Research Intern, Energy Minerals and Circularity

About the WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition:

The WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition delivers pragmatic, scalable and urgently needed solutions to achieve a clean, abundant, affordable and reliable energy future for all.

Harnessing WRI’s renowned analytical power, convening ability and global expertise, The WRI Polsky Energy Center works with governments, utilities, companies, financial institutions and civil society to find bold solutions to the barriers that stand in the way of the energy transition, including modernizing and expanding grids, unlocking power sector investment, and building a future-ready workforce.

We support the global commitment to accelerate renewable energy, deliver energy storage solutions and increase energy efficiency, while continuing to transition from fossil fuels.

The WRI Polsky Energy Center takes a unique, three-part approach that combines WRI’s renowned experts, a world-class Advisory Group, and collaboration with partners to:

• Generate evidence-based analyses on barriers and solutions through rigorous research from around the world.
• Orchestrate the change by engaging influential actors, banks, companies, utilities, governments and civil society to co-create and implement solutions.
• Leverage WRI’s reach including the Institute’s presence in a dozen of the world’s most influential economies and its global expertise and capabilities across programs.

Internship Highlight:

You will be working on “Energy Minerals and Circularity”, the newest pillar at the WRI Polsky Energy Center.

The clean energy transition requires scaling up the supply of critical minerals, such as copper, nickel, lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements, used in batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and power grids. How can we meet the world’s increasing demand for energy transition minerals, both in time and in ways that protect people and nature? This is the big question we are seeking to answer at the WRI Polsky Energy Center!

You will gain experience in conducting research towards a knowledge product in a world-class non-profit organization, applying academic knowledge to a real-world challenge with clear impact goals for people, nature and climate, working with a small and motivated international team, and learning from senior experts with diverse backgrounds.

What you will do:

In this role, you will work on a research project on the economics of responsible minerals production, together with senior staff based in different WRI country offices. The project connects (geo)politics, economics, and sustainability in the critical minerals sector.

Your internship supervisor will be the Global Lead of Energy Minerals and Circularity.

Research and Analysis (70%):

• Conduct desk research and interviews on given topics.
• Analyze and synthesize information into clear and concise findings.
• Participate in developing knowledge product including writing, managing reviews, and editing.

Communication and Coordination (30%):

• Help create related communication materials, such as infographics and presentations.
• Support coordination of events such as webinars, roundtables, and conference sessions.