WBG Pioneer - Research and Communications Intern

Job #: req37685
Organization: World Bank
Grade: T4 (no-fee)
Location: Washington, DC,United States
Hiring Manager: Valerie Hickey
Required Language(s): English
Preferred Language(s):
Closing Date: 8/12/2026 (11:59pm UTC)

Description

WBG Pioneers, the World Bank Group’s Internship Program, offers undergraduate and postgraduate students a high impact learning experience at the heart of global development. Participants gain hands on experience in a diverse and dynamic environment, contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, and connect with international professionals working to end poverty on a livable planet.

The WBG Environment (ENV) Department works at the intersection of knowledge, partnership and finance to (i) help countries and companies better manage and grow three real economy sectors, namely forestry and non-timber forest products, fisheries and aquaculture, and nature-based tourism, (ii) help companies and countries access and deploy the circular economy technologies of the future to reduce costs, reduce pollution and enhance competitiveness; and (iii) accelerate delivery of World Bank Group flagship priorities, including M300, by identifying and mitigating environmental risks that could stall progress. We do this by mobilizing and translating global knowledge - across the IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and external partners - into scalable, investable solutions for capital markets, companies, communities and countries.
We work through our regional and industry partners across the WBG. Specifically, ENV is responsible for establishing and reinforcing the authorizing environment to unlock the power of natural infrastructure to generate jobs, growth and a livable planet. This means developing the policies and regulations that create a credible enabling environment that attracts private investments and makes public investments cost effective, as well as building the capabilities of the institutions that implement those policies. And ENV acts as a full service accelerator for country and industry operations. This role includes providing access to curated global data, managing knowledge flows to make them actionable, facilitating concessional financing to support innovation and reduce borrowing costs, and deploying specialized technical expertise across environmental issues.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ENV Department is seeking an intern to help transform complex research and data into clear, coherent narratives to inform strategic decision-making and external messaging. Main responsibilities will include:
  • Conduct research and data analysis on the connection between sustainable forest management and jobs.
  • Continued development of research materials on the growth and job creation potential of real-economy sectors including agroforestry, nature-based tourism, and fisheries an aquaculture.
  • Support development of messaging on how nature underpins agriculture, value-added manufacturing, and energy.
  • Support development of messaging on how pollution management underpins healthcare.

Selection Criteria

  • Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or in the final year - postgraduate (master’s/PhD) program.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting, analyzing, and synthesizing research, and translating technical findings into accessible insights.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively in diverse environments.
  • Proficiency in English, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated interest in development work and the World Bank Group’s mission.
No-Fee Internship Eligibility
This position is offered under the WBG Pioneers No-Fee Internship Track. Students may be offered a no-fee STT appointment provided that they either: (a) are enrolled in a Master's, PhD, or similar graduate program during the entire internship (or are in the fifth year or higher of a degree program in countries where higher education is not divided into undergraduate and graduate stages) and provide an official letter from their university confirming that the internship fulfills academic requirements for at least one term of study; or (b) are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies and receive a stipend from their university at least equivalent to the minimum STT T1 fee level in effect at the start of the assignment, as confirmed by an official university letter.
Note: Please limit your applications to a maximum of three positions. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

The World Bank Group values diversity and encourages all qualified candidates who are nationals of World Bank Group member countries to apply, regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.  Sub-Saharan African nationals, Caribbean nationals, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.