Sustainable Transport Intern Spring/Summer 2027

About the Position 

ITDP’s Global Program is seeking a Sustainable Transport Intern. The Global Program is responsible for scaling sustainable transport by documenting best practices, monitoring progress on sustainable transportation, and translating research into practical guidance for decision makers. The intern will support these efforts through tasks such as contributing to written and visual research materials and conducting literature reviews and analysis. The Intern will report to the Senior Global Program Manager but will have the chance to work with staff across all ITDP offices.  

Responsibilities 

• Perform literature reviews, extract findings, and draft original content for use in ITDP research products covering topics related to public transport, cycling and walking, bus electrification, and transport policy 
• Find, synthesize, and effectively communicate research in support of ITDP’s programs and projects. Identify and succinctly disseminate critical takeaways. 
• Create visual materials (maps, graphs, other graphics) based on analysis of data 
• Participate in internal and external meetings, presentations, webinars, etc. to grow our programmatic capacity and body of knowledge 
• Occasional administrative duties as needed 
• Other duties as assigned 

Availability 

ITDP strives to integrate interns into our daily operations, with the expectation that the Intern will provide meaningful support to ongoing projects while gaining valuable experience and education in the field. Therefore, we require at least a two-term commitment from interns. You must be enrolled in a degree program for both terms and should be available to work up to 20 hours per week during the Spring academic term and up to 32 hours per week during the Summer. The internship will begin in January 2027 and run through August 2027. The internship may be extended depending on mutual interest and academic eligibility.     

Working Location and Compensation 

ITDP’s US-based team works in a hybrid environment, and the intern should either be available to work in our Washington, D.C. office or be based in the United States and work fully remote. The Intern will receive a weekly stipend of $400 for 20 hours worked, prorated for more or fewer hours. A laptop will be provided during the internship, if needed.   

About ITDP 

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Africa, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico and Washington, DC, ITDP is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable and equitable transport worldwide. ITDP’s programs focus on public transport, cycling and walking, parking, electrification, transport policy, and transport funding and financing. More information about ITDP can be found at www.itdp.org. 

Qualifications 

Required 

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in urban planning, public policy, geography, or related field in the United States (CPT authorization required for international students) 
• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week during the Spring semester and up to 34 hours per week during the Summer (approximately January – August 2027)  
• Interest in cities, sustainable transportation, urban planning, climate mitigation, or related areas (tell us why in your cover letter!) 
• Demonstrated experience conducting qualitative research and thinking critically to identify findings, develop policy recommendations, or extract other key information 
• Strong communicator with clear written, oral and interpersonal communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to manage time efficiently, especially to discern and prioritize urgent requests 
• Dedication to equity, inclusivity, and social justice.   
• Ability to work at least 1 day/week in our Washington, D.C. office or to work fully remote in the United States 

Preferred 

• Understanding of public transport and urban development concepts including technical design, policy development, funding, etc. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on multiple projects of varying scales  
• Familiarity with OpenStreetMap, Mapbox, or other spatial data visualization tools 
• Proficiency in Spanish, Chinese, or Portuguese a plus 
• Experience living or working outside of the US a plus 
• Ability to work in ITDP’s Washington, DC office 

Hiring Timeline

• Applications open: 2 to 3 weeks
• Screening and shortlist: within 5 days of applying and 1 week after applications close
• Interviews: Reference information is requested when interviews are scheduled. Within 1 week of receiving an application.
• Final assignment: due within a few days after the interview.
• Offers: approximately 1 week after final interviews.
• Work authorization (if applicable): proof of CPT approval due at least 3 weeks before the start date.