Food Initiatives Intern - Food Loss and Waste

About the Program:

The Food Initiatives team within WRI's Food, Land, and Water Program identifiesand develops solutions to the world's food production and consumption problems, with a view to sustainably feedingnearly 10billion people by 2050. Weidentifyways to reduce food loss and waste, enable consumers to make more sustainable food choices, and advance strategies to sustainably increase food production, such as restoring degraded lands back into productivity, increasing pastureland yields, and improving land and water management.

This internship would primarily support the 10x20x30 initiative, coordinated by WRIas a part of the Champions 12.3 initiative to tackle food waste globally.

10x20x30 brings together 10+ of the world's largest food retailers and providers, each engaging at least 20 suppliers to halve food loss and waste by 2030. The effort catalyzes a "whole chain" approach to fighting food loss and waste and supports upstream food loss and waste reduction.Each of the food retailers, providers, and suppliers has committed to the "Target-Measure-Act" approach: set a target of reducing food loss and waste in their own operations by 50%, measure and publish their food loss and waste inventories, andtake action to reducetheir waste.

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

What you will do:

• Perform outreach to companies participating in the 10x20x30 initiative and support production of resources to help companies reduce food loss and waste within their operations

• Contribute toresearch, writing, and review of the annual Champions 12.3 "SDG Target 12.3 on Food Loss and Waste" Progress Report and other publications under development by the food loss and waste team

• Liaise with WRI's partner organizations to coordinate and enhance action across the ecosystem of business-facing food loss and waste-related initiatives

• Provide support with data analysis and filling of data gaps

Internship Learning Outcomes:

• You will gain an understanding of what motivates companies to take action on issues such as food loss and waste.

• You will learn how to tailor information for various audiences and develop skills relating to outreach and communication.

• You will learn how an organization such as WRI gathers, analyzes and interprets data and communicates that information externally.

What you will need:

• Ideal for students pursuing degrees in fields of environmental science, environmental studies, or food systems

• Proficiencyin Excel, experience working with large data sets

• Excellent writing skills and excellent attention to detail

• Experience with environmental impact assessments of food or related topicsis a plus

• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner

• Comfortable interning in a hybrid environment (minimum of 8 days a month in-office)

Compensation

The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hourfor undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.

Length of Contract:

This is a full-time 3-4-month internship. Our summer internship start dates are June 16th, July 1st and July 20th.

Location:

• This is a hybrid internship that will be based out of our Washington D.C. office.

• You will be required to work in the Washington DC office at least 8 days per month.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by March 9, 2026. Applicants mustapply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates.

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people's lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Internships at WRI are learning experiences designed for current students, recent graduates, and other candidates who wish to gain knowledge about a specific area of our work. We strive to attract diverse, intellectually driven candidates who have a passion for sustainability and development. WRI provides many internship opportunities throughout the year in all our programs.

WRI is committed to advancing gender, racial, and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

Our mission and values:

WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission, including equal opportunities inemployment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People team carefully reviews all applications.

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