Program Associate

Position Summary

The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI) is hiring a Program Associate to provide operational and research support with respect to our broad portfolios of work concerning sustainable investment in land, agriculture, mineral value chains and food systems; climate finance; and transition planning, among others. Ideal candidates will have recently received their undergraduate degree, or will be graduating in Summer 2026, and will envision staying in the position for one year with a possible extension.

CCSI is an applied research center at the Columbia Law and Climate Schools. We seek to develop policies and practices that shape public and private investments to advance, rather than undermine, sustainable development and human rights.

Responsibilities

Conduct background research in preparation for projects, meetings, and events. This includes staying abreast of global current events related to sustainable investment.

Compose, organize, and edit text on behalf of CCSI’s Director and staff as needed.

Plan and oversee the logistics for high-level meetings and events.

Manage the communications process for select projects and initiatives, coordinating across communications with personnel and researchers.

Serve as primary liaison with collaborators on CCSI projects.

Provide administrative support for research and project management.

Additional assignments as deemed appropriate by CCSI’s Director or staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Ability to work under pressure on competing responsibilities with resilience, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Capable of working on projects independently as well as working well as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and writing skills.
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information.
• Accuracy, strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Related experience through internships and coursework.

Strong preference given to those in their final academic semester of a bachelor's degree program or those who have graduated in the past year.