Yale School of Environment (YSE) Three Cairns Scholar – Summer 2026 

Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) & Islands Energy Program 

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) 

Application Deadline:  Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm ET.

About the Organization 

RMI is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future. RMI works with governments, development institutions, businesses, and communities to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen climate resilience globally. 

Within RMI, the Islands Energy Program and the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and climate-vulnerable countries in the Caribbean, Pacific, and emerging regions. 

The Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) supports developing countries in securing and structuring finance for climate investments by embedding highly trained climate finance advisors within ministries and national institutions. CFAN strengthens national capacity to develop bankable climate projects and access funding from multilateral climate funds and development partners. 

The Islands Energy Program supports island governments in accelerating clean energy transitions, strengthening energy security, and integrating resilience into energy planning. 

Project Specifics 

Advancing Climate Resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

SIDS face disproportionate climate risks, high energy costs, and structural barriers to accessing international climate finance. While billions of dollars are pledged globally, many SIDS struggle to translate climate ambition into bankable, finance-ready projects. 

This project will support CFAN and the Islands Team in: 

• Strengthening the pipeline of climate adaptation and mitigation concept notes 

• Conducting analytical research on climate finance mechanisms and related requests from regional teams 

• Support reporting and documentation needs arising from regional team projects, in particular in the Pacific region 

• Supporting development of training packages for government officials and CSOs 

• Advancing energy-to-adaptation integration frameworks 

• Support the current engagement with international and regional organizations including United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in the Pacific 

The Scholar will contribute to high-impact analytical and applied outputs that directly support climate project development and institutional capacity building in the Global South 

Job/Research Responsibilities 

The Three Cairns Scholar will: 

• Conduct desktop research on climate finance mechanisms (GCF, adaptation funds, blended finance, resilience financing instruments) and climate finance landscape of SIDS 

• Gain experience in the development of climate finance concept notes and investment briefs 

• Assist in financial and economic analysis (e.g., high-level cost estimates, climate rationale, theory of change framing) 

• Develop training materials and technical packages for government officials and climate finance practitioners including support to develop training sessions concept notes 

• Contribute to synthesis reports on climate and energy integration for SIDS 

• Support cross-regional learning initiatives across CFAN and the Islands Energy Program  

• Assist in stakeholder mapping and analysis involving multilateral and regional institutions 

• Support data analysis, project tracking, and pipeline mapping 

• Contribute to internal strategy memos and external-facing knowledge products 

The intern will gain exposure to real-time global climate finance transactions and advisory work. 

Qualifications  

• Passion for advancing sustainability, improving energy access, and addressing climate change in Small Islands Development States through innovative solutions.  

• Some experience working in climate change, climate finance, international development, or sustainability sectors, particularly in the context of emerging economies or the Global South.   

• Knowledge and/or interest in climate finance policy, climate finance, clean energy technologies, or community-based development projects is highly desirable.  

• Ability to collaborate with international teams, stakeholders, and governments with sensitivity to local contexts and cultures.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences.  

• Ability to assess data, identify key trends, and propose actionable recommendations for energy and sustainability projects.  

• Experience/interest in developing trainings and capacity building initiatives is a plus.  

• Understanding of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contexts is highly desirable.   

 Application Requirements – Please upload both documents in the attachment section.  

Resume (Required)   

We suggest a 1–2-page resume that includes information about your academic background and work experience. Feel free to add additional sections that highlight any technical skills, relevant coursework, or academic projects that you’ve completed.  

Cover Letter (Required)  

Answer the following questions below in your cover letter.   

• Please share which country or region you are from and describe how your background and experiences from your home country or region have shaped your perspective on energy, sustainability, or climate issues.  

• Please include details about your summer location plans, if known at this time. This will help us better understand your availability and logistical needs for the role.  

Location

This position is open to candidates who can work remotely within the United States.

Hours: Full time, 30 – 40 hours per week  

Summer 2026 Start and End Dates: June 2 - August 21