Internship in climate policy and data analysis
Period: 2-3 months, with the possibility of continuing afterwards on a part-time basis (10-20 hours per week) as a student assistant. Full time - 38 hours per week.
Start date: July 2026
Location: Cologne, Germany
Deadline: 10 June 2026
The internship
NewClimate Institute regularly works with motivated students interested in a career in climate policy. Selected candidates can join the NewClimate Institute team for a summer internship, with the possibility of continuing afterwards on a part-time basis as a student assistant (Werkstudent*in).
For this position, we are seeking a candidate to support ongoing analytical and data-related work, including maintaining and working with structured datasets related to climate policy and emissions analysis across different projects, including the Climate Action Tracker and the Climate Policy Database.
Possible tasks may include:
- Compiling, formatting and maintaining datasets, tables and other structured information used in analyses and outputs
- Conducting quality checks and supporting general data organisation and database maintenance
- Supporting background research, literature reviews and evidence compilation on specific topics
- Supporting analytical reports and other project outputs, including annexes, background tables and supplementary materials
- Supporting ad-hoc research tasks
- Providing flexible research and analytical support across different workstreams as needed
The internship is compensated with 900,00 EUR per month.
Candidate profile
The preferred candidate is a motivated student with a high degree of responsibility, an independent working style, a strong interest in climate and energy policy and an affinity for quantitative and analytical work.
Essential requirements:
- Enrolment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study with a focus on environmental sciences, political science, economics, climate change, natural sciences, engineering, data analysis or related disciplines, for the duration of the internship
- Ability to learn quickly and willingness to engage with a wide range of climate and energy-related topics
- Strong interest and experience in working with structured datasets, spreadsheets and data organisation
- Very good knowledge of Microsoft Excel, and good knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Good coordination, organisation and time-management skills
- Excellent written and spoken English; other languages are an advantage
- Eligibility to work in Germany (EU passport, enrolment at a German university or a valid German work permit)
NewClimate Institute
NewClimate Institute focuses on climate mitigation by supporting climate action research and implementation around the world. We are a dynamic and diverse team of researchers and policy advisors with extensive experience in supporting international climate negotiations and associated national and international decision-making processes. Through our policy-oriented research and capacity building we help national governments, international organisations, NGOs and other actors to develop and implement solutions to the global climate change challenge.
NewClimate Institute’s key motivation is to maximise impact, in a creative and fun working environment with a positive team spirit built on openness, trust, and inclusiveness.
Application procedure
If you are interested in an internship, as described above, please send us your CV including a short cover letter and, if possible, academic transcripts to date to @email addressed to Lena Gentes.
Important: Please include the reference number “R-IN2601” in the email subject and make sure to send all relevant information and files in a single pdf document with a maximum size of 10 MB.
Shortlisted candidates should ideally be available for interviews on 19 June 2026.
