Research Intern - Climate Resilience

Overview

CEEW is seeking a Research Intern to support its Climate Resilience Programme, with a focus on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), adaptation indicators, and the evolving global adaptation architecture.

The role will involve tracking and synthesising developments from international climate negotiations (particularly UNFCCC processes), analysing emerging adaptation frameworks and indicator systems, and supporting research on adaptation governance across scales. The intern will contribute to structured literature reviews, policy analysis, and the development of internal knowledge products and analytical outputs.

This position is suited for candidates with a strong interest in climate policy and global adaptation processes, and the ability to work with complex, evolving policy and technical material. The intern will be expected to demonstrate strong analytical thinking, clarity in written communication, and the ability to work independently under tight timelines.

About the team

The Climate Resilience programme at CEEW envisions a future where institutions, infrastructure, economies, and communities are better equipped to manage and adapt to the risks of a changing climate. The programme combines rigorous data analysis, integrated research, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen resilience across sectors and geographies.

Its work focuses on:

• Assessing and predicting risks from extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones, as well as variability in temperature and rainfall
• Analysing the cascading and compounding impacts of climate risks across systems
• Advancing adaptation frameworks, indicators, and governance mechanisms at global, national, and subnational levels
• Supporting the development of data-driven adaptation strategies and tracking systems

By integrating climate science with policy and institutional processes, the programme aims to enable anticipatory, evidence-based adaptation planning and strengthen resilience outcomes across scales.

Job duties and accountabilities

The intern will support the Climate Resilience team in advancing research and analysis on global climate negotiations related to adaptation, with a focus on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and India's role in it. The role will involve synthesising emerging developments in adaptation frameworks, indicators, and the broader global adaptation architecture, while contributing to ongoing analytical and programmatic work.

Research on Climate Negotiations (Adaptation & GGA)

• Track and synthesise developments from international climate negotiations (e.g., UNFCCC processes such as SBs and COPs) related to adaptation and resilience.
• Conduct research on the evolution of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), including indicator frameworks and negotiation positions.
• Support in preparing concise summaries, briefing notes, and background documents to support ongoing policy engagement.
• Contribute to ad hoc analytical tasks as required by the team.

Adaptation Indicators & Framework Analysis

• Review and analyse existing adaptation indicator frameworks from global and regional sources.
• Support comparative analysis of indicator lists, methodologies, and reporting approaches.
• Assist in identifying gaps, overlaps, and relevance for different national and regional contexts.

Mapping the Global Adaptation Architecture

• Support mapping of the global adaptation architecture landscape, including key institutions, regulations, and reporting frameworks.
• Analyse linkages between multilateral processes, domestic programs, and regional adaptation efforts.

Qualification

• Pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's/Master's degree in development studies, climate studies, public policy, international relations, politics or political economy, environmental studies, sociology and other related fields. Candidates pursuing their studies can also apply.
• Demonstrated interest in climate policy, adaptation, and international negotiations will be appreciated.

Work experience

• 0-1 years

Key skills

• Analytical skills and knowledge of mixed methods – qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant for policy impact evaluation, sectoral analysis, political economy analysis, etc.
• Familiarity with handling qualitative literature review is highly preferred.
• Knowledge or experience of global multilateral agreements, UN negotiations, and global governance structures is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of Indian climate governance and national missions is strongly preferred.
• Good communication and time management skills, including meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• High aptitude in using Microsoft Office software and Google Suite.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this assignment.

If you are passionate about leveraging data for creating decision-making toolkits that help in effective policy-making, we would like to speak to you. If you can help in turning climate datasets into insightful analytics, while also upskilling yourself in the public policy space, you are probably the candidate we are looking for.

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment, and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate with the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.

Application Process

CEEW is an equal-opportunity employer, and the selection process does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, or sexuality. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are advised to apply as early as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified by us. We appreciate your interest.