting notes, etc.
• Other possible tasks (dependent on intern’s interest/expertise): compiling local climate projections and conducting research on future conditions; using GIS (access to ArcGIS Pro license will be provided) to conduct spatial analysis and create visually appealing maps.

Position Requirements

• To be eligible, applicants must be students currently enrolled in an accredited US graduate school program in public administration, geography, geographic information systems, policy, environmental science, sustainability, or similar with an expected graduation date in 2025 or 2026. Candidates must be US-based.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Applicants must possess excellent analytical, technical, organizational, interpersonal, and work planning skills.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace applications, Drive, and Excel.
• An ability to work independently in a dynamic and evolving organization.
• Interns are expected to have a can-do attitude and be willing to problem-solve independently.

Preferred 

• Based in the greater New York City area 
• Experience and/or education in working with local governments on the topics of sustainability or climate adaptation/preparedness
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or QGIS
• Spanish proficiency is an asset

Compensation and Application Process

This part-time internship will be compensated at a rate of $26/hour. This position offers opportunities for growth and professional development. ICLEI USA honors a “quiet Friday” work environment to provide team members with focus time. Our offices are closed the last two weeks of December and major holidays.

Submit a cover letter and resume to iclei-usa@iclei.org by November 4 with the subject line: “Resilience Graduate Intern.”  Interviews with potential candidates will be scheduled on a rolling basis. The position has an anticipated start date of November 15 or sooner.