With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Overall Function

EDF seeks a highly qualified summer legal intern to work with our international climate team on research, writing, and creative advocacy strategies for encouraging and incentivizing sovereign nations to reduce their global warming pollution.  Previous interns have researched and written legal and policy documents that were subsequently published in leading national journals or included in EDF submissions to intergovernmental organizations, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).  Much of our work in this field occurs at the interface between public international law and legal frameworks governing domestic public and private actors.  Projects may focus on treaty development, development of national or subnational law, linkages between and among national and sub-national legal systems, and/or linkages between treaties and domestic programs. 

Qualifications

The work is multifaceted, fast-paced, and intellectually challenging.  Applicants should be able to demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills as well as the ability to undertake both large projects and 1-2 page policy briefs.  Familiarity/experience with international law, environmental law, the history of climate treaty negotiations, and carbon markets a plus.   

Location

Washington DC

Term

A minimum of 10 weeks.  Start and end date is negotiable.

Hours

Full-time

Compensation

This is an unpaid, volunteer internship. Students are encouraged to seek academic credit through their college/university and EDF will ensure that any and all paperwork needed to secure academic credit is completed. EDF will also support intern in his/her efforts to secure external funding.

Application

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and CV to the EDF application, together with a list of three references and a brief (max. 10 page) writing sample. 

Applications are considered immediately and on a rolling basis until position filled.

Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.

Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer