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

The Private Sector Finance team will be a key member of a small team within WWF’s Private Sector Engagement team focused on building out a holistic strategy of engagement with the US private finance sector. The Intern will support the Private Sector Finance team in research and analysis of private financial institutions’ commitments and progress in sustainability; collaborate with programmatic colleagues interested in engaging with the private finance sector; and help coordinate engagements with existing and prospective partners.

• Conduct in-depth desk research and benchmarking analysis on major financial institutions’ commitments to sustainability
  • Deliver above research findings to help inform the team’s priorities and engagement strategy for the sector
  • Gather and set up a knowledge management catalog for existing position papers, tools, and other relevant resources to advise our engagement strategy with the sector
  • Draft key deliverables (written presentations, briefing materials, talking points) to advance external engagements and strategy development
  • Organize workshop sessions with internal stakeholders to shape WWF’s offerings for the sector
  • Coordinate internal and external calls to advance relationships with key stakeholders and existing and prospective partners
  • Support due diligence and agreement review process for partnerships with partners from the finance sector
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in business, finance, economics, and/or corporate sustainability. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 17, 2024).
• Working knowledge and interest for learning and following the evolving space of ESG and corporate sustainability, particularly in the financial sector.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational and communications skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work both independently and manage complex projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
• 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:

• Candidate pursuing an MBA.
• Experience with database and/or other business information technology preferred.
• Strong understanding of corporate sustainability frameworks (bonus: particularly those at the intersection of financial sector)

Learning Outcomes

• Gain experience working in a global conservation organization
  • Better understand the intersection of private finance sector and sustainability
  • Hone ability to distill large amount of research into succinct deliverables
  • Develop work experience, communication, interpersonal and other critical skills necessary for job success

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 OR US Remote – WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid – $21 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 17, 2024 to August 23, 2024

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition #BR-2439

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 interns must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

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.