Careers at WWF

The following internships are available at the World Wildlife Fund – United States. They are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester).

Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are typically unpaid unless otherwise noted, but facilities, library resources, and computers at WWF headquarters are available. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.

In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person.

For more information on WWF’s Conservation Science Program, www.worldwildlife.org/science/ ; on the Natural Capital Project, www.naturalcapitalproject.org; on Market Transformation, http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/globalmarkets/;  and on the Species program, www.worldwildlife.org/species/

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with “INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line. 

SPRING 2012 SEMESTER

Marketing and Communications

1. Video/Photo Intern

Stipend: A non-paid internship during Spring 2012 Semester; must be eligible for course credit. 

Duration: Spring Semester (January – May/ 2012). Approximately 20 hrs /week. 

Internship Description: Responsible for digitizing and archiving WWFs video, audio, photo and artwork assets. May also involve editing B-roll packages for news outlets and supporting  productions over the Spring session as needed. In a highly collaborative and dynamic environment, has routine contact and communicates effectively with WWF staff at all levels, including executive management team. On a project-by-project basis, coordinates assignments, schedules and budgets incorporating the work of freelance photographers and videographers, photo and video stock houses, creative agencies, outside designers, and printers.    

Responsibilities: Assist the Manager of Digital Assets in building the digital video library; Produce and edit B-roll packages from existing footage for distribution to news organizations. Perform intensive photo and video research for internal and external clients. Support WWF production shoots with lighting, sound and/or coordination. Performs other duties as assigned.  

Requirements: 1 year education in photography/videography, natural sciences, library science, or related fields and at least. Keen visual abilities to select photographic and video materials of high visual and technical quality and appropriate for their audience and purpose. Well-developed organizational, multi-tasking and detail-oriented skills. Proficient in use of digital photo and video cameras and knowledge of various file formats and conversion options. Skilled in the use of Photoshop, FinalCut Pro,  Powerpoint, Word and Excel. Excellent communications skills. Able to quickly learn about the issues, trends and subject areas of conservation, including the philanthropic and other marketplaces within which WWF both competes with and partners with other organizations. Effective judgment to plan, organize, troubleshoot and complete projects within specified deadlines and on/under budget.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Spring 2012 Internship Application” to Video Manager Chris O'Leary at Christopher.Oleary@wwfus.org.

Policy

1. Communications Intern, WWF-CARE Alliance

Stipend: A non-paid internship; must be eligible for course credit. 

Duration: Dependent on course duration in Spring 2012 

Internship Description: The WWF-CARE Alliance (the Alliance) is a strategic partnership launched in 2008 to promote sustainable socioeconomic development and environmental protection. The Alliance represents a long-term commitment and an innovative way of thinking and working, to achieve real change for the linked challenges confronting poor people, especially vulnerable women and girls, and the planet on which their livelihoods depend. Having achieved substantial results in our pilot project in northern Mozambique, the Alliance has developed a communications strategy to effectively educate target audiences about these successes, our innovative approach and long-term vision of pro-poor, sustainable development. The Alliance’s Strategic Communications Intern will facilitate the realization of this communications strategy in spring 2012.

Responsibilities: Provide communications support to the core team planning the Alliance Summit, an event (Summer 2012) for practitioners, academics and donors working in biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. Draft content for print and online materials, coordinating the review process among staff. Map the suite of WWF and CARE’s institutional partnerships, identifying opportunities for synergies with the Alliance’s learning and communications agendas. Assist in organization and management of the internal Alliance SharePoint. Gather information from field staff regarding their information needs, internet access and time constraints. Help establish a plan to build an Alliance learning platform (on Drupal Commons) for practitioners and academics to exchange information and build knowledge on the effective integration of conservation and development. Conduct research on best practices in institutional learning to facilitate communication across geographies, and make recommendations for how to put this into practice.  

Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required with related background experience in any combination of communications, environmental or conservation sciences, humanitarian or international development, across sectors. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Work in communications, marketing, non-profits or institutional partnerships is desirable. Working knowledge of open source content management systems and Portuguese language, a plus. Excellent research and written/ oral communications skills. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel, SharePoint and/or open source content management systems, especially Google Group or Drupal Commons. Strong organizational skills. A high-level of interpersonal communication skills is required. The ability to effectively prioritize and work accurately under time constraints.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please send resumes for review to Althea.Skinner@wwfus.org no later than December 30, 2011.

Field Programs

1. Partnering Community of Practice (CoP) Facilitator

Stipend: A non-paid internship during (January 2012); must be eligible for course credit. 

Duration: January 2012 

Internship Description: In Fall 2011, several WWF staff participated in a three-day partnership training with the Partnering Initiative, which led to formation of a WWF Partnering Community of Practice (CoP). The intern will facilitate building this CoP and will complete several key projects to support continual learning and skill development on partnering and partnerships with donors, public and private sector and other non-government organizations.

Responsibilities: Construct an organizational chart for the WWF to allow partnering practioners to better understand and communicate about our organization. Work with Partnerships CoP members to collect, analyze and capture existing knowledge and resources and compile data on past, present, and future partnerships. Create a typology of WWF partnerships. Select one example from each typology for more in-depth study to capture lessons learned, current practices, & challenges. Organize a series of working group meetings and a brown bag session to build the CoP & help members troubleshoot challenges and answer questions. Organize and manage a CoP virtual reference library that will include relevant data, best practices and case studies from both WWF and other sources. Map Partnering Initiative cycle onto the WWF program management standard practices. Examine best practices and learning from other organizations’ partnering experiences.  

Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required with related background experience in any combination of environmental or conservation sciences, humanitarian, development or communication sectors.  Work in the non-profit sector is desirable. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Excellent research and written/ oral communications skills. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel and/or SharePoint or Google Group. Strong organizational skills. A high-level of interpersonal communication skills is required. The ability to effectively prioritize and work accurately under time constraints.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Spring 2012 Internship Application” to Emily Jones at Emily.jones@wwfus.org no later than December 30, 2011.

Development

1. Corporate Relations Intern

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work. 

Duration: 2012 Semester for 12 weeks (between January – May 2012).

Internship Description: The Corporate Relations team works with top US corporations to develop philanthropic partnerships to support WWF’s conservation work around the world. The Corporate Relations Intern will be a contributing member of the team, working closely with staff on new business development and management of current donors. Responsibilities will include assisting with research of individual companies and corporate industries, writing and editing of donor communications, and ongoing management of current donors.

Requirements: Interest in corporate philanthropy and the intersection between corporations and conservation. Familiarity with MS Office. Excellent writing and research skills. Attention to detail. Organized, self-motivated and flexible. College junior or senior.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume & cover letter with the subject line “Winter 2012 internship application” to Emily Lauer-Bader Emily.lauer-bader@wwfus.org no later than December 31, 2011.

Humanitarian Partnerships

1. Green Recovery and Reconstruction Toolkit and Training Program Intern

Stipend: A non-paid internship during (Spring 2012); must be eligible for course credit. 

Duration: Spring Semester (January – May/ 2012)

Internship Description: The goal of the Humanitarian Partnerships program (HP) is to ensure that disaster recovery, reconstruction and risk reduction efforts include environmentally sustainable considerations. To reduce risk and vulnerability and achieve long-lasting results for affected communities, we take a comprehensive approach and include a 'design through implementation' methodology to ensure restoration of water and sanitation, shelter, livelihoods, protection of natural resources, and strengthening of communities against future disasters.

The “Green Recovery and Reconstruction: Training Toolkit for Humanitarian Aid”— GRRT for short has over 500 global users and is designed to empower humanitarian aid practitioners with practical, solution-oriented techniques for integrating environmental sustainability into disaster recovery and reconstruction.   The Intern will research, analyze, and draft environment-disaster case studies and fact sheets to be included on the GRRT website.

Responsibilities: Work with HP staff to collect, analyze and compile data on the cross-cutting issues of environment and humanitarian integration and sustainable development including disaster risk reduction and climate change. Draft case studies or communications materials for the GRRT website. Assist with informational support and material development for GRRT users.  

Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree is required with related background experience in any combination of environmental or conservation sciences, humanitarian aid and/or development, communications.  Work in the non-profit sector is desirable. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Excellent research and written/ oral communications skills. Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills. Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel. Strong organizational skills. Working knowledge of conservation, humanitarian aid, and/or environmental policy is required. A high-level of interpersonal communication skills is required. The ability to effectively prioritize and work accurately under time constraints.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter with the subject line “Spring 2012 Internship Application” to Anita van Breda at Anita.vanbreda@wwfus.org no later than December 30, 2011.

US Government Relations

1. US Government Relations Intern

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must be able to receive academic credit through his/her university for their work. 

Hours: WWF’s core hours are 9-5. Internship hours can be flexible (part time/full time) depending on class schedule and availability.  

Duration: Spring 2012 Semester (January – May)

Internship Description: The U.S. Government Relations Department of the World Wildlife Fund is seeking part-time to full-time interns for policy research, analysis and outreach.  Given the diversity of issues that the USGR 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), climate change, and energy.  

Responsibilities: Research, writing & analysis on various topics which may include food security, foreign assistance, marine issues (fisheries and ocean acidification), species and climate change, as well as USAID specific topics. Legislative tracking and research. Attend Congressional hearings and briefings, and NGO coalition meetings. Outreach to Capitol Hill and the Administration on legislation and rulemaking  

Requirements: Interest in conservation and international development issues. Interest and willingness to learn about Capitol Hill, the Administration (specifically USAID, U.S. State Department, and Millennium Challenge Corporation) and other 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.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter including availability, and a short writing sample (can be 2-4 pages from a longer document) by January 6, 2012 to AmericaMay.Pintabutr@WWFUS.ORG.

Business & Industry

1. Corporate Partnership Intern

Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.  Small stipend may be available. 

Hours: Full time (35 hours/week).

Duration: Starting in January 2012

Internship Description: The goal of WWF-US is to measurably conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature by 2020.  The Business & Industry (B&I) unit at WWF develops and maintains relationships with businesses to improve business practices, reduce their environmental footprint, bring sustainable products to market, and through these efforts help WWF achieve its conservation goals. The Corporate Partnership Intern will be a contributing member of a team, working closely with B&I staff to support some of WWF’s major corporate partnerships (e.g. The Coca-Cola Company and Procter & Gamble).  The Intern’s duties will focus heavily on partnership communications and relationship management.  Interns will work with the partnership team, Business & Industry staff and corporate partners. You will gain first-hand experience working on some of the largest NGO-corporate partnerships in the world, knowledge of corporate sustainability initiatives and the increasing role of business in global conservation, and opportunity to interact with members of the business and NGO sectors.   

Responsibilities: Working with the partnership team to further partnership objectives and deliver results. Developing partnership communications material for internal and external audiences. Conducting industry and media research and news monitoring.  

Requirements: Students should be enrolled in a graduate-level degree program, and able to receive academic credit through his/her university. Strong writing, research and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Must be self-sufficient and able to work as part of a team. Ability to think creatively and to share ideas. Coursework or experience in public relations, communications, business, management and/or the environment.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume by November 30, 2011 to Kristin Treier at kristin.treier@wwfus.org.

Conservation Science and Strategy

1. Conservation Science Network Internship

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work.

Hours: Expected to work at least 15-20 hours per week.

Duration: Spring 2012

Internship Description: Sound science underpins effective conservation.  WWF has a wealth of scientific expertise across its offices around the world, ranging from anthropologists to zoologists and encompassing the biological, physical, and social sciences.   For these scientists to contribute most to achieving WWF’s mission, they need to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with each other.  A range of services to enable these interactions and facilitate access to the latest scientific information is being provided by the new WWF Conservation Science Network, initially built by WWF-US’ Conservation Science Program.  We are looking for a motivated intern to help us continue to develop the CSN , with an emphasis on maintaining and growing online resources.  

Responsibilities: Internship responsibilities may include website administration (including adding/editing pages and structuring information across the portal); moderating discussions/forums; synthesizing weekly literature digests and relevant science news items; interviewing scientists across the global WWF network to produce profiles or collect items of interest; identifying and inviting WWF scientists to participate in network activities; and generally playing a central role in the Science Network team.  

Requirements: A successful candidate must have strong research, writing, and communication skills; experience using literature databases; knowledge of social networking; HTML  and database experience; and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.  Knowledge of a programming language; background in the biological, physical, or social sciences; background in conservation, and international experience preferred.   This internship is an excellent opportunity to interact with scientists in WWF-US and around the world; learn about WWF and its projects; get exposure to a wide range of conservation science topics; and play a key role in building a new science community.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: To apply send resume, cover letter and writing sample to robin.abell@wwfus.org.

2. Climate Change Program Intern

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work.

Duration: Spring 2012 Semester (between January – May 2012).

Internship Description: World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the global conservation organization, is seeking a part-time to full-time intern to join its climate change team (full-time preferred) to assist in the development and advocacy of strong US action on climate change. The intern will contribute to the development of policies and strategies aimed at building a sound political case for the adoption of strong and effective US climate policy. The intern will also assist with WWF’s annual Earth Hour event and the launching of a US city initiative around adaptation, emissions reduction, renewable energy and public engagement.

Intern Responsibilities:

• Research, writing and analysis on policy proposals and business approaches related to renewable energy and climate change issues in the US.     
• Research, writing & analysis on various U.S. cities and their climate change plans, with a specific focus on adaptation, renewable energy and public outreach  
• Crafting communication materials targeting cities and other audiences       
• Outreach to cities on participating in the new city initiative
• Assist with the city initiative launch event occurring on March 31, 2012
• Outreach to college campuses on participating in Earth Hour

Desired Skills and Qualities: 

• Interest in climate change, energy, environmental policy, economics, city policy or other related field
• Interest and willingness to learn about campaigns and public engagement 
• 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

Requirements:  Only enrolled students are eligible for this internship as you must be able to receive academic credit from your current academic institution.

 Office Hours:  WWF’s core hours are 9-5. Internship hours can be flexible (part time/full time) depending on class schedule and availability.  

 Please submit to Lynn.Englum@wwfus.org by January 10, 2012:  

• Resume;
• Cover letter including availability
  

Market Transformation

1. Agriculture Supply Chain Intern

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work.

Hours: Full time is preferred; minimum of 20 hours a week.

Duration: Spring 2012 Semester for 12 weeks (between January – May 2012).

Internship Description: The goal of WWF-US is to measurably conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature by 2020.  The Agriculture department of the WWF-US supports this goal by engaging companies on agricultural production methods and standards, procurement issues, supply chain structure, etc. This internship will report to Alex Bjork, Senior Program Officer, Agriculture, and will work closely with members of the Agriculture department, Business & Industry staff and the Markets unit. The intern may also have the opportunity to interact with company representatives.  This internship provides an opportunity to improve research skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about companies and environmental issues, and contribute to WWF’s mission.    

Responsibilities: Supply chains projects require analyzing environmental, social and business risks within procurement areas for WWF partner companies’ supply chains. Specific duties include: research agricultural commodities for analysis undertaken with partner companies; assist with assessment of procurement, water, and business risks for crops and livestock; create reports based on the analyses; make presentations and coordinate; internal meetings as needed; other assignments as required.

Requirements: Undergraduate or graduate students (graduate students are preferred). Good research skills and attention to detail are obligatory. Familiarity with agriculture, environment, economics and/or business is helpful. Skills in Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word are obligatory; other programs (e.g. GIS, Access) are helpful.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume & cover letter with the subject line “Winter 2012 internship application” to Alisha Staggs at alisha.staggs@wwfus.org no later than December 15, 2011. 

2. Global Forest & Trade Network Communications Internship

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work.

Hours: 15-35 hours per week.

Duration: Spring 2012 for 3 months.

Internship Description: The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF's initiative to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of the world's valuable and threatened forests. By facilitating trade linkages between companies committed to achieving and supporting responsible forestry, the GFTN creates market conditions that help conserve the world's forests while providing economic and social benefits for the business and people who depend on them. GFTN is currently working with over 360 companies in over 34 countries worldwide. More information on GFTN is available at http://gftn.panda.org  

Responsibilities: GFTN’s intern will be assigned to work on the development of program materials, a series of writing assignments, as well as the continued research, development and maintenance of a trade media database and global forest communications contact list. In addition, the intern will be asked to maintain and update quarterly statistics for the GFTN newsletter and factsheet as well as other communications utilizing those tools. Ad hoc assignments will also be given including some administrative tasks.

Requirements: Ideal GFTN candidates should be studying journalism, public relations, or a related field and have a strong interest in conservation and the mission of WWF. Candidates must have excellent writing skills in both academic and professional writing. Qualified interns must also possess excellent oral communication skills, an aptitude for research, and the ability to work under deadlines. The intern is expected to work independently, but must be able to effectively communicate with colleagues around the globe. Academic or professional experience and knowledge of media and effective media relations is preferable.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume & cover letter to deidre.zoll@wwfus.org. 

3. Global Forest & Trade Network Intern

Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit through his/her university for their work.

Hours: 15-35 hours per week.

Duration: Spring 2012 semester (January - May).

Internship Description: The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF's initiative to eliminate illegal logging and improve the management of the world's valuable and threatened forests. By facilitating trade linkages between companies committed to achieving and supporting responsible forestry, the GFTN creates market conditions that help conserve the world's forests while providing economic and social benefits for the business and people who depend on them. GFTN is currently working with over 360 companies in over 34 countries worldwide. More information on GFTN is available at http://gftn.panda.org  

Responsibilities: GFTN’s intern will be assigned to work on a variety of research topics including latest developments in illegal logging, international and bilateral trade trends of forest products and country specific forest management and trade statistics. Ad hoc assignments will also be given including some administrative tasks.

Requirements: The ideal GFTN candidate should be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in environmental studies, forestry, natural resource management, international development, alternative market mechanisms, or sustainable development.  The candidate should have a strong interest in conservation and the mission of WWF. Ideal candidates must have excellent research skills especially in gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data. Experience gathering data on illegal logging, forest product trade, general forestry related issues, and market trends is preferred. Qualified interns must have excellent professional writing skills and the ability to work under deadlines. The candidate is expected to work independently, but must be able to effectively communicate with colleagues around the globe. Candidates pursuing a graduate degree or with academic or professional experience and knowledge of responsible forest management and trade are preferable.

Location: Washington, DC.

How to Apply: Please email a resume & cover letter to deidre.zoll@wwfus.org.