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
Given the wide array of issues that the Policy and Government Affairs (PGA) 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.
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, and national security 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.
Minimum Requirements:
Pursuing a graduate program in conservation, sustainable development, International Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, or US Government. 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). Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration (specifically USDA, and U.S. State Department) and 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: