Intern, State-Federal Climate Policy, US Climate Alliance

Position Overview

The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement.  The U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat provides strategic, convening, analytical and other functions to support Alliance states in making progress on their climate priorities.  For more information on the on the Alliance, please visit www.usclimatealliance.org.

The U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat is seeking a State-Federal Climate Policy Intern ready to contribute to its research, policy development, peer-to-peer learning and coordination work. The State Climate Policy Intern will support the Alliance’s federal-state policy efforts through research support such as data analysis and research projects; drafting policy briefing papers, presentations and case studies, and providing general coordination support.

The State-Federal Climate Policy Intern reports to a senior member of the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat in support of Alliance states, and will be expected to work as part of a broader team that includes Alliance staff, consultants, external partners and member states.  The State-Federal Climate Policy Intern supports and responds to state-led initiatives and works with the Energy and Climate team at the United Nations Foundation, which houses the U.S. Climate Alliance
Secretariat.

The Intern will be expected to work Monday to Friday at a maximum of 29 hours per week over a 10-week period. Candidates should clearly specify their anticipated start date in their cover letter, as well as their expected time commitment and any barriers related to their availability.

Due to exceptional circumstances, the UNF offices are currently closed and all employees are working remotely. The Intern will be expected to work remotely and will supply their own laptops and internet connection. The work schedule will be agreed upon with your supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Research topics relevant to state climate policy and present findings in various formats (reports, data sheets in Excel, etc.).
• Regularly update resources on climate-related federal funding opportunities for states.
• Track changes in leadership, governance, and/or policy agendas at the state and federal level that may affect USCA’s climate goals or initiatives.
• Prepare briefing memos, presentations, talking points, and Q&A on specific issue areas or to prepare for meetings, and brief the Executive Director or Alliance States as appropriate.
• Provide administrative and event management support as needed, including meeting scheduling.
• Represent the Alliance at energy and climate-related events or calls, and take timely and concise notes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

• Candidate must be enrolled in a degree-granting program during the internship or must be a recent graduate (within 8 months of graduation) of a college or university.
• Strong research skills and ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated interest and experience in state or federal climate policy.
• An understanding of federal climate policy and/or the federal legislative process.
• Be responsible, flexible, hard‐working and committed to the mission of the U.S. Climate Alliance.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
• Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
• Must have a personal laptop computer and access to the Internet.
• Must be available to work a maximum of 29 hours per week.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

The United Nations Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. The United Nations Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.