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

WWF seeks an intern to support the Climate Risk Management and Resilience program. As part of the larger climate change adaptation team, the CRM team is working through multiple projects to increase understanding of climate change impacts and risks to conservation goals, and opportunities and priorities for nature-based solutions for adaptation at scale in infrastructure planning and development. The intern will have opportunities to learn about Nature-based Solutions (NbS) projects around the world, understanding global best practices in safeguarding nature during infrastructure development, and contribute to the development of climate adaptation playbook which will serve as the guidance document for the team globally.

• Support the development of a draft “adaptation playbook” of effective solutions for nature- and ecosystem-based solutions to build resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change, through research and compilation of case studies, organizing meetings and other logistics to facilitate its development etc; contributing ideas for user interface and design;

• Support the on-going implementation of the Sustainable Infrastructure Program in Asia (SIPA) project being implemented in Indonesia and the Philippines, through development of project communications materials like slide decks, scheduling meetings with project partners, including outside design consultants for communications products, etc.

• Support in developing modules on climate resilience and ecosystem services for the USAID funded Asia’s Linear Infrastructure Safeguarding Nature (ALIGN) project.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in communications, environmental/natural resources management, conservation sciences, urban planning, climate change, disaster/emergency management and/or development. 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).
• Should have a basic understanding and interest in influencing infrastructure development in developing countries around the world.
• Some experience with GIS and spatial mapping.
• Strong research and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Curiosity, creative and innovative thinking.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and/or interest in climate change, sustainable development, and/or environmental related issues is a plus.
• Project management support skills
• Social media savvy: ability to engage social media.
• Interest and/or experience and skills in website management, digital design, video/audio production is a plus.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the basics of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation; climate risk assessment and management.
• Strengthen communication skills, potentially including the development of content for websites, social media and other platforms.
• Strengthen research skills including the ability to develop knowledge products such as fact sheets and case studies related to disasters and the environment.
• Experience working in a dynamic, international, and collaborative team.

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 – $17 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-2430

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.