Overview
WWF Overview
For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.
Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible — bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.
Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration.
BRIDGE – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence
WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations.
Position Summary
Given the diversity of issues that the US Government Relations (USGR) staff covers, research and analysis may entail working with legislation, regulations, and potentially court cases. By contrast, research, analysis, and support may include assessment of government agencies’ roles, policies, and positions on issues relating to WWF’s mission, or writing of brief materials about U.S. government agencies.
Outreach may entail covering congressional hearings and markups, and preparing and attending congressional, administration, and/or NGO coalition briefings. Subject matter will cover many of the issues in which WWF is involved, including biodiversity conservation (e.g., endangered species and habitat protection), natural resource management (e.g., fisheries, forestry, and agriculture), environment and security, climate change, and energy.
Responsibilities
Internship Description:
- Research, writing & analysis on various topics which may include: food and water security, foreign assistance, marine and fisheries issues, species/wildlife. trafficking, climate change, national security, and USAID programs.
- Legislative tracking and research.
- Attend Congressional hearings and briefings, as well as NGO coalition meetings.
- Outreach to Capitol Hill and the Administration on legislation and rulemaking.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date.
- Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program.
- Interest in conservation and international development issues with a concentration in International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or US Government.
- Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration (specifically USAID, U.S. State Department, and Millennium Challenge Corporation) and other non-governmental organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, collaboratively and independently.
- Strong interpersonal skills crucial for developing working relationships, internally and externally.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
- Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
- Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
- Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
- Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of US Government structure and procedures.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand WWF’s goals and policy priorities.
- Understand the intersection of environmental NGO and US Government policies.
- Gain a deep understanding and exposure to the federal policy-making process.
- Develop personal and professional outreach skills and expand their professional networks.
- Expand writing, editing, and researching skills.
WWF interns will be provided a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes:
- Development discussions with their manager;
- Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program;
- Speed mentoring with different WWF teams;
- Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff;
- Session on resume and interviewing best practices.
Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.
Location:
US-DC-Washington
Compensation:
Paid – $17 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)
Internship Dates:
Internship will run from June 5, 2023 to August 11, 2023
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition# BR-2332. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.
If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.
*Please note that intern must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.
WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
