Location: Oxford OX1 1XX (hybrid options available)
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), early-May – mid-August
Pay: £14.50/hour
Global Water Intelligence (GWI) is seeking highly capable and driven interns to work on the annual IDRA Desalination & Reuse Handbook, one of the most authoritative reference publications in the international water industry.
This is a research-intensive, data-focused role.
You will collect and validate primary data from global stakeholders operating in the rapidly growing desalination and wastewater reuse sectors. Over the course of the project, you will:
- Contact companies via email and telephone to secure verified project references
- Follow up persistently to maximise response rates
- Clean, standardise, and validate submitted data
- Identify inconsistencies, gaps, and potential errors
- Ensure the completeness and accuracy of datasets prior to publication
Success in this role is measured by both completeness and accuracy. You will see the final published output and understand how your work contributes directly to a globally distributed industry reference.
This project runs for several months and requires sustained focus and energy. The strongest interns maintain high standards even when tasks become repetitive.
Essential:
- Confident and professional telephone manner
- Persistence and follow-through when chasing responses
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to spot inconsistencies
- Strong organisation and reliability
- Competence with Microsoft Excel
- Ability to learn new systems quickly
Desirable:
- Strong academic background
- Interest in infrastructure, global markets, economics, or water
- Commercial awareness
- Foreign language skills
- Direct experience collecting and validating primary international business data
- Exposure to global infrastructure markets
- Insight into the publishing and production process
- Measurable responsibility and performance feedback
- Potential future employment for exceptional performers
Several former interns have progressed to permanent roles at GWI.
Global Water Intelligence is a specialist publisher of business intelligence on the global water sector, with offices in Oxford and Shanghai. Our research is used by utilities, investors, consultants, development banks, and policymakers worldwide.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 200 words) to [email protected], explaining why you are applying and what you would contribute.
Applications close 26 March 2026.
Applications must include a cover letter to be considered.
We encourage early applications, as we may close the vacancy once sufficient applications are received.
No agencies, please.
