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Climate Policy Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Policy & Advocacy Intern

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

POSITION The USCRI Policy & Advocacy Intern will support the P&A team by contributing to projects ... Analysts' portfolios include LGBTQ+ refugees, climate displacement, child displacement, trafficking ...

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Climate Policy Intern information

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$8

$17

$24

How much do climate policy intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate policy intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Policy Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Policy Intern, you need a strong background in environmental studies, public policy, or related fields, along with analytical research and writing skills. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, data visualization software, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Suite are commonly expected. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively are crucial soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These competencies enable interns to effectively support policy development, communicate findings, and contribute to impactful climate solutions.

What types of projects and collaborations can I expect as a Climate Policy Intern?

As a Climate Policy Intern, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as researching policy impacts, analyzing climate legislation, and assisting in the preparation of reports or presentations for stakeholders. Interns often collaborate closely with policy analysts, advocacy teams, and sometimes external partners like NGOs or governmental agencies. This role typically involves attending team meetings, contributing to brainstorming sessions, and supporting outreach efforts. The collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to the policymaking process and offers networking opportunities that can enhance your understanding of climate advocacy and policy development.

What does a Climate Policy Intern do?

A Climate Policy Intern supports organizations, such as government agencies, NGOs, or research institutions, in developing and analyzing policies related to climate change. Their responsibilities often include conducting research on climate legislation, helping draft policy recommendations, attending meetings or hearings, and preparing reports or presentations. Interns may also assist with stakeholder engagement and tracking the progress of current climate initiatives. This role provides valuable experience for those interested in environmental policy, advocacy, or public administration.

What is the difference between Climate Policy Intern vs Climate Research Assistant?

AspectClimate Policy InternClimate Research Assistant
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate student, knowledge of climate policyUndergraduate or graduate student, background in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks, policy-focused organizationsResearch labs, academic institutions, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in policy development and advocacy sectorsPrimarily in scientific research and data analysis sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to climate policy developmentUnderstanding roles focused on scientific research in climate science

While both roles involve environmental work, a Climate Policy Intern focuses on developing and analyzing climate policies within governmental or advocacy settings, whereas a Climate Research Assistant concentrates on scientific research, data collection, and analysis related to climate science. The roles often overlap in credentials and work environment but differ in their primary focus and industry application.

More about Climate Policy Intern jobs
What cities are hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs? Cities with the most Climate Policy Intern job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Climate Policy Intern jobs? The top employers for Climate Policy Intern jobs are:
What states have the most Climate Policy Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Climate Policy Intern jobs include:
Infographic showing various Climate Policy Intern job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Intern, Policy, U.S. Climate Alliance

Intern, Policy, U.S. Climate Alliance

United Nations Foundation, Inc.

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$17.95 - $20/hr

Internship

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEWThe U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors securing Americaโ€™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 Secretariatโ€ฏis seeking an intern ready to contribute to its research,โ€ฏpolicy development, peer-to-peer learning, and coordination work.โ€ฏThe intern willโ€ฏrespond toโ€ฏspecific project-level needs such as tracking policy progress and implementation, drafting policy briefing papers, and providing general coordination and program support.โ€ฏThis 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. Theโ€ฏintern will be expected to work as part of a broader team that includes Allianceโ€ฏstaff,โ€ฏconsultants,โ€ฏexternal partners,โ€ฏand member states.โ€ฏ This is a paid opportunity from May 26, 2026 โ€“ 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 OVERVIEWThe Policy Intern will support the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariatโ€™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 DESCRIPTIONAs 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
LOCATIONRemote

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.