Intern, Policy, U.S. Climate Alliance

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing America’s net-zero future with state-led, high-impact climate action. The Alliance Secretariat helps its member states and territories accelerate climate action by providing a broad range of technical, analytical, policy, and capacity assistance and resources. It also coordinates engagement with the federal government and national partners to drive solutions across government in support of an ambitious, durable national climate framework. For more on the Alliance, visit www.usclimatealliance.org.
  
The U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat is seeking an intern ready to contribute to its research, policy development, peer-to-peer learning, and coordination work. The intern will respond to specific project-level needs such as tracking policy progress and implementation, drafting policy briefing papers, and providing general coordination and program support. This role is an opportunity to gain a comprehensive and in-depth and understanding of the types of policies and actions U.S. states are advancing to drive down GHG emissions across the economy. The intern will be expected to work as part of a broader team that includes Alliance staff, consultants, external partners, and member states.  

This is a paid opportunity from May 26, 2026 – August 18, 2026 and offers an hourly compensation rate range of $17.95-$20.00 per hour. This role is expected to work 20-29 hours per week on a fixed schedule.  

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW

The Policy Intern will support the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat’s research, policy coordination, and sector-based work through structured, project-based assignments. Through this internship, the intern will gain practical experience supporting multistate climate initiatives, policy analysis, and coalition coordination efforts. The internship is designed to strengthen research, analytical, and communication skills while providing insight into how state and federal climate policies are developed, tracked, and implemented.

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

As the Policy Intern, you will:

•  Support preparation of materials for major Alliance meetings, workshops, and policy workgroup convenings, including research, notetaking, and database updates

•  Assist with quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and policy tracking related to Alliance-wide initiatives and multistate commitments

•  Support rapid-response efforts related to federal and state government announcements, including updating trackers, newsletters, and internal documents

•  Assist sector leads with sector-specific policy projects, including identifying state policy examples, supporting working group design, conducting research, and contributing to draft communications materials

•  Provide coordination and project support for additional policy and research activities as needed

LEARNING OUTCOMES  

By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained:

•  Hands-on experience supporting state and federal climate policy research, tracking, and implementation efforts

•  Strengthened research, analytical, and written communication skills through applied policy and data-focused projects

•  Exposure to sector-specific climate policy work and multistate collaboration through coalition-based initiatives

•  An understanding of how complex policy and data are synthesized and translated into tools, briefings, and resources for policymakers and stakeholders

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION and/or EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. College graduates are invited to apply

• Demonstrated academic, professional, or extracurricular interest in climate, environmental, or public policy issues

• Exposure to or interest in state-level and federal climate policy is preferred

COMPETENCIES

• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information accurately and efficiently

• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills

• Interest in coalition-based work and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal team members and external partners

• Ability to communicate complex policy information in a clear and accessible manner

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities

• Professionalism, reliability, and a collaborative work style aligned with the mission of the U.S. Climate Alliance

• Fluency in English and ability to meet regular attendance expectations

LOCATION

Remote

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
The United National Foundation will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

It is required you upload your resume and a cover letter for this position. Your application will be considered incomplete without these items. Please note that we cannot consider your application without a resume and cover letter submission.

The United Nations Foundation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.