Molchanov Sustainability Internship 2026–2027 at Chatham House

The Molchanov Sustainability Internship 2026–2027 at Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) is now open for applications, offering a highly competitive opportunity for early-career individuals interested in sustainability, climate policy, international development, and global governance.

This internship provides direct exposure to real policy research in one of the world’s leading think tanks based in London. Interns are not passive observers; they actively contribute to research outputs, policy briefings, events, and communications that influence global discussions on sustainability and international affairs.

The programme is particularly valuable for individuals who want to build careers in climate policy, international relations, energy transition, or development studies.

Programme Overview

The Molchanov Sustainability Internship is a structured professional internship within Chatham House designed to build research, writing, and policy analysis skills.

Programme Name: Molchanov Sustainability Internship 2026–2027
Organisation: Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Duration: 6 months
Work Type: Full-time (approximately 35 hours per week)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (typically part office-based)
Salary: London Living Wage
Start Period: Expected September 2026

Interns are placed within different research teams depending on organisational needs and applicant background.

About Chatham House

Chatham House is one of the world’s most influential independent policy institutes, widely respected for its research on international relations, climate change, energy systems, global security, and economic development.

The Molchanov Sustainability Internship sits within its sustainability-focused workstreams, especially the Environment and Society Centre, which leads research on climate action, energy transition, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

Interns gain exposure to high-level policy discussions involving governments, NGOs, academics, and international organisations.

Departments Interns May Work With

Depending on placement, interns may support one of several Chatham House programmes, including the Environment and Society Centre focused on climate and sustainability research, Africa Programme working on governance and development issues across African regions, Middle East and North Africa Programme addressing regional policy and political economy issues, Europe, Russia and Eurasia Programme focusing on geopolitics and international relations, US and Americas Programme covering transatlantic policy and global affairs, and Communications and Events teams responsible for public engagement, media outreach, and policy dissemination.

Each placement offers a different perspective on global sustainability challenges and policy-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

Interns are actively involved in research and operational work rather than passive learning. Typical responsibilities include conducting background research on sustainability, climate change, and international policy issues, writing policy briefs, summaries, and research notes, supporting publication development including editing and proofreading, assisting with organisation of events, workshops, and policy dialogues, preparing meeting notes and research summaries, supporting communications work such as newsletters and digital content, and assisting researchers with data collection and analysis.

These tasks are designed to develop strong analytical thinking, writing skills, and professional policy experience.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Molchanov Sustainability Internship 2026–2027, applicants must meet specific requirements. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United Kingdom for the full duration of the internship. They must also be physically based in the UK during the programme, as it is not a remote international internship.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the start of the internship and must be available full-time for the six-month duration. There is no strict requirement for a specific degree discipline, but applicants typically come from fields such as international relations, politics, environmental studies, economics, development studies, geography, or related social sciences.

Prior professional experience is not mandatory, but demonstrated interest in sustainability, climate policy, or international affairs is highly valued.

Skills and Attributes Required

Chatham House looks for candidates who demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, a clear interest in international policy, sustainability, or climate issues, ability to conduct research and analyse complex information, good organisational skills and attention to detail, teamwork and collaboration skills, and motivation to learn in a fast-paced policy environment.

Strong writing ability is particularly important because interns contribute to policy documents and research outputs.

Benefits of the Internship

The Molchanov Sustainability Internship offers several professional and developmental benefits. Interns receive a salary aligned with the London Living Wage, gain direct exposure to world-leading policy experts, and work on real research projects that influence global policy discussions.

They also benefit from structured learning opportunities, networking with policymakers and researchers, access to high-level events and seminars, hands-on experience in policy writing and research, and improved career prospects in international development, NGOs, think tanks, and government institutions.

This internship is widely considered a strong entry point into international policy careers.

Selection Process

The selection process is competitive and includes multiple stages. Applicants first submit an online application, which is reviewed for eligibility and suitability. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for further assessment, which may include interviews and evaluation of writing or analytical ability. Final selection is based on overall performance, motivation, and alignment with Chatham House values and policy focus.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission improves chances.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is expected to close on 10 June 2026 at 23:59 BST. Late applications are typically not considered, and early submission is strongly encouraged due to high competition.

https://www.chathamhouse.org/careers/internships-and-fellowships

Why This Internship Matters

This internship is important because it provides direct access to real-world policy-making in one of the most respected think tanks globally. It helps participants develop advanced research and writing skills, understand global sustainability challenges, gain exposure to international policy networks, and build strong foundations for careers in diplomacy, climate policy, NGOs, and research institutions.

Many former interns progress into roles in international organisations, government agencies, and leading global NGOs.

FAQs

What is the Molchanov Sustainability Internship?

It is a six-month internship at Chatham House focused on sustainability, climate policy, and international affairs research.

Who can apply?

Anyone legally eligible to work in the UK and based in the UK during the internship period.

Is the internship paid?

Yes, it is paid at the London Living Wage.

Do I need a degree?

No specific degree is required, but relevant academic background and interest in policy are important.

Can international applicants apply?

Only if they already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not provided.

How long is the internship?

It lasts for six months full-time.

What skills are important?

Research, writing, communication, teamwork, and interest in global policy issues.

Is it competitive?

Yes, it is highly competitive due to limited placements.

Conclusion

The Molchanov Sustainability Internship 2026–2027 at Chatham House is a highly valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to build careers in sustainability, climate policy, and international relations. It offers practical experience, professional mentorship, and direct exposure to global policy-making processes within one of the world’s leading think tanks.