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 – 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 Climate team seeks an intern to support the evolution of private sector partnerships that support community and landscape-scale adaptation and resilience both internationally and in the US. The position will support the development of the Catalytic Investment for Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation (CINSA) program by contributing to research on available finance and trends for adaptation and resilience across the globe, and help provide recommendations for prioritizing engagement with and applying to funding opportunities. Additionally, the internship will help the WWF Resilience Partnerships team advance discreet ongoing projects in the US and internationally with corporate partners through research and support on our resilience action planning process and updates to the team’s communications platforms.
Responsibilities
Internship Description:
- Research on available and anticipated climate adaptation and resilience finance in the public and private sectors
- Research on instruments for climate adaptation and resilience finance and alignment with WWF regions, work or capacity
- Research on requirements for climate adaptation and resilience finance
- Monitoring new technical information, tools, and global trends related to climate change adaptation and resilience
- Synthesizing research and findings into materials (e.g., slide decks, briefings, report) to share within WWF and with partner organizations, as needed
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Pursuing a graduate program in Environmental Science, Policy, Management, or Economics. 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).
- Excellent research skills.
- Organized and self-motivated.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Able to work both independently and in a team setting.
- 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 in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:
- Base knowledge of climate change adaptation in international contexts, including finance mechanisms and nature-based solutions
- Preferred understanding of ecological economics
Learning Outcomes
Increased understanding of:
- Climate risks and adaptation strategies and solutions for multinational companies and supply chains, primarily in low and middle-income country contexts
- Business rationale and justification for investment in adaptation and nature-based solutions
- Geopolitical context of climate action and financial mechanisms for climate change adaptation
- Research and analysis - synthesizing information on climate change adaptation into actionable recommendations
- Supporting strategic planning and decision-making for climate resilience initiatives
- Professional experience in international conservation and climate adaptation practice
- Strengthening communication skills, potentially including the development of content for websites, social media and other platforms.
WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team.
Location:
US-DC-Washington
**This is a hybrid position that requires the intern to be in the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office a minimum of 2 days per week.**
Compensation:
Paid - $22.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)
Internship Dates:
Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe:
- Your relevant skills and interest for this position
- Your connection to nature and the environment
- What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation?
- How you could contribute to the field of conservation.
If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.
Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
