Federal and External Affairs Internship with the U.S. Climate Alliance (Paid, Remote)

Students and recent graduates interested in climate policy, environmental governance, and public affairs now have an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience through the Federal and External Affairs Internship with the U.S. Climate Alliance Secretariat. Hosted under the United Nations Foundation, this paid, part-time, remote internship offers a valuable platform for aspiring policy professionals to strengthen their research, analytical, and communication skills while contributing to meaningful climate action initiatives.

About the U.S. Climate Alliance

The U.S. Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to securing America’s net-zero future through state-led climate action. The Alliance focuses on implementing impactful climate solutions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while strengthening resilience across economic sectors. Through its Secretariat, the coalition provides member states and territories with technical support, policy research, analytical guidance, and coordination resources.

The Secretariat also works closely with federal agencies and national partners to promote collaborative climate solutions and support the development of a strong and sustainable national climate framework. This collaborative and policy-driven approach makes the Alliance a leading force in climate governance and environmental policy advancement in the United States.

Internship Overview

The Federal and External Affairs Intern will support the Alliance’s efforts to coordinate climate policies across federal and state levels. This structured internship focuses on research, policy tracking, stakeholder engagement, and programmatic coordination. Interns will work on project-based assignments that provide real-world exposure to climate policy development and coalition-based policymaking.

This internship runs from January 26, 2026, to April 24, 2026, and requires interns to work between 20 and 29 hours per week on a fixed schedule. The position is fully remote, offering flexibility for candidates across different locations. Interns will receive hourly compensation ranging from $17.95 to $20.00, depending on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Key Responsibilities

Selected interns will actively contribute to the Alliance’s policy and coordination efforts through a variety of tasks. These include tracking and summarizing updates on state-level climate policies while helping maintain the organization’s policy database. Interns will also monitor federal climate developments, including policy announcements, funding opportunities, and public comment periods to support internal planning and policy tracking efforts.

Additionally, the intern will assist with preparing materials for Alliance meetings, workshops, and peer-learning sessions involving member states. Content development will also be part of the role, including drafting newsletters, internal briefings, and updates shared with Alliance stakeholders. Interns will further contribute to coordination activities and special projects aligned with the Alliance’s policy engagement priorities.

Learning Outcomes and Professional Benefits

By the end of the internship, participants will gain practical experience working within a professional climate policy environment. Interns will develop strong research, writing, and analytical skills through direct involvement in policy tracking and communications activities.

Participants will also gain insight into how bipartisan, state-led coalitions collaborate to address shared climate goals. The internship provides exposure to the process of translating complex policy information into clear, actionable guidance for government stakeholders. These experiences make the program particularly beneficial for individuals pursuing careers in environmental policy, climate governance, public administration, or international development.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, although recent graduates are also encouraged to apply.
• Candidates should demonstrate academic, professional, or extracurricular interest in climate, environmental, or public policy issues.
• While not mandatory, prior exposure to state-level or federal climate policy will be considered an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Successful candidates should possess strong research and analytical abilities, along with the capacity to synthesize large volumes of information accurately and efficiently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, as interns will help translate complex policy concepts into accessible materials.
• Applicants should also demonstrate strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• A collaborative mindset and interest in coalition-based work are highly valued, as the role involves working with internal staff, external partners, consultants, and government stakeholders.
• Fluency in English and professional reliability are mandatory for this position.

Work Environment and Accessibility

The internship is fully remote, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. The United Nations Foundation is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment for all interns.

Why You Should Apply

This internship presents a unique opportunity to gain practical experience at the intersection of climate policy, government relations, and environmental governance. Participants will not only contribute to real-world climate initiatives but also build professional networks and skills that are highly valued in the public policy and sustainability sectors.

Aspiring climate professionals looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in policy coordination and climate action are strongly encouraged to apply for this competitive internship opportunity.

APPLY HERE

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