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 – with one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.
At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine 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 is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway.
Position Summary
The Private Sector Finance Intern will be a key member of a small team within WWF’s Private Sector Engagement (PSE) team focused on engaging with the US private finance sector. The Intern will support the Private Sector Finance team in further building out the team’s approach to engaging with private financial institutions in support of WWF’s conservation mission. This will include working on projects such as: conducting a landscape assessment of financial mechanisms, e.g., corporate sustainability-linked loans and bonds; collaborating with programmatic colleagues interested in engaging with and developing offerings for the private finance sector; supporting work with other PSE and Influence teams (e.g. Development, US Government Relations) to identify and research opportunities and prospects; and helping coordinate engagements with existing and prospective partners. Specific projects can be discussed depending on the candidate’s skills and interests.
Internship Description:
Conduct desk research and analysis on major financial institutions’ evolving commitments to sustainability, particularly in areas of interests to WWF’s conservation mission, and identify potential opportunities for engagement. Conduct a landscape analysis of current and recent corporate sustainability-linked bonds and loans to catalog a database of sustainability outcomes, key institutions involved, and financial models and terms. Analyze trends and opportunities for WWF's consideration in corporate sustainability-linked loans and bonds to mobilize more private finance for WWF's conservation work. Conduct research on established and emerging financing models for landscape-scale conservation and nature-based solutions. Update project management systems to track ongoing projects and partnerships. 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. Support due diligence and agreement review process for partnerships with partners from the finance sector.
Minimum Requirements:
Pursuing a graduate program in Business, Policy, or Public Administration. 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 16, 2025). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. Professional experience or coursework in business, finance, economics, and/or corporate sustainability. Working knowledge and interest for learning and following the evolving space of corporate sustainability. Strong research and analytical skills. Strong organizational and communications skills, both verbal and written. Ability to work both independently and manage complex projects. 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:
Subject expertise