The World Resources Institute (WRI) seeks two results-oriented professionals or graduate students to conduct corporate ecosystem valuations using standard valuation or GIS methodologies. The interns will work under the direction of a senior environmental economist and provide research, analytical, organizational, writing, and communication support to the implementation of four corporate ecosystem valuations that are part of the WRI’s Business & Ecosystems Project (www.wri.org/ecosystems/esr).
These are part-time, temporary internships and may fill research requirements for some university programs. There is a possibility of full-time work with WRI upon completion of this internship.
A key conclusion of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was that the earth’s wetlands, forests, coral reef and other ecosystems have been degraded. And, left unchecked, they will become worse over the next 50 years. Because businesses both depend on and impact the ecosystem services these areas provide—forests provide timber, freshwater, natural hazard regulation and a host of other services—this degradation has direct relevance to corporate performance. However, most companies fail to make the connection between healthy ecosystems and their bottom lines.
The Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) is a systematic methodology that helps managers develop strategies to manage their risks and opportunities arising from their company’s dependencies and impacts on ecosystems. Since its launch in March, 2008, the Review has been used by an estimated 150-300 Fortune 500-caliber companies. These experiences demonstrate (1) that current decision making tools can be improved by integrating ecosystem services into them and (2) that valuation of ecosystem services can be useful in the corporate context. However, there are few guidelines to help managers integrate valuation into their decision making systems.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Ecosystem Valuation Initiative is developing these guidelines. WRI’s role in this effort is to “road-test” the draft guidelines in 3-5 companies. The Ecosystem Services Valuation and GIS Intern will assist the Business & Ecosystems Project conduct and report on these corporate ecosystem valuations.
Responsibilities
Work directly with companies do conduct standard ecosystem valuations or GIS based analyses
Analyze and write reports on the findings of this work
Provide feedback to the draft guidelines based on experience
Support other related activities as needed
Qualifications
Graduate degree (or nearly complete) in environmental economics, GIS, or related field
Proven experience with ecosystem valuation or GIS
Working knowledge of at least some of the techniques contained in the document embedded below
Demonstrated research, writing, editing, communication, management, and coordination skills
Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written English
Excellent skills in Microsoft Office and internet research
Desired Qualifications
Residing in the Washington, DC metropolitan area
Working experience in South Africa
Knowledge of the forestry, mining, or paper chemicals industries
Salary & Benefits
Expenses related to work.
Contact
Send resume or CV and cover letter to:
- John Finisdore, Associatejohn.finisdore@wri.org+1 (202) 729-7897
No phone calls please. Qualified applicants only. WRI only accepts applications for current job openings.
The World Resources Institute is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to create practical ways to protect the earth and improve people’s lives.
WRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, or disability.
