Market Intelligence & Research Intern – Global Water Infrastructure

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.

The 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 greatest interns maintain high standards even when tasks become repetitive.

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

• Confident and professional telephone manner

• Persistence and follow-through when chasing responses

• Excellent attention to detail and ability to spot inconsistencies

• High organisation and reliability

• Competence with Microsoft Excel

• Ability to learn new systems quickly

Desirable:

• Excellent academic background

• Interest in infrastructure, global markets, economics, or water

• Commercial awareness

• Foreign language skills

What You Will Gain

• 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.

About Global Water Intelligence

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.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 200 words) 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.